Lincoln Cathedral
The three magnificent towers of Lincoln Cathedral dominate the skyline of the city and can be seen throughout the county for miles around. It’s one of the most colourful and elegant of England ’s grand cathedrals with over 900 years of proud history.
The central tower of this grand Gothic Norman cathedral stands some 81metres high. The main entrance on the western front is the oldest surviving part of the cathedral with friezes depicting biblical scenes, dating back to the 12th Century and above the doorway is the Gallery of Kings from the 14th Century.
When the Norman King William the Conqueror took power he established the clergy as effective administrators and ordered the building of many cathedrals such as here in Lincoln . Building began in 1072 and over the years Lincoln Cathedral has suffered fire, storms, collapsing towers and in 1185 an earthquake that levelled all but the western front of the building.
When it was rebuilt around the late 12th and 13th Centuries the Cathedral great in stature and prominence. The Chapter House was the venue for one of King Edward I ’s early parliaments
A key figure in the rebuilding and rise to power of Lincoln was Bishop Hugh, who was later canonised and is buried in a shrine in the Cathedral. The splendid interiors of the cathedral include some of the most colourful and crystal clear Victorian stain glass windows and the Belgian marble font from the 11th Century.
Regular choir practice is held in St Hugh’s Choir adding to the ethereal ambiance of the cathedral and there are regular guided tours. Look out for the famous Lincoln Imp, a devilish statuette who according to legend was turned to stone for upsetting the angels.
