Professional Business Writer Lichfield

Is Lichfield Dog Friendly?

Lichfield is best known for its medieval 3 spired Cathedral and lexicographer ​Samuel Johnso​n - the writer of the first authoritative English Language Dictionary.

As a lesser-known professional business writer, I wonder what Dr Johnson would think of my A/Z dictionary of the public procurement process and glossary of procurement acronyms?

​All photos are © Copyright of the author Naomi Clews 2016 - 2023. ​

​Todays blog post is a departure from the norm. Instead of writing about the usual business strategy and public procurement process tips, I'm writing about the city I live in and how it inspires me to produce my best work. ​

Lichfield is famous for its non-fiction writers 
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Dr Johnson Lichfield

Lichfield is famous for its non-fiction writers.​ Lichfield City is also known as a city of philosophers, the home of many famous writers and poets including:

• ​Samuel Johnson the lexicographer - writer of the first authoritative Dictionary of the English Language.
• Erasmus Darwin an English poet and grandfather of naturalist Charles Darwin.
• Anna Seward a romantic poet, memorialist and letter writer.​

• The Reverend John Louis Petit​nationally acclaimed writer on church architecture.
• Joseph Addison essays, poetry, political journalism writer. ​

As a professional business writer based in Lichfield City, I feel inspired by the achievements of the above individuals to produce my best work. 

Lichfield has many interesting book shops 
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It's easy to be inspired as a reference writer in Lichfield City by all the amazing places you can buy new books and second hand books from in Lichfield: 
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• The Guild of St Mary's Centre - Lichfield Library
• Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
• St Giles Hospice bookshop
• ​Oxfam books & music
• Lichfield Cathedral bookshop
• Waterstones (dog friendly)

Samuel Johnson Museum Lichfield

Other things Lichfield is famous for
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In sixteenth century England, Lichfield was one of six English towns awarded city status because it housed a Diocesan Cathedral.
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The Staffordshire Hoard was the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork ever found, comprising over 4,000 items.

​The Hoard was discovered in 2009 near Lichfield City and now resides in the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke on Trent.

Edward Wightman Lichfield

​Edward Wightman was the last person to be executed in England for heresy (a belief or theory in variance with the church).

Edward Wightman was burned at the stake in Market Square Lichfield, in the year 1612, on the 11th April. 

There is a plaque on the wall of St Mary's Church, Market Square to commemorate this event.​

Is Lichfield City dog friendly?
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Is Lichfield dog friendly? Yes, Lichfield is dog friendly. 

​When I'm seeking writing inspiration, or just want a break from my laptop, I like to walk my dogs in and around Lichfield City and its many historic parks.

Our first destination on a sunny day is a walk around the 14 acre Stowe Pool, then we walk in the direction of Lichfield Cathedral.

​Frequently Asked Questions about Lichfield Cathedral include: 

Why is Lichfield Cathedral unique? 
Lichfield Cathedral is the only three-spired medieval cathedral in the UK. 

How tall is Lichfield Cathedral? 
Lichfield Cathedral is the tallest building in Lichfield at 76m (252ft - the top of the central spire is 163m (535ft) above sea level. 

​Is Lichfield Cathedral free to enter? 
Yes, Lichfield Cathedral is free to enter but donations are always welcome.

Lichfield Cathedral Dog Friendly?

​Are dogs allowed in Lichfield Cathedral?
No, dogs are not allowed to enter Lichfield Cathedral apart from Assistance dogs, who are welcome in all areas of Lichfield Cathedral.

Naomi Lichfield Cathedral

As we continue our dog walk around Lichfield Cathedral, I like to admire the 153 statues and marvel at the quirky nature of the houses in Cathedral Close.

There are 16 statues on the Lady Chapel of Lichfield Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Chad. The top row of statues depict holy women of the Old Testament of which Naomi, (Ruth's mother-in-law in the Old Testament Book of Ruth), is one.

From the Close I can also access the Erasmus Darwin House herb garden for free, through the archway pictured on the house on the far left. ​​​

The Close Lichfield

On completion of my circular walk around the Close and Lichfield Cathedral, I like to walk down the road opposite the statue of St Chad called Dam Street, towards Lichfield City centre.
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My dogs often stop when we arrive at Lichfield Speakers' Corner which is a destination for all the community to visit and have their say.

The Lichfield Speakers' Corner Code of Conduct states that any member of the public who uses Speakers' Corner must:

• be strictly non-adversarial and non-partisan,
• express their views within the law, and respect diversity of opinion,
• conduct themselves calmly and without rancour,
• seek common ground, rather than confrontation, and
• aim to engage, inform and enrich opinion and, wherever possible, entertain. 

Speakers' Corner Lichfield

Across the street from Speakers' Corner is 24 Dam Street, Brooke House.

​Above the doorway of Brooke House is a stone plaque to commemorate an archer who killed Robert Greville 2nd - Lord Brookes (with a single arrow through the eye, from the Lichfield Cathedral tower), in the Brooke House doorway.

​This was considered a good omen as it happened on St Chads day - 2nd March 1643, during the siege of Lichfield Cathedral Close. 
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At Speakers’ Corner we usually take a right and walk along Minster Pool walk. 

​Cross the bridge to the Remembrance Garden. Exit the Remembrance Garden, and cross the road to enter Beacon Park.

​Places to eat, drink and be merry in Lichfield City 
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When I continue my dog walk through the Three Spires shopping centre, there are plentiful bowls of water for my thirsty pooches. 

Well behaved dogs are welcome in the many Lichfield City shops, pubs and restaurants. The main places to eat and drink in Lichfield City are located in:

• Bird Street,
• Market Street,
• Bore Street,
• Bakers Lane,
• Dam Street,
• Conduit Street, and
• Tamworth Street.

All are within a short walk from Lichfield Cathedral. ​A map of Lichfield City is available here. 

Michelin Star dining or afternoon tea in Bore Street is not possible with my dogs, but there are many other good quality doggy friendly places in Lichfield City to dine both inside and outside with my hounds. ​

There are plenty of outdoor eating areas, park benches and places to picnic. Lichfield City is home to all the major coffee shop chains: Costa, Starbucks and Caffe Nero, fish and chips, fast food outlets: McDonalds, Subway, Greggs, Dominos and Papa Johns and a wide selection of freshly prepared food and drink from Lichfield's independent cafes, restaurants and pubs. 
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Lichfield City does not have a vegan only eatery, but​ most places to eat in Lichfield offer at least one vegan option on the menu. ​

Lichfield dog friendly shops
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As a lichfield local, I'm always on the lookout for shops in Lichfield that welcome dogs and their owners into their stores. As of June 2023, the following shops in Lichfield are still trading and are dog friendly: 

• Blue Cross Shop
• Card Station
• CEX
• Courtyard Fine Art Lounge
• Entertainer
• Fat Face
• Kitchen Shop 
• Lichfield Computer Centre
• Magical Story 
• Mountain Warehouse
• Rosie’s Hounds at Heart
• Ryman Stationary 
• S and J Music
• Seasalt Cornwall
• Smart Ideas
• Timpson
• Trespass
• Waterstones
• White Stuff
• WH Smiths (Post Office)
• Wilko 

Dogs are also welcome at the outdoor market that takes place in Market Square on a Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. 

Some shops display a dog friendly sticker in their window but not every dog friendly shop does this. Most shops that do not allow dogs (except assistance dogs) will display a sign in their shop window.

If there is no sign in the shop window it’s always worth asking a member of staff if you and your dog are welcome. 

Is Lichfield worth visiting?
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Yes, Lichfield is worth visiting.​ Lichfield is steeped in history and began life as an Anglo-Saxon village. 

​Lichfield’s Georgian architecture is still intact due to Lichfield escaping fairly unscathed by the impact of World War II.

Where is Lichfield?  
​

Lichfield is a Cathedral City in Staffordshire, West Midlands, England. 

Lichfield is located 19 miles north of Birmingham,123 miles north of London and 91 miles south of Liverpool.

Lichfield City can be reached by road from the M6 Toll Road T4 or the M6 J12, M42 J10 or via the A34, A38, A5.

Birmingham International Airport and East Midlands Airport are both located within a 1 hour drive of Lichfield. 

​Lichfield is accessible via public transport. Lichfield has a bus station and two train stations: Lichfield Trent Valley and Lichfield City. 

Is there parking near Lichfield Cathedral?
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Lichfield car park information is available by clicking on the following links: 
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• Beacon Park car parks
• Long stay car parks
• Short stay car parks

Lichfield City does not currently offer a park and ride service, pedestrian area or bicycle hire in the city centre.

​There are two electric car charging points in Lichfield at the Friary car park, Lichfield, WS13 6QE. ​

About the author 
​

Bring Your Dog To Work Day

​Originally from Stoke-on-Trent, Naomi Clews MBA, MCIPS, PRINCE2
moved to Lichfield in 2010 when her employer relocated the office to Birmingham. ​

Naomi Clews, management consultant and owner of boutique procurement advisory firm Naomi Clews Consultancy Limited has 30 years purchasing and supply chain management knowledge, experience and skills. 

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