Lincolnista the guide to Lincoln, UK.

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincolnshire’s most visited tourist attraction, magnificent by day or night; Lincoln Cathedral.

Facts about Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Cathedral, completed in 1092, is the county’s leading tourism destination attracting over 200,000 visitors per year.

Lincoln Cathedral was used for the filming of The Da Vinci Code based on Dan Brown’s book of the same name.  The Cathedral took on the role of Westminster Abbey, as the Abbey had refused to permit filming.
The Lincoln’s famous mascot, the Lincoln Imp can be seen sitting atop his stone column in the Angel Choir.
Lincoln is the third largest historic Cathedral in England (following St Paul’s and York Cathedrals in floor size).
In 1311 AD Lincoln Cathedral was the tallest building on Earth, the title previously being held by the Great Pyramid of Giza since 2570 BC.
Lincoln Cathedral is categorised as one of the exceptional cathedrals of England by ‘Visit Britain’.
Lincoln Cathedral’s position upon a high hilltop means that it is the only historic cathedral in the country that can be seen from great distances in any direction.
For hundreds of years Lincoln Cathedral held one of the four remaining copies of the original Magna Carta, now securely displayed in Lincoln Castle.
The Mediaeval and Wren Libraries are home to a collection of 20,000 rare books and 260 mediaeval manuscripts.  Noteworthy among the collection are the finest exemplar of the original 1215 Magna Carta; the earliest known rhyme depicting Robin Hood; and key chapters in the life of King Arthur.

Story of the Lincoln Imp

According to 14th-century legend, two mischievous creatures called imps were sent by Satan to do evil work on Earth. After causing mayhem elsewhere in Northern England the two imps headed to Lincoln Cathedral where they smashed tables and chairs and tripped up the Bishop. An angel appeared in the Angel Choir and ordered them to stop.

One of the imps sat atop a stone pillar started throwing rocks at the angel whilst the other imp cowered under the broken tables and chairs. The angel turned the first imp to stone allowing the second imp to escape. The imp that turned to stone, the Lincoln Imp, can still be found, frozen in stone, sitting atop his stone column in the Angel Choir.

Visitor Information

What to see when you come-

·    The imposing West Front with its Romanesque Frieze

·    The Angel Choir and shrine of St Hugh, watched over by the Lincoln Imp

·    The earliest 10-sided Chapter House, site of several early parliaments

·    The famous library one of only two designed by Sir Christopher Wren

·    Wonderful 14th century stone carvings on the choir screen

·    14th century carved misericords and choir stall

·    The tomb of Katharine Swynford, (do you know the love story - see history section)

·    Duncan Grant frescoes in the Russell Chantry

·    The Dean’s Eye and Bishop’s Eye rose windows with their wonderful medieval stained glass.

The Cathedral is open during the following times:

Summer Weekdays 7.15 am - 8.00 pm (Saturdays and Sundays 7.15 am - 6.00 pm) 

Please note, summer opening hours run from Monday 29 June - Friday 28 August 2009.

Winter Weekdays and Saturdays 7.15 am - 6.00 pm (Sundays 7.15 am - 5.00 pm)

PLEASE NOTE: These opening times may change due to events taking place in the Cathedral and may be different over Bank Holiday periods.  If you are travelling some distance, please check the opening times prior to setting out.

Admission

Adults   £5.00

Concessions   £3.75

Children 5 -16   £1.00

Children under 5   Free

Annual Pass  

Single                       £15.00

Joint                       £22.50

Family                     £30.00