Old schoolmaster's house to be used as history hub

A 17th Century building in Lichfield that has links to writer Samuel Johnson and actor David Garrick is to be used to celebrate the town's history.

The community heritage group Lichfield Discovered will use the Schoolmaster's House in St John Street for workshops, tours, events, talks and exhibitions for an initial five-year period, under an agreement with the council.

Lichfield District Council said the building had never been previously open to the public.

Most recently used as council offices, the property was for two centuries part of Lichfield Grammar School and Johnson and Garrick were both educated there.

It was later used as a doctor's surgery and then an army pay office during World War One.

Historic features that still remain include wood panelling, fireplaces and a wooden spiral staircase to the attic, which was once used as a dormitory by school boarding pupils and still has some of their names carved into doors.

Council leader Doug Pullen said the house, which dates back to 1682, was "a very special building with a rich history".

Chairwoman of Lichfield Discovered, Katie Gomez, said the building was stunning and "packed with history", adding: "We're passionate about using it as a place to share Lichfield's wider history too."

Lichfield Discovered, which has more than 10,000 followers online, includes historians, teachers, community workers and museum curators who volunteer in their own time.

Future plans include open days, tours of the building, family history days and events in partnership with museums across the region.

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