A Potted History (Lincoln Cathedral)

Member Name: Trayo

Product:	Lincoln Cathedral
Date:	27/05/01 (92 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: peaceful, imposing

Disadvantages: none

Serenely settled at the peak of one of Lincolnshire's highest points sits the majestic cathedral church of st Mary - better known as Lincoln Cathedral. Due to its geographical position, Lincoln Cathedral can be see from approximately 20 miles in any direction.
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History.

The Cathedral was originally built by Bishop Romegius, and consecrated in 1092.

Romegius was a Benedictine Monk and a supporter of William the Conqueror in 1066. Romegius was also the first Norman bishop of the largest diocese in Mediaeval England - this diocese stretched from the River Humber down to the Thames. The original cathedral of this diocese was situated in Dorchester, close to Oxford, but William ordered the bishopric should move to Lincoln, where William had already had the castle built. Lincoln cathedral was built from Lincolnshire oolitic limestone and situated opposite the castle, thus offering excellent protection from invasion due to its vantage point high above the county.

The cathedral was damaged by fire in or around 1141, and partially rebuilt by Alexander "the magnificent", who was Bishop of Lincoln from 1123-48.

In his "History of the English", Henry of Huntingdon stated that: "...the bishop restored the cathedral with such subtle workmanship that it was more beautiful than ever before, and second to none in England". I would agree with that!

An earthquake struck in 1185, damaging the basic structure of the cathedral. The bishop of this time, St Hugh (Bishop of Lincoln 1186-1200) began the reconstruction in 1192. The cathedral was reconstructed in a Gothic style, with pointed - no longer round - arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses, which enabled large, stained glass windows and large roof spans to be inserted.

St Hugh died in 1200, before work was complete.

In 1237, the central Tower of the cathedral collapse
d. A new tower was started and, in 1255, henry the Third allowed part of the town wall to be removed, thus allowing for enlargement of the cathedral. The rounded chapels were replaced with a larger, square east end. This was done in order that the huge amount of pilgrims that were visiting could have access to St Hugh's shrine.

All three towers had spires until 1549. At this point, high winds blew down the tallest, Central Spire; the two Western Spires were strengthened in 1730 due to leaning, but were later removed in 1807 for safety reasons.

Thus stands the cathedral as we know it today - large, imposing and majestic beyond belief.

Lincoln Cathedral is a powerful symbol for religion, both locally and nationwide, as well as imposing a huge amount of pride in the local population. Religious services in the cathedral demand high standards all round - language and music (with the cathedral Choir being amongst the most beautiful in the country)- and the cathedral is frequently used as a centre for the arts, with theatre, orchestral, choral and musical groups using the building as a worthy platform for their talents.
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Visitor attractions.

In 2000, the cathedral introduced admission fees for the first time (previously this was done on a voluntary basis). At present, these stand at £3.50, with concessions being £3 and accompanied children free.

Guided tours take place daily, with specialist tours being available (pre-booking advised for these). Such specialist tours include a guided tour of the roof and upper structures; pilgrimage tours look at religious significance; technical tours look at various workshops connected with the constant restoration projects.

There is access to the cathedral library, sewing room and vestries. A coffee shop and gift shop are available.

Don't forget to look for the Lincoln Imp - that famous little stone ch
aracter who "hides" within the internal stonework of the Cathedral.
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It is almost impossible to talk about Lincoln cathedral without mentioning its significance personally.

During a particularly difficult period of my life, I was lucky enough to live in Lincoln, in the shadow of the cathedral. I was perhaps its most frequent visitor, with only the staff putting in more hours!

There is something spectacularly serene about the building, both internally and externally. I spent a lot of time sitting in the grounds, where I used to study, or read for pleasure, in the summer sun.

However, the most peaceful moments were achieved inside the cathedral, basking in the reflection of the stained glass as the sunlight filtered through. An uncanny sense of serenity envelopes as I do this. I can't explain what it is, whether it is a religious thing or just a sense of inner peace brought about by escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life, but I would thoroughly recommend anyone in the area to give it a try.

If there is a more beautiful example of architecture in the country, I have yet to discover it.

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