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Lincoln |
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Britain > Lincolnshire > Lincoln |
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One of the UK's greatest historic places, with its breath-taking Cathedral and impressive Castle |
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Lincoln started off as a collection of small wooden huts, built sometime in the Iron Age. But when the Romans arrived, sometime in the 1st century, they noticed that this humble settlement was in a useful position, close by to both the River Witham, and the River Trent. Under the Romans the town quickly expanded, and over the next few hundred years it became one of England's major urban areas. By the 12th century, it boasted a thriving wool and cloth industry, as well as a brand new cathedral - and its status as one of the richest and most important cities in the country was confirmed. |
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 Lincoln's beautiful medieval streets Photo Lincolnian(Brian) |
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Today, Lincoln has been overtaken in size and prominence by other British cities - but it remains one of the UK's most historic places. Its symbol is undoubtedly still the cathedral, which is a breath-taking sight, even 800 years after its construction. For around 200 years it was the tallest building in the world, surpassing the Great Pyramids of Egypt. It hosted several Kings, including Henry VIII. It stands on top of a hill in the centre of the city, visible for miles around. This is the oldest part of the city, which means that the cathedral is surrounded by the remains of numerous Roman structures, such as walls, pillars, and wells. |
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 The view of Lincoln Cathedral Photo Lincolnian(Brian) |
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 Inside Lincoln Cathedral Photo Tilman2007 |
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The other major landmark is Lincoln Castle, just a minute's walk to the west. It was built in 1068, shortly after William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings. 166 houses were demolished to make way for it - at the time, this was around a seventh of the city! The castle saw plenty of fighting in the following years, up until the signing of the Magna Carta. There are four remaining copies of this famous document in the world, and one of them is on display within the castle. Other sights include the old dungeons, the execution sites, and fantastic views of the city from the surrounding walls. |
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 Lincoln Castle Photo MrFreekie |
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If you walk downhill from the castle and cathedral, along Bailgate and down Steep Hill, you will arrive at the main High Street. This single unbroken road is around 2 miles long, and is considered the heart of Lincoln. It features old cobbles and many beautiful buildings, as well as all the shops you might expect from a modern British city. |
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 Steep Hill Photo Peter2010 |
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Leigh-Pemberton House is a large timber framed merchant's house situated in Castle Square, now the Tourist Information Office and dates from around 1543. The building was once a bank and takes its name from Sir Robert Leigh-Pemberton, who was chairman of the National Westminster Bank and Governor of the Bank of England 1983-93. |
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 Leigh-Pemberton House Photo Lincolnian(Brian) |
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The Jews House which dates from 1158 is a fine example of Norman domestic architecture. It is reputed to be the oldest domestic building in Britain. Originally it had three segmental arches for shop fronts since replaced by modern insertions. In the Middle Ages Lincoln had a flourishing Jewish community with money lenders, traders and merchants. The people within this community were amongst the richest and most influential citizens of Lincoln and the building reflects the affluence of the Jewish communities traders of the time. |
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 The Jews House Photo Lincolnian(Brian) |
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The High Bridge on Lincoln High Street dates from the16th century and carries the road over the River Witham. It is the only remaining bridge in Britain with a secular medieval building still standing on it. Also, incorporated in its structure are the stone ribs of what is believed to be the second oldest masonry arch bridge in the country. |
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 High Bridge Photo Lincolnian(Brian) |
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There are more amenities just a short distance to the west, at Brayford waterfront. This area has seen a lot of development in recent years, and today it is home to a fashionable collection of restaurants, bars, and a cinema. The water itself is used as a marina for various houseboats, canoes, and other craft, making for great views, especially during warm weather, when the area becomes particularly popular with the locals. If you visit, look out for the appearance of rare black swans, which have been known to come to the area. |
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 Brayford Pool Photo thorntonsdigital |
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There are many old towns and cities in the United Kingdom, but very few of them manage to preserve that traditional, historic feel. Lincoln, however, manages it perfectly - so it's definitely worth making a visit, to get a sense of what a medieval city would have been like. |
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Lincoln Visitor Information Centre, 9 Castle Hill, Lincoln, LN1 3AA. Tel: 01522 545 458 |
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Lincoln Castle is open daily from 10am to 6pm (reduced hours from September to April). Entry costs around £6 for adults, £4 for children. Castle Hill, Lincoln, LN1 3AA. Tel: 01522 511 068 |
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Lincoln Cathedral is open daily from 7:15am to 8pm in summer, 6pm in winter (weekend times vary). Entry costs around £6 for adults, £1 for children. Minster Yard, Lincoln, LN2 1PX. Tel: 01522 561 600 |
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