Stories from Beneath the Spire: Shared Heritage Remembered is a collection of audio recordings made to mark a significant moment in the history of Lichfield Cathedral. Throughout 2023-2024, urgent repairs were made to the Central Spire, making it secure for generations to come.
This project, kindly supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, captures personal memories, local stories and otherwise lost cultural heritage for now and in the future.
Each recording offers a different perspective and covers decades of experiences, revealing details about the history and culture of this sacred site while looking towards the future of Lichfield Cathedral.
** Please note that recordings will be added incrementally **
Angela Jones
Angela Jones was Head of Textiles at Lichfield Cathedral from 1958 to the 2000s. During her tenure, Angela oversaw a huge project to produce the exquisitely embroidered panels for the prebendal and choir stalls. Drawings for these were produced by Cathedral consultant architect George Pace and Angela was responsible for their interpretation and treatment.
Martyn Rawles
Martyn Rawles grew up in Bristol and went to Cambridge University where he was an organ scholar. He joined Lichfield Cathedral music department in 2008. He is Organist and Assistant Director of Music and plays for most of the Cathedral services.
Canon John Craig
Canon John Craig joined Lichfield Cathedral as a choir boy in the 1940s aged 9. He was later ordained in the Cathedral and continues to worship there today.
Neil Platts
Neil Platts has been coming to the Cathedral for 20 years and became a volunteer in 2011, first as a Chapter House host when the Staffordshire Hoard was exhibited. Neil remembers the ‘enormous queues’ the exhibit drew. Neil went on to train as a Cathedral Guide and Steward. He is also a volunteer verger and supports the flower guild. Neil has a passion for the history of Lichfield Cathedral and shares his vast knowledge of the building during his guided tours.
Margaret Brothwell
Margaret was born in 1940 and moved with her family to Lichfield in 1953 when her father became Bishop. She has a longstanding connection to Lichfield Cathedral and recalls tales from her time as a child living in The Close and her role in Cathedral life more recently.
Canon David Primrose
David came to work for the diocese of Lichfield in 2010 and served as the social responsibility officer for 11 years until he retired. David was then invited to join the Cathedral as Canon Treasurer, a position he held for 3 years.
Pete Harris
Pete was a teacher before taking early retirement. He has a love of history and working with people and has embraced his role as a volunteer at Lichfield Cathedral which he has done for over 10 years.