VISITORS with a head for heights are being given the chance to get a different view of Lichfield by climbing the tower of St Mary’s.
The attraction is reopening from 25th June, with people invited to climb the 144 steps to the viewing platform.
The tower has been reopened to the public thanks to a £56,000 grant from HS2’s Community and Environment Fund. The money has paid for repair work and renovation.
As part of the two-year £85,000 project, the historic bells have also been refurbished, while plans for a Bell Ringing Learning Centre are being put into place too which will see them run on special occasions – and technology is being introduced to avoid practice sessions disrupting local residents.
Louise Fleming, CEO of The Hub at St Mary’s, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome visitors back to tour the Tower and enjoy the spectacular views for the first time since 2017.
“It’s very exciting to be able to hear the bells of St Mary’s once again. This has been possible with the help and support of local bell ringing volunteers from the Lichfield and Walsall Archdeaconry Society of Change Ringers.”
The clock at St Mary’s has already been restored and strikes regularly across Market Square.
Helen Wass, head of historic environment at HS2 Ltd, said:
“We are delighted that funding for the restoration of the tower of St Mary’s has enabled the local community to celebrate their heritage, safely enjoy the magnificent views of Lichfield and for the facility to become a centre of excellence for bell-ringing.”
Extra funding to support the project has come from Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust, Lichfield Conduit Lands Trust, Lichfield City Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy fund, The Pilgrim Trust and the UKSPF fund.
People can find out more about booking a tower tour, including available dates, at thehubstmarys.co.uk.
