Michael Fabricant has backed a bid by Lichfield Cathedral to save the Central Spire of the historic Three-Spired building.

“I have written to the Chair of the National Lottery Heritage Fund in full support of the Cathedral’s bid” says Michael.

“In my letter, I said among other points ‘The view of the iconic three spires – the central spire stands the tallest – has adorned our skyline for 800 years and was referred to by Dr Samuel Johnson as ‘the maidens in the vale’ as you look down from the surrounding hills.  For those who have lived here their entire lives, or happen across out beautiful city only for just a day, there is much to learn about the story of the Cathedral building which we might otherwise be taken for granted: about the people who built it and why.’  I then urged the Chair to support the restoration project.

“Frankly, it would be unthinkable if the spire had to be removed.  Lichfield is the only ancient Cathedral in Britain with three spires.  While Edinburgh and Truro Cathedrals also have three, they were built less than 150 years ago while Lichfield Cathedral is over 800 years old and stands on the site of the original cathedral which was founded almost 1,400 years ago.”