King Edward VI School, Lichfield Patriae, Scholae", is broadly translated as "for God, Country, and School". In the 18th century a number of eminent people were educated at the school. These included the great scholar and compiler of the first English dictionary, Dr. Samuel Johnson (the buildings of the former grammar school bear his name), David Garrick, the actor, and Joseph Addison, the essayist and politician. Two of the school's four houses are named after Addison and Garrick. (The other houses are named after Roger de Clinton who founded a priory in Lichfield in the 12th century and Erasmus Darwin, who lived in the City
David Garrick (play) as an actor giving a performance. A scene from the play was painted by Edward Matthew Ward, a friend of Sothern's. The play was Robertson's first major commercial success and was frequently revived throughout the Victorian era and beyond. Several silent films were made based on "David Garrick", including versions in 1913 (starring Seymour Hicks and Ellaline Terriss), 1914 and 1916. A 1923 book, "Public Speaking Today", recommends it for performance by high school students alongside "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "The Rivals". In 1922, the play was adapted as a comic opera by Reginald Somerville and played at