Scandal in the Cathedral close:
the singer and the swan

In the late 18th century, the quiet Cathedral close at Lichfield was gripped by a scandal – a liaison between Anna Seward, unmarried daughter of Cathedral canon and noted literary scholar William Seward, and John Saville, a vicar-choral, which culminated in Saville leaving his wife and eventually going to live in a house bought for him by Anna. The shock would have been compounded by the fact that Saville was a nationally famous singer and Anna Seward a famous poet, popularly known as the ‘Swan of Lichfield’.

Anna Seward – portrait by Tilly Kettle

John Saville – from a miniature by John Smart, 1770

Drawing upon contemporary letters, newspaper reports, Anna’s poems and, above all, on some of the music in which they shared such a passionate interest, the moving story of this unlikely liaison is unfolded. The music includes pieces known to have been sung by Saville or performed at the concerts and soirées organised by Anna, of music by Handel, Philip Hayes and Thomas Arne, with readings from letters, newspapers and journals.

To arrange a performance of ‘Scandal in the Cathedral Close’
call 0115 922 6631 or email