A 17th century Staffordshire building – which has never been open to the public before – is set to become a heritage hub run by a community group.
Community heritage group Lichfield Discovered will use The Schoolmaster’s House – which has links to writer Samuel Johnson and actor David Garrick – to hold workshops, tours, events, talks and displays, thanks to an initial five-year agreement with Lichfield District Council.
The St John Street house, which dates back to 1682, was part of Lichfield Grammar School for more than 200 years. It later became a doctor’s surgery and army pay office during the First World War, before becoming council offices.
Many historic features remain, including wood panelling, fireplaces and a wooden spiral staircase to the attic which was used as a dormitory by boarders and still bears some of their names carved into the doors.
Councillor Doug Pullen, the leader of Lichfield District Council, said: “We are very excited to give Lichfield Discovered the opportunity to use The Schoolmaster’s House. It is a very special building with a rich history of its own and I can’t wait to see what local people create inside.”
Lichfield Discovered, which has more than 10,000 followers online, plan to hold monthly open days, family activities, history events and tours of the city starting at the house. The first open day is set to be held in May.
The chair of Lichfield Discovered, Katie Gomez, said: “The building really is stunning and is packed with history. We’re passionate about using it as a place to share Lichfield’s wider history too and look forward to talking to local people about how we might do that.”
