Bishop's Palace, Lichfield

Bishop's Palace stands in the Cathedral Close as a two-story structure with seven windows and a roof featuring dormer windows that give it its characteristic appearance. The building displays the refined proportions and design typical of its period, with a low-pitched hipped roof that slopes gently across the top.

The current structure was built in 1687 following the destruction of its medieval predecessor during the English Civil War. Architect Edward Pearse designed this replacement, which served as the bishop's residence for nearly 270 years until 1954.

The building now serves as home to Lichfield Cathedral School, bringing young students through its rooms daily. This shift from private episcopal residence to educational space has transformed how the place is experienced and inhabited by visitors and learners alike.

The building is protected as a Grade I listed structure, meaning its architectural features are safeguarded for the future. The exterior can be viewed and appreciated from the Cathedral Close, though access to the interior may be restricted as it functions as an active school.

Fragments of a medieval tower and remnants of an ancient ditch remain in the rear garden, connecting the current building to its much older predecessor. These physical traces tell a story of the site's long occupation and the dramatic rebuilding that took place after the Civil War.

Location: Lichfield

Inception: 1687

Architects: Edward Pearse

Architectural style: Queen Anne style architecture

GPS coordinates: 52.68625,-1.83037

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24