Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln, is a prominent Church of England cathedral located in Lincoln, England. It serves as the seat of the Bishop of Lincoln and the mother church of the Diocese of Lincoln. Renowned for its significant architectural phases of Gothic style and its historical importance, the cathedral houses one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta.
Key Facts
- ›The earliest parts of the current building date back to 1072, initiated by Bishop Remigius de Fécamp.
- ›The cathedral was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1185 and subsequently rebuilt in various Gothic styles.
- ›It is one of the four surviving cathedrals to hold an original copy of the Magna Carta.
- ›Lincoln Cathedral is the fourth largest in the UK by floor area.
- ›Notable architectural features include the Dean's Eye and Bishop's Eye rose windows and complex vaulting systems.
- ›The central tower once supported a spire that, with it, reputedly made it the world's tallest structure.
Gothic, Early English Gothic, Decorated, Perpendicular
Magna Carta Copy, Dean's Eye Rose Window, Bishop's Eye Rose Window, Lincoln Imp Carving, Wren Library, Complex Vaulting Systems
11th Century, 12th Century, 13th Century, 14th Century, 15th Century
Remigius De FéCamp, Hugh De Burgundy of Avalon, Geoffrey De Noiers, Alexander the Mason
About Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln and sometimes referred to as Lincoln Minster, stands as a significant ecclesiastical and architectural landmark in Lincoln, England. It is the seat of the Bishop of Lincoln and functions as the mother church for the Diocese of Lincoln. Governed by its dean and chapter, the cathedral is a Grade I listed building, recognized for its historical and architectural importance.
History and Construction
The origins of the current structure date back to 1072 when Bishop Remigius de Fécamp transferred the episcopal seat to Lincoln. The initial Norman building was completed in 1092 but suffered severe damage from an earthquake in 1185. Following this devastation, the cathedral underwent extensive rebuilding and expansion over subsequent centuries, incorporating various phases of Gothic architecture, including Early English, Decorated, and Perpendicular styles.
During its history, Lincoln Cathedral experienced significant events such as a fire in 1124 that destroyed its timber roofing and the catastrophic earthquake of 1185, which caused widespread destruction, leaving only the lower sections of the west end and its towers from the original structure. Under the leadership of Bishop Hugh de Burgundy of Avalon (St Hugh of Lincoln) after the earthquake, a major rebuilding program commenced. This period saw the construction of St Hugh's Choir and eastern transepts, followed by the central nave in the Early English Gothic style. Architectural innovations like pointed arches, flying buttresses, and ribbed vaulting were introduced, allowing for larger windows.
The cathedral's central tower was raised significantly between 1307 and 1311, and the western towers were also heightened around 1380. At one point, with its spire, the central tower reputedly reached a height of 525 feet (160 m), potentially making it the world's tallest structure at the time, though this claim is debated. The cathedral also features elaborate carved screens, 14th-century misericords, and the Angel Choir. The construction also saw the addition of chantry and memorial chapels in the 15th century, built in the Perpendicular style.
Architectural Highlights and Features
Lincoln Cathedral is celebrated for its distinct architectural elements. Among its most striking features are the two large, medieval rose windows: the Dean's Eye in the north transept, dating from the 1192 rebuild, and the Bishop's Eye in the south transept, reconstructed around 1330. The Bishop's Eye is noted for its extensive curvilinear tracery, a complex form of medieval window design. The cathedral's vaulting systems are also a significant architectural aspect, with variations found in different sections like the nave, aisles, choir, and chapels, demonstrating experimental approaches to vault construction attributed to master mason Geoffrey de Noiers and his successor Alexander the Mason.
Another notable feature is the Lincoln Imp, a 13th-century carving in the Angel Choir that has become a symbol of the city. The Wren Library houses a valuable collection of manuscripts, including the fifteenth-century "Thornton Romances." The cathedral also possesses a notable clock mechanism, installed in 1880 by Potts and Sons, which strikes the Great Tom bell. A fine ring of 13 bells is housed in the South West tower.
Historical Significance and Collections
Lincoln Cathedral holds one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, a document of immense historical importance. While the Magna Carta is now displayed in Lincoln Castle, its presence at the cathedral for centuries underscores its historical connection to this foundational charter. The cathedral also has a complex relationship with the story of 'Little Saint Hugh', a boy whose death in 1255 led to a blood libel against the city's Jewish community. Although never canonised, he was venerated as a martyr, drawing many devotees to the city and cathedral.
During the Second World War, "priceless British treasures" were stored in a chamber beneath the cathedral for safekeeping. The cathedral has also served as a symbol for the Royal Air Force, with its image featuring on the station badge for nearby RAF Waddington.
Modern Era and Visitor Information
In recent years, Lincoln Cathedral has undergone significant renovations, including major work on its West Front completed in 2006. These projects have addressed structural issues and preserved delicate stonework, such as that of the Dean's Eye window. Archaeological finds during renovations have included numerous burials and Roman, medieval, and Saxon artifacts. Maintaining the cathedral incurs substantial annual costs, and it continues to attract a significant number of visitors, offering tours of its various sections, including the tower and roof. The cathedral is an active place of worship and a significant tourist attraction.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lincoln Cathedral first built?
The foundations for the first Lincoln Cathedral were laid in 1072 by Bishop Remigius de Fécamp. It was completed in 1092 but was significantly damaged by an earthquake in 1185, leading to extensive rebuilding.
What is special about Lincoln Cathedral's Magna Carta?
Lincoln Cathedral holds one of the four original surviving copies of the Magna Carta, a foundational document of English law. This historic charter is now securely displayed at Lincoln Castle.
What are the notable architectural features of Lincoln Cathedral?
Key features include the large 13th-century Dean's Eye rose window in the north transept and the similarly impressive Bishop's Eye rose window in the south transept, reconstructed in the 14th century. The cathedral also showcases experimental and varied vaulting techniques throughout its different sections.
What is the Lincoln Imp?
The Lincoln Imp is a 13th-century carving located in the Angel Choir of the cathedral. It gained wider recognition in the late 19th century and has since become a symbol of the city of Lincoln.
How large is Lincoln Cathedral?
Lincoln Cathedral is the fourth largest cathedral in the United Kingdom by floor area, covering approximately 5,000 square meters (50,000 square feet).
Related Cathedrals
Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, is a prominent Church of England cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of Durham. It houses the shrines of Anglo-Saxon saints Cuthbert and Bede and is renowned for its significant Romanesque architecture, particularly its early example of a pointed rib vault in the nave. The cathedral forms part of the Durham Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site.
Hereford Cathedral
Hereford Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin and Saint Ethelbert the King, is the principal church of the Diocese of Hereford in England. It is renowned for housing the largest library of chained books in the world, with its most famous treasure being the Mappa Mundi, a significant medieval map of the world.
Oxford Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford, England, holds a unique dual role as both the cathedral of the Church of England's Diocese of Oxford and the chapel of Christ Church, a college of the University of Oxford. Its history dates back to a nunnery founded by St Frideswide, eventually evolving through Augustinian priory to its current status as a cathedral established by Henry VIII.