Lincoln Cathedral
Sightseeing attraction | Lincoln | England | United Kingdom
Gothic cathedrals in England
The "Lincoln Cathedral" in Lincoln, England, is one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Great Britain and an architectural masterpiece, considered one of the most significant landmarks in the country. Officially known as the "Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln," it majestically sits on the highest point of the city and is visible from afar, earning it the nickname "Lincoln's Crown." Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, it is a testament to medieval architecture and religious significance, impressing not only with its size but also with its art historical treasures.
Historical attractions in Lincoln
The history of the Cathedral begins in 1072 when William the Conqueror instructed Bishop Remigius de Fécamp to move the bishopric from Dorchester-on-Thames to Lincoln. Remigius built the first cathedral in the Norman style, which was consecrated in 1092 - a structure with a massive west tower and simple but sturdy features. However, this original church was damaged by a fire in 1141 and heavily destroyed by a rare earthquake in England in 1185. Bishop Hugh of Avalon, later canonized as St. Hugh of Lincoln, initiated the rebuilding from 1192 onwards, marking the transition to the Gothic style. Under his guidance, the first parts of the current cathedral were built, including the choir and the east façade, considered early examples of Early English Gothic architecture in England.
Architecture of Lincoln Cathedral
In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Cathedral was further expanded and refined. Between 1256 and 1300, the nave was built in the Decorated Gothic style, followed by the impressive Chapter House - one of the first polygonal chapter houses in England - and the Angel Choir, built between 1256 and 1280 as a replacement for the damaged east end. The central tower, which once had a wooden spire, made the Cathedral the tallest building in the world from 1311 to 1548, with a height of about 160 meters - a title it lost when the spire collapsed in a storm. The current towers, including the two west towers and the central tower without a spire, still reach a height of about 83 meters and dominate the skyline of Lincoln.
Medieval architecture in Britain
Architecturally, the Lincoln Cathedral is a prime example of Gothic architecture. Its façade is famous for its intricate stonework, especially the Norman arches of the west front combined with later Gothic elements. The interior impresses with a 73-meter-long nave, whose rib vaults and pointed arches exude a harmonious lightness. The Angel Choir, named after the carved angel figures in the triforium, is a highlight of decoration with delicate stone reliefs and colorful stained glass windows, including the famous "Dean's Eye" in the northern transept - a round window from the 13th century depicting scenes of the Resurrection. The opposite "Bishop's Eye" in the southern transept complements this splendor with its vibrant colors, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth.
Lincoln Cathedral visitor information
The Cathedral is also known for its historical treasures. One of the most significant is one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta from 1215, kept in the Chapter House - a document that laid the foundation for modern legal principles and is linked to the Cathedral through Bishop Hugh's involvement in its creation. The Cathedral's libraries are also remarkable: the medieval library, built in 1419, contains manuscripts from the 11th century, while the Wren Library, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1674, houses over 5,000 books, including rare works such as an edition of Isaac Newton's "Principia Mathematica."
Over the centuries, the Cathedral has survived numerous challenges. In addition to early damage from fire and earthquakes, it was plundered by Cromwell's troops in the English Civil War in 1644, with many stained glass windows destroyed. In the 19th century, architect James Essex led extensive restoration work that stabilized the structure, while later projects, such as after World War II, restored the stained glass windows and stonework. Today, the Cathedral is an active place of worship and a cultural center, offering concerts, exhibitions, and tours, including roof tours that provide a spectacular view over Lincoln and the surrounding landscape.
The surrounding area of the Cathedral, known as Cathedral Quarter, enhances its appeal. It is located next to Lincoln Castle and is surrounded by cobbled streets and historic buildings that together create a medieval atmosphere. The Cathedral has been the setting of many historical events - from royal visits to film shootings like "The Da Vinci Code" - and remains a magnet for visitors from around the world.
