Visitors were able to enjoy seeing all kinds of artefacts from Lichfield Bowers gone by.
With the sun blazing down on a garden full of flowers, picnic blankets and garden games, Lichfield Discovered hosted a fascinating morning for visitors to find out more about Lichfield Grammar school and the Lichfield Bower.
The first school was built on the site in 1577. The Headmaster’s house was added in 1683 and the classroom rebuilt in 1849. It was used as a school right up until the construction of King Edward VII School on Upper St John Street in 1903.
The Lichfield Grammar School building itself has all sorts of interesting features, including an ornate oak fireplace, believed to date from around 1600 and accompanied by an inner marble fireplace that was crammed with fossils.
At the open day, visitors could also enjoy seeing all kinds of artefacts from Lichfield Bowers gone by. There was a display case of programmes (the earliest being from 1930) and old photographs of the procession.
A special highlight was The Bower Armour, including children’s armour. Some of the armour is over 400 years old and was used at the Lichfield Bower for at least 150 years.
Dr John Tanner of Lichfield Discovered recently met Paul, who used to clean and prepare The Bower Armour, and he is sure to be featured on an upcoming Lichfield Discovered event and podcast!
Also on display were the famous Bower Heads. These large papier mache heads were worn as part of the Bower processions of the past, and the Lichfield Discovered team revealed that they originated from 1920s and were regularly used as part of the Bower Procession.
Everyone was encouraged to sign a visitors book as they entered Lichfield Grammar School and, as John commented: “Who knows? Someone may be looking back at this register in hundreds of years’ time.”
It just goes to show that there’s always more to be discovered and enjoyed in our local area and that this years’ wonderful Bower events are sure to become a valuable part of our local history.
Find out more about Lichfield Radio’s Lichfield Discovered history podcast here. Follow social media for updates on other Lichfield Discovered events, including other open days at Lichfield Grammar School, via Instagram @lichfielddiscovered.