Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Lichfield: A Description of Its Fabric and a Brief History of the Espicopal See

A historical account written in the late 19th century. The work serves as a guide to Lichfield Cathedral, detailing both its architectural features and the historical significance of its ecclesiastical site. It aims to be both informative for scholars and accessible for the general public interested in the cathedral's rich history and beauty. The opening of the book provides a comprehensive introduction to the cathedral, including details on its various construction phases during the 13th and 14th centuries. Clifton notes the significant losses of historical documentation due to the Civil Wars, which complicates the understanding of the cathedral's timeline. The text emphasizes architectural styles, such as Early English and Decorated, and outlines the gradual changes and additions made to the cathedral throughout its history, while also acknowledging the lack of existing original features due to restoration activities. The narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the cathedral's historical and architectural significance in subsequent chapters.