HISTORY OF STAFFORDSHIRE. 105 



In Bacon-street, there is an hospital for fifteen poor women, re- 

 built and endowed by Dr. Milley in 1504, on the site of an original 

 structure erected by Bishop Heyworth, for the same purpose. 



THE CLOSE AND CATHEDRAL. 



On the northern side of the city, beyond a beautiful sheet of 

 translucent water which forms the boundary, the Close gradually 

 rises into a gentle eminence, presenting to the admiring spectator, 

 in all the majesty of gothic magnificence, the extensive Cathedral, 

 with its ensculptured western front, and its three " heaven-directed 

 spires." The admirer of human ingenuity cannot view this vast 

 and beautiful pile without emotions of enthusiasm ; and however 

 we may ridicule the imposing pomp of Popery, we must confess 

 that such costly and elegant edifices, erected to the glory of the 

 Deity, were well calculated to excite sublime devotional ideas in the 

 minds of the uninstructed multitude. 



The Close, in which Lichfield Cathedral or Minster stands, was 

 originally inclosed by a ditch, but by whom, or at what period, is 

 not ascertained. Dr. Wilkes dates the origin of the Cathedral as 

 far back a* the year 657 ; but Fuller is of a different opinion, and 

 asserts that Offa, King of Mercia, in 785 exalted Lichfield to an 

 archiepiscopal See. 



" At this time (785) the archbishoprick of Canterbury was in 

 part removed to Lichfield, five essential things concurring to that 

 great alteration. 



" 1. The puissance and ambition of Offa, King of Mercia, com- 

 manding in chief over England. He would have the brightest 

 mitre to attend the biggest crown. 



" 2. The complying nature of Pope Adrian, except any one will 

 call it his thankfulness, to gratify King Offa for the large gifts re- 

 ceived from him. 



" 3. The easy and unactive disposition of Lambert, Archbishop of 

 Canterbury ; unless any will term it his policy, that finding himself 

 unable to resist (a pope and a prince overmatch for a prelate), he 

 would not strive to keep what must be taken away from him. 



" 4. The commodious situation of Lichfield, almost in the 

 navel of the land, and where should the highest candlestick 

 stand (the metropolitan Cathedral) but in the midst of the table ? 

 whereas Kent itself was but a corner (whence it taketh its name), 

 and Canterbury seated in the corner of that corner, a remote 

 corner thereof. 



O 



