PROBATE VALUATIONS IN LICHFIELD
The History of Lichfield
The history of Lichfield can be traced back to the Mesolithic period, with flint uncovered in the area potentially indicating that the city has a very early history in flint-tool production. On the current site of the Lichfield Cathedral, there has also been evidence of a Neolithic settlement uncovered.
Later settlement nearby the area can be attributed to the Roman occupation of Letocetum in AD 50. This occupation is also one possible source of the city’s name, which may have been taken from Letocetum. Another possible orgin of the city’s name is from AD 300, when it’s believed that 1000 Christians may have been murdered in Lichfield, the meaning of the name in this instance would be ‘field of the dead’.
During the Roman occupation, Letocetum was well-developed with a mansio and baths, but during the 4th century and 5th century, when the Romans left, Letocetum declined and it’s possible that this led to the growth of Lichfield. Lichfield was first recorded, under the name ‘Licidfelth’, in 669, and it’s known that land for a monastery was donated by Wulfhere, King of Mercia.
In 700, the first cathedral was constructed, and the city gained prestige; in 786, the city was made an archbishopric. During the devastation of Mercia in the 9th century, the cathedral was despoiled. The cathedral did manage to survive the fire of Lichfield in 1291, which destroyed a large part of the town.
The rule of Henry III had a major influence on Lichfield; the city’s economy went into decline, and later, economy plunged further due to the plague. During the Civil War, further problems fell upon Lichfield with the destruction of much of the cathedral.
From the mid-17th century until the mid-19th century, coach trade was a major source of income in Lichfield; this was ended by the construction of railways and the effects of the industrial revolution. Population in Lichfield then grew rapidly, as did residential construction. Today, there are still many historical buildings lining the streets of Lichfield.