No, Lichfield is not the smallest city in England. While it is recognized as one of England's smaller cities, it does not hold the sole title of being the smallest.
Understanding England's Smaller Cities
Lichfield, a historic cathedral city located in Staffordshire, is frequently cited among England's smaller urban centres, particularly in terms of population. However, it shares this distinction with several other cities across the country.
- Shared Distinction: Lichfield is one of several cities often highlighted for their relatively small size. Other notable examples frequently mentioned alongside Lichfield include Hereford in Herefordshire and Salisbury in Wiltshire. These cities are all recognized for their compact nature and lower populations compared to major metropolitan areas.
- Defining "Smallest": The term "smallest city" can be interpreted based on different metrics:
- Population: The total number of residents living within the city boundaries. This is the most common criterion.
- Geographic Area: The physical land size that constitutes the city.
In most discussions regarding "smallest cities," the focus is predominantly on population figures.
Context of Smallest Cities Across British Territory
When considering the broader scope of British territory, the definition of "smallest city" expands significantly beyond England's borders. For instance, cities located in British Overseas Territories can have exceptionally small populations. The least populous cities across all of British territory include places such as Jamestown in St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, which are considerably smaller in population than any city found within England. This distinction highlights that while Lichfield is small within England, it is not the smallest overall in British territory.
Key Takeaways
- Lichfield is recognized as one of England's smaller cities.
- It is not the smallest, as other cities like Hereford and Salisbury also share this distinction.
- The concept of "smallest" usually refers to population size.
