Anthony Berwick Lechmere was a member of the Lechmere family of Hanley Castle.

After ordination he was first appointed Vicar of Eldersfield in 1826, then Vicar of Welland in 1828. From 1839 onwards he was Vicar of Hanley Castle in addition to Welland and lived in the Hanley vicarage rather than Welland’s. He also served as a magistrate for Worcestershire and was chairman of the Upton-on-Severn Petty Sessions. 

The Revd Lechmere was instrumental in campaigning to build a new church for Welland. The present-day St James was finally consecrated in 1875.