The crossing tower viewed from the south-east.

February 2014

View of the west from of the cathedral from the north-west. Viewpoint: castle wall walk.

August 2016

The west front of the cathedral and the Galilee porch viewed from the Castle wall walk.

August 2016

The west front of the cathedral.

August 2016

The west front of the cathedral.

August 2016

This view of the Cathedral from the north shows the cloister on the left.

This was the tallest building in the world until the spire on the central tower (525 feet to the pinnacle) collapsed in 1549.

The smaller spires on the western towers were removed in 1807 because they were endangering the structure.

sixteenth century print by Holler 

View of the cathedral from the south-east.

Frith postcard, 1939

View of the north side of the Cathedral taken from the Lincoln Hotel (formerly Eastgate Hotel). The street in the foreground is Eastgate.

undated post-war postcard

Undated postcard.

"The cathedral is the fourth largest in the UK (in floor area) at around 5,000 square metres (54,000 sq ft), after Liverpool, St Paul's and York Minster.

It is highly regarded by architectural scholars; the Victorian writer John Ruskin declared: "I have always held ... that the cathedral of Lincoln is out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles and roughly speaking worth any two other cathedrals we have.""

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Cathedral 

Undated postcard with a view from Castle Square of the Cathedral and Exchequer Gate.

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 states "The west front has a grand and impressive effect, which is materially enhanced by the western towers, which rise immediately behind it:

it may be broadly described as a vast Early English screen covered with tiers of arcading, but containing in the centre a large portion of the original Norman elevation"

Postcard dated 1906.

"Between 1307 and 1311 the central tower was raised to its present height of 271 feet (83 m).

The western towers and front of the cathedral were also improved and heightened.

At this time, a tall lead-encased wooden spire topped the central tower but was blown down in a storm in 1548.

With its spire, the tower reputedly reached a height of 525 feet (160 m) (which would have made it the world's tallest structure, surpassing the Great Pyramid of Giza, which held the record for almost 4,000 years)"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Cathedral 

Cathedral viewed from the lower city to the south.

White's Directory 1872 states :-

"The church is ornamented with three towers, one in the centre, and two at the western front. These are lofty, and are decorated with varied tracery, pillars, pilasters, windows, &c.

The exterior length of the structure, to the extremity of the buttresses, is 524 feet, and of the interior 482; the width of the west front 174 feet; the great transept is 222 feet long, and 66 wide; the lesser transept is 170 feet in length, and 44 in width, including the side chapels; and the church is 80 feet wide.

The two western towers are 180, and the central tower 270 feet high; the former are each 35 feet broad, and the latter 53.

The towers were formerly surmounted by wooden spires, covered with lead, but that on the great tower fell down in 1547, and the two other were taken down in 1808"

DB 29 November 2016

Reset medieval stained glass in the east window of the Burghersh Chantry.

In the bottom left hand roundel Theophilus is seen selling his soul to the Devil depicted with a wonderful red face. The contract is passing between them. C13 glass.

He later repents and in the the third roundel from bottom, on the left side, the Virgin Mary takes back the contract from the Devil. 

DB 7 August 2020

Tomb of Sir Bartholomew Burghersh (died 1355) recessed in the north choir aisle wall.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_de_Burghersh,_1st_Baron_Burghersh 

Depicted in full armour he was a knight who took part in the Battle of Crécy, 26 August 1346.

DB 20 December 2018

Tomb of Sir Bartholomew Burghersh (died 1355) recessed in the north choir aisle wall.

At the feet of the effigy stand a pair of angels holding Bartholomew's soul in a napkin.

One of the offices to which Bartholomew had been appointed was that of King's Warrener and below the napkin is a rabbit warren with tiny rabbit heads peeping out.

DB 20 December 2018

A new Sculpture of the Virgin Mary by Aidan Hart now takes pride of place in the Chapel of St Nicholas or Cantilupe Chantry.

The sculpture was dedicated by the Bishop of Lincoln the Right Reverend Christopher Lowson during choral evensong on 31st May 2014.

Unfortunately a monument in memory of the the Lincoln painter William Hilton d.1839 and of his brother-in-law Peter de Wint d.1849 had to be moved. The monument, damaged during the move, is now in the north transept.

DB 12 December 2019

Reset medieval stained glass in the east window of the Cantilupe Chantry.

The roundel in the top right hand corner shows Noah in his Ark receiving the dove. 

DB 7 August 2020

Chantry chapel built into the north wall of the Angel Choir for Bishop Richard Fleming 1420-1431.

Chapel contains a canopied piscina visible on the right in this image.

Triptych given 1912 in memory of A.R.Maddison Prebendary of Thorngate. 

DB 11 October 2018

Chantry chapel built into the north wall of the Angel Choir for Bishop Richard Fleming 1420-1431.

The tomb chest is of the "cadavar" type and is one of the earliest in England.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadaver_tomb 

DB 27 August 2018

Table tombs of James Gardiner (49th Bishop of Lincoln 1694 - 1704) and his son also James Gardiner, Subdean of Lincoln d.1731.

DB 29 August 2019

East end of the Angel Choir has a larger area of glass than of stone.

Great East Widow is 30 feet across by 57 feet high and is the largest eight light window in England.

Stained glass was made in 1855 by Ward & Hughes and cost £2000.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward_and_Hughes 

There is a cross of scenes in round medallions all taken from the New Testament.

The scenes and figures in the four corners are from the Old Testament.

DB 13 September 2018

Southern entrance to the Angel Choir c.1255-90.

In the tympanum, above the twin doors, is the figure of Christ as Judge.

The Virgin & Child on the central pier below is modern c 1932.

The Judgement Porch is flanked by Bishop Longland's Chantry to the west and the Russell Chantry to the east.

DB 27 September 2018

More detailed view of the tympanum above the twin doors.

Central figure of Christ as Judge.

The Blessed are on Christ's right and the Damned are on his left.

Hairy devils are pushing the Damned into the Mouth of Hell below Christ's feet. 

DB 2 October 2018

Northern entrance to the Angel Choir.

The trumeau carries Richard II's coat of arms and is said to be the entrance by which he entered the Cathedral on 12th March 1387.

Wooden remains visible in the arch above the doorway are said to be where a covered walkway from the Chapter House was attached. 

DB 27 October 2018

This small carving in the Angel Choir shot to fame as a good luck charm.

A tie pin in the form of the Lincoln Imp was worn by the Prince of Wales, future Edward VII, when his horse Persimmon won the Derby in 1896.

DB 14 March 2016

Westernmost of two chantries built into the south wall of the Angel Choir.

John Longland, Bishop of Lincoln from 521-1547, founded this chantry.

Longland was confessor to Henry VIII, who, by the time Longland died in 1547 had suppressed all chantries.

Only Longland's heart is actually buried here.

DB 18 October 2018

"William John Butler (1818-1894) was an English churchman, Dean of Lincoln from 1885 until his death.

He was previously Vicar of the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Wantage from 1847 to 1881, where he founded the Community of St Mary the Virgin"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_John_Butler 

DB 28 March 2019

Monument to Christopher Wordsworth, a nephew of the famous poet, who was Bishop of Lincoln 1869 to 1885. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Wordsworth 

The design by Thomas Garner is supposed to have been influenced by the nearby Burghersh tombs.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Garner 

Christopher Wordsworth is buried at Riseholme. 

DB 10 August 2019

Easternmost of two chantries built into the south wall of the Angel Choir.

Founded by John Russell, Bishop of Lincoln 1480-1494 and dedicated to Saint Blaise the patron saint of woolcombers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Russell_(bishop) 

Modern decorative scheme 1956-1958 by Duncan Grant who used his acquaintances in the Bloomsbury Group as models.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_Grant

DB 23 August 2018

Chantry chapel founded by John Russell, Bishop of Lincoln 1480-1494 and dedicated to Saint Blaise the patron saint of woolcombers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Russell_(bishop)

The only brasses, in the whole Cathedral, to escape destruction by Parliamentarian Troops during the English Civil War 1642-1651 are the two coats of arms on the side of John Russell's tomb.

On the left the Russell family arms and in the center his arms as Bishop surmounted by a mitre.

DB 4 October 2018

Prior to the Reformation Saint Hugh's head (which was separate from the body) was housed in a head reliquary kept under a movable cover on top of this stone shrine base.

Modern metal adornment 1986 to Saint Hugh's head shrine by David Poston the sculptor and jeweller - to mark the 800th anniversary of Saint Hugh's becoming Bishop of Lincoln.

Symbolically it stands as a sentinel holding aloft hugh spears to guard the once desecrated shrine.

It has the outline of a throne - the seat of a bishop.

It has the elegant curve of a swan's neck which iconographically identifies it with Saint Hugh.

DB 27 August 2018

Extrerior statue Margaret of France (1279 - 1318) second wife of Edward I (1239 -1307). Partly hidden by the Russell Chantry which was a later addition.

The head is an 1848 replacement. 

DB 7 August 2020

Exterior statues of Edward I (1239 - 1307) and his first wife Queen Eleanor of Castile (1241 - 1290) located on a buttress at the southeast corner of the Cathedral.

The heads are 1848 replacements.

DB 7 August 2020

"Angel choir, 5 bays, 1255-1280"

"Rib vault with noteworthy foliate and figure bosses to choir and aisles"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1388680 

The Nave and Saint Hugh's Choir vaults retain their plastered finish however the Victorians chose to remove all plaster in the Angel Choir.

DB 27 August 2018

Eleanor of Castile (1241-1290), wife of Edward I, died at Harby near Lincoln.

Eleanor's viscera were buried in Lincoln Cathedral.

The rest of her body was taken down to London in stages and Edward I ordered a stone cross to be erected at each stopping-place on the journey to London, ending at Charing Cross.

The "Eleanor crosses" stood at Lincoln, Grantham, Stamford, Geddington, Hardingstone near Northampton, Stony Stratford, Woburn, Dunstable, St Albans, Waltham, Westcheap, and Charing 

Her heart was buried in the Dominican priory at Blackfriars in London and her body in Westminster Abbey.

Lincoln tomb's original stone chest survives; its effigy was destroyed in the 17th century and has been replaced with a 19th-century copy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_of_Castile  

DB 13 September 2018

View of the Chapter House, with its prominent flying buttresses, from the north-east (Cathedral Green).

Frith photograph, 1939

Chapter house 1230-1250.

Lincoln was the first polygonal chapter house and set a fashion peculiar to England.

Originally built without flying buttresses; they were added in early C14 to stabilise the structure.

Ten sided with a diameter of 59 feet.

DB 17 July 2018

The lancet windows each carry three scenes from the history of the Cathedral starting from its founding in 1072 through to John Wesley's last visit in 1790

This scene depicts the great fire in 1141 after which the Cathedral was partially rebuilt by Alexander "the Magnificent" Bishop of Lincoln 1123-48.

C19 stained glass by Clayton & Bell. 

DB 28 March 2019

Roof timbers above the entrance to the Chapter House.

Roof sits on the walls and is held in place by virtue of its own weight. 

There is an outer skin of lead to prevent ingress by water. 

DB 18 October 2018

Forest of timbers required to support the conical shape of the Chapter House roof.

Chapter house roof "being greatly decayed" reduced by James Essex to "an ugly hipped shape" in 1761-1762.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Essex 

Altered back to its original conical form in 1800.

DB 18 October 2018

Rose window above west entrance to Chapter House.

Stained glass in memory of Jacob Clements, Sub-Dean 1878-98.

Central panel shows Council of Jerusalem with surrounding scenes from the Acts of the Apostles. 

DB 23 August 2018

Oak chair made c1300 although the back and canopy are modern.

A Parliament was held in the Chapter House on 20th January 1301 when King Edward I declared his fourth son, Edward of Caernarvon, later King Edward II, to be the first English Prince of Wales. 

Edward II held two Parliaments here in 1316.

Edward III held his first parliament here in 1327.

DB 8 November 2018

Detail of Chapter House vault.

Lincoln's was the first polygonal chapter house 1230 - 1250 and set a fashion peculiar to England. 

It is ten sided with a diameter of 59 feet.

DB 29 August 2018

East walk of the cloisters. 

Peter Grey Archive, 1967

Looking north along the east walk of the cloisters with the entrance to the chapter house just visible on the right.

DB 20 June 2019

Grave of Edward King (1829-1910) 61st Bishop of Lincoln.

Born 1829 the 2nd son of Walker King, Archdeacon of Rochester. Educated privately by his father's curate and then at Oriel College Oxford.

Chaplain of Cuddesdon Theological College for 5 years before being made its Principal. Built a reputation as a preacher and conductor of retreats.

Became Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at Oxford; Chair offered by the Prime Minister Mr Gladstone whose son he had taught at Cuddesdon.

In 1885 the sees of London,Lincoln & Exeter were vacant; Gladstone wished to appoint at least one high church bishop and King was nominated for Lincoln even though that was a low church diocese.

He was the first Church of English Bishop to wear a mitre on his head since the reformation also the first Bishop to use vestments.

In 1887 he celebrated communion at St Peter-at-Gowts church; on the altar were lighted candles, he faced east, he mixed water with wine in the chalice. Although such practices were used in many churches he was prosecuted by the Church Association for ritual offenses.

Archbishop Benson held substantially for King and in the points where he went against him King at once and publicly promised obedience. The diocese rallied round him but the trial took a heavy toll.

Devoted all his time and effort to the diocese. Moved the bishop's house from Riseholme to the Old Bishop's Palace in Lincoln. Gave doors to the restored arcade of the chapter house.

Remembered as a teacher and pastor in the Church's calendar on the 8th March every year.

DB 13 May 2019

View from beneath the Wren Library. 

undated postcard

North walk of the cloisters beneath the Wren Library. 

Peter Grey Archive, 1967

Roman mosaic pavement discovered in the cloister garden 1793.

Now displayed beneath the library stairs.

DB 27 September 2018

Wooden boss in the south walk of the cloisters depicting a man with toothache.

Bishop Oliver Sutton caused the cloisters to be built 1290 - 1300 contributing 50 marks of his own money.

Originally all 4 sides of the cloisters had wooden vaults. 

DB 29 August 2018

Memorial to George Logsdail a Verger for 53 years and his son the distinguished painter William Logsdail.

"William Logsdail (25 May 1859 - 3 September 1944) was a prolific English landscape, portrait, and genre painter.

He exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Royal Society of British Artists, the Grosvenor Gallery, the New Gallery (London), and others.

He is notable for his realistic London and Venice scenes and his plein air style"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Logsdail 

DB 4 July 2019

Passage leading from the Cathedral to the Cloisters and Chapter House built around 1300.

DB 27 September 2018

Memorial plaque on the wall of the slype above a Penrose ledger stone.

"Elizabeth Penrose (3 August 1780 - 24 January 1837), known by her pseudonym Mrs Markham, was an English writer ...

The best known of her books was A History of England from the First Invasion by the Romans to the End of the Reign of George III (1823), which went through numerous editions. In 1828, she published a History of France. Both these works enjoyed a wide popularity in America as well as in England"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs_Markham 

DB 23 August 2022

Cloisters built c.1296-1300, probably by Richard of Stow, with Bishop Oliver Sutton donating 50 marks towards the work.

DB 7 August 2020

Entered from the northeast corner of the cloisters or from Minster Green.

Two storey extension to the Cathedral Library with the upper storey still being used for Library purposes.

Housed the former diocesan lending library and a modern reference collection known as the Canons' Library.

Stone built in Tudor style to the designs of C. Hodgeson Fowler and opened in 1914.  

DB 27 October 2018

Cloisters Refectory otherwise known as the Cathedral coffee shop.

Entered from the northeast corner of the cloisters or from Tennyson's Green.

This was originally part of a two storey extension to the Cathedral Library with the upper storey still being used for Library purposes.

Stone built in Tudor style to the designs of C. Hodgeson Fowler and opened in 1914.  

DB 18 October 2018

This space, now occupied by the shop, is the former Consistory Court of Lincoln Cathedral.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consistory_court 

Immediately adjacent to the Ringers Chapel and equivalent to the Morning Chapel on the opposite side of the Cathedral.

Photographed in early 1994 when the shop was being completely refurbished. 

DB 1994

The Dean's Green, on the north side of the Cathedral, newly landscaped and open to the public for the first time in many years.

Most recently occupied by Lincoln Minster School.

DB 24 September 2020

The Old Deanery viewed from the newly landscaped Dean's Green on the north side of the Cathedral.

The Old Deanery, Lincoln was the official residence of the Dean of Lincoln. It was a spacious building set around a courtyard. The Deanery is thought to have been started in 1254 by Richard de Gravesend, who became Dean in that year and Bishop of Lincoln four years later ...

The Deanery was pulled down in 1847 and replaced by the present building by William Burn. This was to become the Cathedral School and later the Minster School"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Old_Deanery,_Lincoln  

Image shows the building on its way to becoming a visitor and education centre.

DB 29 September 2020

Capitals from the Early English period (1192-1255) near the east bays of the great transept.

This view of the Cathedral is dominated by the great east window.

To the right, across the Cathedral Green, is the Chapter House.

postcard, probably 1930s

Reported by BBC News  21 April 2015 :-

"A floral mosaic showing a Lancaster bomber dropping food supplies in Nazi-occupied Holland has been unveiled at Lincoln Cathedral.

For 10 days from 29 April 1945, Operation Manna dropped nearly 7,000 tonnes of food over The Netherlands.

The country had lost 20,000 people through starvation, with a further 980,000 classed as malnourished.

The bulbs were donated by the Dutch government to the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC)".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-32388511 

DB 20 April 2015 

Chapter House flying buttresses to the left, Priory Gate center background, St Anne's hexagonal well house in the right foreground, and Minster Yard houses extreme right background.

The well house covers a fire hydrant.

Moved to this position from its original location over St Anne's wellhead, which was closer to the Chapter House, when an electric pump was added in 1985.

The well collects rainwater from the roof and can hold 9000 gallons. 

DB 27 October 2018

Statue of Alfred, Lord Tennyson located on Minster Green at the east end of the Cathedral.

DB 8 May 2015

"Statue. 1905. By G F Watts, RA. Restored 1970".

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1388648 

DB 29 September 2020

"Tennyson composed the poem by the wishing well at Waggoners Wells. 

The Tennyson memorial statue (1903) by George Frederic Watts at Lincoln shows him holding a flower in his hand and a plaque with this poem.

The phrase flower in the crannied wall is sometimes used in a metaphorical sense for the idea of seeking holistic and grander principles from constituent parts and their connections".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flower_in_the_Crannied_Wall 

DB 7 August 2020

Cathedral maintenance is a never ending task and the Cathedral has its own Works Department located across the road off Eastgate and has owned a quarry on Riseholme Road since 1874.

Replacement stones, seen here resting on Minster Green, are about to be lifted onto the Cathedral for much needed repairs.

The Cathedral is on the Heritage at Risk Register managed by Historic England.

DB 7 August 2020

Western extension of the Morning Chapel being temporarily used as a tracing floor by one of the Cathedral's Stone Masons.

DB 1 November 2018

Tours of Lincoln Cathedral may include the gallery at the west end of the nave.

This fine view looking down the length of the nave is named after Sir Joseph Banks, Lincolnshire landowner, naturalist and explorer.

Brass of Bishop William Smith (1494-1513).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Smyth 

Reproduction given to the Cathedral by the fellows of Brasenose College, Oxford, because the Bishop was co-founder of their college.

With two small exceptions all the Cathedral's original brasses were destroyed by Parliamentarian Troops during the English Civil War 1642-1651.

DB 14 December 2018

Located above the great west window.

Shows Remigius 1st Bishop of Lincoln 1072-1092 holding a model of his original Norman Cathedral.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remigius_de_Fécamp 

Designed by J.G.Crace and made by the firm of Heaton, Butler & Bayne in 1858.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gregory_Crace_(designer) 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaton,_Butler_and_Bayne 

DB 12 August 2015

Millennial tribute to Sir Joseph Banks who was a Lincolnshire landowner.

"Banks made his name on the 1766 natural history expedition to Newfoundland and Labrador.

He took part in Captain James Cook's first great voyage (1768-1771), visiting Brazil, Tahiti, and, after 6 months in New Zealand, Australia, returning to immediate fame.

He held the position of President of the Royal Society for over 41 years.

He advised King George III on the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and by sending botanists around the world to collect plants, he made Kew the world's leading botanical gardens.

He is credited for bringing 30,000 plant specimens home with him; amongst them he discovered 1,400"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Banks 

DB 10 January 2019

Bishop Reynolds (1723-1744) coat of arms set on the north wall of the southern vestibule.

In gratitude for allowing the Cathedral to take stone from the ruins of the Old Bishop's Palace damaged during the English Civil War.

Stone was needed for walls to strengthen and stabilise the west end of the Cathedral.

DB 8 April 2019

Looking along the nave towards the west end.

DB 9 March 2016

Tournai marble burial slab on the north side of the nave.

Identified in C19 as belonging to Remigius the 1st Bishop of Lincoln 1072-1092 hence the surrounding  inscription.

It is now believed on stylistic grounds to belong to Alexander "the Magnificent" 3rd  Bishop of Lincoln 1123-1148.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_of_Lincoln 

The slab depicts a carved Tree of Jesse.

DB 11 October 2018

Nave candelabrum 1950 designed by Mr RS Godfrey CBE Surveyor and Clerk of the Works.

DB 19 December 2019

Memorial Tomb of Bishop John Kaye 1827-1853 who is buried in the churchyard at Riseholme.

Carra marble effigy by Richard Westmacott (the younger) 1857.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Westmacott_(the_younger)

John Kaye was the first bishop, since the middle ages, to live near Lincoln and a Palace was built for him at Riseholme - his predecessors had mostly lived at Buckden half way towards London.

DB 10 January 2019

Monument on the south side of the nave. 

"Michael Honywood D.D. (1597 - 7 December 1681) was an English churchman, Dean of Lincoln from 1660 ...  

Honywood's major work contribution to Lincoln Cathedral was to spend £780 of his own money on the library which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, on the site of the ruined north walk of the cloister.

In this building he placed 5,000 of his own books, which he presented to the chapter.

Honywood's books were in two collections.

His first collection was gathered in England and it had been seized by Parliamentary forces when he was abroad. His brothers are thought to have interceded as his eldest brother was a Parliamentarian colonel.

The second part of the collection consisted of the books that Honywood had purchased whilst he was in Holland before the Restoration.

The collection contained (2014) a series of rare seventeenth-century tracts, including the first issue of John Milton's Lycidas, his Tetrachordon, and Smectymnuus.

Early printed books of William Caxton, Wynkyn de Worde and others, which originally formed part of Honywood's library, were sold by the chapter at the suggestion of Thomas Frognall Dibdin, with his Lincolne Nosegaie"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Honywood#:~:text=Michael%20Honywood%20D.D.,funded%20the%20Lincoln%20Cathedral%20Library. 

DB 7 August 2020

Monument at the west end of the nave to Elizabeth Hatton d.1724 and her son William Gylby d.1744.

DB 21 December 2019

One of the Old Testament windows on the south side of the nave. Local signage states :-

"The theme of the window is scenes from the Life of Moses.

The window was given and made by the Rev. Augustus and the Rev. Frederick Heatcote Sutton in memory of their father Sir Richard Sutton of Norwood Park, 2nd Baronet (1798-1855).

The window dates from the early part of the 1860s and it is one of the many amateur windows by the Sutton Brothers which we have in the Cathedral.

The Cathedral is unique in holding the largest collection of Sutton windows in the world"

DB 22 August 2019

Beneath a trap door, on the north side of the nave, is one of the original Norman pier bases, found when the nave was being repaved.

Most of the original Norman Cathedral was destroyed by an earthquake in 1185.

The nave was subsequently rebuilt between 1200 and 1250.

Evidently during the rebuilding process the Norman pier base was left in situ rather than being removed.

DB 29 August 2018

Early C18 pulpit which once stood in St Mary's the English church in Rotterdam, Holland and was given by John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, and Queen Anne.

It was not until 1603 that James I ordered churchwardens everywhere to provide pulpits for priests - before then the preacher either stood in front of the altar or preached from the top of the Rood Screen.

DB 14 February 2019

Brass plaque attached to the pulpit explaining how it got to Lincoln form its original home in St Mary's the English church in Rotterdam, Holland.

In memory of Edward White Benson, once Chancellor of Lincoln, then Bishop of Truro, and finally Archbishop of Canterbury. 

DB 14 February 2019

Looking east along the nave roof. 

The white door at the far end gives access into the tower and a vertiginous view down to floor level.

There was previously a walkway round inside the tower, with diagonal wooden bridges at the four corners and a door opposite leading into the Angel Choir roof - for health and safety reasons the wooden bridges now been removed.

DB 13 May 2019 

Delightful patterns of colour can sometimes be seen on the south nave floor from light passing through the Victorian stained glass.

Medieval stained glass produces a more diffuse pattern as the glass is less flat and contains more inclusions.

DB 27 June 2019

The gift of Bishop Alexander some time after 1141.

Made in Tournai, Belgium by Flemish craftsmen using Tournai Marble quarried on the banks of the river Escaut.

Decoration round the sides of the bowl consists of grotesque animals and mythical dragons representing original sin.

Steps are modern placed there in 1890 by Dean Butler.

Seven of these very expensive Tournai fonts still survive in Britain although only three of these are complete including this one.

The most famous other example is at Winchester Cathedral however there is another one in Lincoln Diocese at Thornton Curtis which originally belonged to the Knights Templar.

DB 14 March 2016

Detail of font decoration.

A horizontal crack across the bowl can be seen which might be transport damage. The font was brought from Tournai, Belgium shortly after 1141.

Alternatively it might have been damaged during the earthquake of 1185 which caused much of the cathedral to collapse. 

DB 29 August 2018

One of the earliest tierceron star vaults in England c1233.

Nave height to the vault is 82 feet. 

DB 27 August 2018

Painted inscriptions on the nave vault viz Fricabon, Braud and W.E.Paris.

More names were formerly visible and Sympson who was clerk of works in the 1730s & 40s recorded those of Helias Pictor, Walterus Brand, Wilhelmus Baldwin, Ricardus De Ponte, Robert Saris and Wilhemus Paris.

Brand was at several times in the mid 13C one of the two keepers of the fabric.

Richard De Ponte and William De Paris were both mayors of Lincoln.

Helias Pictor was presumably one of the painters at work in the Cathedral.

See Medieval Art And Architecture At Lincoln Cathedral (BAA Conference Transactions For The Year 1982) - Article By David Park 

DB 27 August 2018

Late C13 Green Man carved in the archway to the North choir aisle.

"A Green Man is a sculpture or other representation of a face surrounded by or made from leaves. Branches or vines may sprout from the mouth, nostrils, or other parts of the face"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Man 

Lincoln Cathedral has 33 representations of the Green Man in the stonework and woodwork.

DB 13 December 2018

William Byrd organist and master of the choristers. 

Born about 1543 nothing definite is known about him until his appointment at the early age of 20. His annual salary was £13 6s 8d making him nearly the highest paid practitioner in England.

His home was on the site of No.6 Minster Yard.

He left lincoln in 1572 to become a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal but continued to receive regular payments from Lincoln in return for new compositions.

A Roman Catholic it was not until 1586 that he was first arraigned for recusancy.

A litigious man and voluminous composer who wrote at least 525 pieces anthems, motets, services etc.

Died in 1623 and probably buried in Stondon Massey, Essex. 

Plaque to him put up in the North Choir aisle in 1923.

DB 17 October 2019

The Chapel of St Michael or Airmen's Chapel. 

This chapel was restored and re-dedicated in 1923. In the fifteenth century this chapel contained four Chantries, those of Geoffrey Maudlyn; Geoffrey Pollard; William Aventon and William Hemmingborough; and the tomb of Dean William Lexington.

Information from notes compiled by Rod Wetton 1993. 

DB 1 November 2018

Memorial stone on the east wall to the left of the altar.

DB 15 August 2019

The Airmen's Chapel has three books for Groups 1 & 5 Bomber Command and 9 Training Command with the names of over 25,000 men who flew from air force stations in or near Lincolnshire and never returned. 

DB 5 December 2019

The windows in the Airmen's Chapel are each dominated by one of the four archangels - glass by Harry Stammers of York.

In this window Saint Michael, who defeated and expelled Satan and his followers from heaven after their rebellion against God, is shown in shining armour with a shield in one hand and a lance in the other, with which he has slain the dragon at his feet.

Centrally below Michael is the badge of Bomber Command, flanked by the Union flag and the arms of the diocese of Lincoln.

Air Officer Commander in Chief of Bomber Command, Air Marshall Sir George Mills, unveiled this window on 8th May 1954. 

Information from Cathedral leaflet. 

DB 15 August 2019

A modern bat sculpture, set into a window opening, on the outside of the north transept - third window opening above ground level northwest corner.

Visible from the newly opened Dean's Green. 

DB 24 September 2020

John of Welbourn, Chancellor of Lincoln Cathedral (d.1380) gave the Cathedral a clock.

The clock case which is C14 may be all that remains of this gift.

Mechanism replaced C19 and clock is now electrically powered.

DB 29 August 2018

Outstanding as an early and very large rose window of c.1220.

The only rose window of this date which still contains a considerable quantity of its original glass.

The main theme of the window is that of the last judgment but there are other scenes including the funeral of Saint Hugh who died in 1200. 

DB 10 May 2018

DB 20 June 2019

Royal Standard over the entrance to the Seamen's Chapel - hole pierced by a German naval shell.

Presented by Rear Admiral Alfred Ellison son of the Rev. Charles Ellison vicar of Bracebridge. 

It flew at Felixstowe Naval Base during a visit by King George V on the 13th April 1916. 

On the 25th April the base was shelled by the German Fleet and the standard was pierced. 

As was the custom, it was returned to the King but he gave it to the Admiral, who laid it up in the Cathedral.

Information from Lincoln Cathedral Guide's Notes compiled by Rod Wetton. 

DB 20 June 2019

Field Marshal Sir William Robertson served as Chief of the Imperial General Staff from 1916 to 1918 during the First World War.

He was the first and only British Army soldier to rise from private soldier to field marshal

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_William_Robertson,_1st_Baronet 

DB 23 August 2018

Chapel  of St George or the Soldiers' Chapel.

The idea of a regimental chapel to commemorate the Lincolnshire Regiment was first thought of in 1911 and the work of restoration of St. George's Chapel continued throughout 1911 to 1914.

In medieval times this chapel was dedicated to St. Denys, the Patron Saint of France, but in 1914 after the renovation it was re-dedicated to St. George, the Patron Saint of England and of soldiers.

The chapel contains the Books of Memory of the Tenth Foot, which later became the Lincolnshire Regiment, then the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment and finally is now the Second Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment.

Information from notes compiled by Rod Wetton 1993. 

DB 1 November 2018

"IN PROUD MEMORY OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL FREDERICK GORDON SPRING CB CMG DSO THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT

Born 25 July 1878 Died 24 Septr. 1963

Commissioned into the Lincolnshire Regiment 7 May 1898 Commanded the Mounted Infantry contingent South African War 1900-02 Adjutant of the 2nd Battalion 1904-07 Command of the 1st Battalion 1923-27

Devoted to his Regiment a born leader and a true friend to All Ranks"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Spring 

DB 18 June 2022

"IN MEMORY OF THE OFFICER, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS & RANK & FILE OF THE 1ST BATALLION LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT, WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE NILE EXPEDITION, 1898  ...

THIS MONUMENT IS ERECTED IN THEIR HONOUR BY THE OFFICERS, PAST & PRESENT AND THE WARRENT OFFICERS NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS & RANK & FILE OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT. (LATE 10TH FOOT)"

DB 18 June 2022

Upper panel :- 

"TO THE MEMORY OF THE OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATE SOLDIERS ABOVE INSCRIBED, OF THE 10TH OR NORTH LINCOLN REGIMENT OF INFANTRY, WHO WERE KILLED OR DIED OF WOUNDS RECEIVED IN ACTION, IN THE CAMPAIGNS OF 1845-6 OF THE SUTLEJ AND OF 1848-9 IN THE PUNJAUB. 

ERECTED BY THEIR SURVIVING COMRADES"

Lower panel :-

"1ST. BATTALION, 10TH. REGIMENT.

NAMES OF OFFICERS, NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS, AND PRIVATES OF THE ABOVE CORPS, KILLED IN ACTION, AND DIED OF WOUNDS RECEIVED DURING THE INDIAN MUTINY OF 1857 & 1858"

DB 18 June 2022

Boer War Memorial :- 

"TO THE MEMORY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT WHO FELL IN ACTION OR DIED OF WOUNDS OR DISEASE IN SOUTH AFRICA, DURING THE CAMPAIGN 1899 TO 1902 ... 

THIS MEMORIAL IS PLACED HERE BY THE OFFICERS. NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT.

THE OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND TROOPERS OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE IMPERIAL YEOMANRY JOINED IN THE ERECTION OF THIS MEMORIAL AS A MARK OF THEIR ESTEEM FOR THEIR COMRADES" 

DB 18 June 2022

Annunciation of the Virgin Mary painted by Rev. Matthew William Peters R.A. in 1798.

https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/rev-matthew-william-peters-419 

Until 1855 it was part of the Reredos behind the High Altar.

Now hanging on the west wall of the Northeast Transept. 

DB 18 October 2018

Case formerly used to display the Cathedral's copy of Magna Carta but which now houses a facsimile.

The original document is on loan to Lincoln Castle where it is displayed in a purpose built vault.

Lincoln Cathedral's copy of Magna Carta, sealed by King John in 1215, is one of only four surviving originals.   

DB 12 February 2020

North East chapel of the North East transept.

This chapel was originally much smaller but was extended - foundations for the large rectangular extension can be seen in the grass.

Probably Saint Hugh's original burial place. 

James Essex rebuilt the chapel in 1772 on the old foundations i.e. to the late 1190s length.

The reduced chapel is currently in use as the Vergers' Vestry. 

DB 14 November 2018

Wall painting of 4 bishops supposed to be buried in this transept :-

Robert Bloet  1094-1123

Alexander the Magnificent 1123-1148

Robert de Chesney 1148-1167

William of Blois 1203-1206

By the Vanetian, Vincenzo Damini 1728.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincenzo_Damini

He had been commissioned to restore medieval wall paintings of the 4 bishops but over painted them instead. 

DB 18 October 2018

Dame Margaret Thorold's Charity. 

Dated 1731 well after the infamous South Sea Bubble burst in 1720.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Sea_Company 

"The bursting of the bubble in South Sea shares in 1720 led to a public outcry and pressure from the government for investors to be compensated.

This involved, among other things, the conversion of half of South Sea's shares into bonds. These bonds were called, confusingly for us today, "annuities' "

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/special-reports/21000-turned-into-2m-how-to-invest-like-george-frideric-handel/

DB 8 April 2019

Bell-ringers granted a constitution in 1612. 

Letters patent subsequently issued in 1614 confirming the ordinances.

Lincoln's company of ringers is the earliest which can trace a continuous existence through to the present day and is unique In having its own chapel which was granted to them by the letters patent.

DB 4 October 2018

Names of the ringers in 1714 painted on the north wall of the chapel.

Many more names on the eastern wall. 

DB 4 October 2018

Part of the external south wall of the original Norman Cathedral can be seen in the northwest corner. 

DB 4 October 2018

Ringing chamber for the 13 bells in St Hugh's (South West) Tower.

There is a door behind the curtains on the left which leads onto the west front of the Cathedral. Door extreme right leads into the roof space above the nave.

DB 13 May 2019

The Royal Maundy took place in Lincoln Cathedral on 20th April 2000.

"The Distribution of Alms and the washing of the feet on the Thursday of Holy Week are of great antiquity.

The Maundy can be traced back in England with certainty to the 12th century, and there are continuous records of the Distribution having been made on Maundy Thursday from the reign of King Edward I. 

The Service derives its name from the Latin word mandatum, meaning a commandment, and its opening words are; 'Jesus said: "I give you a new commandment."' 

From the 15th century the number of recipients has been related to the years of the Sovereign's life.

At one time recipients were required to be of the same sex as the Sovereign, but since the 18th century they have numbered as many men and women as the Sovereign has years of age.

Recipients are now pensioners selected because of the Christian service they have rendered to the Church and the community.

The Distribution is in two parts, and the gifts which are handed to the recipients are symbolic and highly prized. 

The red purse contains an allowance for clothing and provisions formerly given in kind and a payment for the redemption of the royal gown.

The white purse contains in Maundy coin silver pennies, twopences, threepences and fourpences, as many pence as the Sovereign has years of age.

Maundy coins are legal tender, and when the United Kingdom changed to decimal currency in 1971, the face value of four coins became 10 new pence, instead of 10d in the old £sd system"

Extract from the order of service.

DB 20 April 2000

The Royal Maundy took place in Lincoln Cathedral on 20th April 2000. 

"Maundy money is struck in denominations of one penny, two pence, three pence, and four pence.

Until the 18th century the coins given were from the circulating coinage, and it was not until the latter half of the century that the four Maundy coins developed as distinct, noncirculating pieces.

The obverse design of the coins features the reigning monarch.

The reverse, with a crowned numeral enclosed by a wreath, derives from a design first used during the reign of King William III and Queen Mary II, and which has been virtually unaltered since 1822.

The coins are presented in two leather purses, a white one containing coins to the value of the same number of pence as the years of the monarch's age, and a red purse containing a £5 and a 50p coin"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Maundy 

DB 20 April 2000

One of four C15 South German lime wood carvings showing scenes from the Passion of Jesus.

Given to the Cathedral in 1940 by Mrs Wells-Cole having been bought from a local antiques shop in the 1930s. 

DB 28 March 2019

"Harry Frederick Comfort Crookshank, 1st Viscount Crookshank, CH, PC (27 May 1893 - 17 October 1961), was a British Conservative politician.

He was Minister of Health between 1951 and 1952 and Leader of the House of Commons between 1951 and 1955 ...

In the First World War, he joined the Hampshire Regiment and served as a captain in the Grenadier Guards. On one occasion he was buried alive by an explosion for twenty minutes, and on another in 1916 he was castrated by shrapnel.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Crookshank 

DB 7 August 2020

Image shows tomb chest and remains of the shrine of Little St Hugh.

Hugh of Lincoln (1246 - 27 August 1255) was an English boy whose death was falsely attributed to Jews.

He is sometimes known as Little Saint Hugh or Little Sir Hugh to distinguish him from Hugh of Lincoln, an adult saint.

Hugh became one of the best known of the blood libel 'saints'; generally children whose deaths were interpreted as Jewish sacrifices.

Little Sir Hugh was never canonised, so "Little Saint Hugh" is a misnomer.

It is likely that the Bishop and Dean of Lincoln steered events in order to establish a profitable flow of pilgrims to the shrine of a martyr and saint.

Hugh's death is significant because it was the first time that the Crown gave credence to ritual child murder allegations, through the direct intervention of King Henry III.

As a result, in contrast to other English blood libels, the story entered the historical record, medieval literature and popular ballads that circulated until the twentieth century"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Saint_Hugh_of_Lincoln 

DB 19 September 2019

A replacement of the original early C13 window.

Rebuilt in the curvilinear style 1325-50.

Contains remains of the original C14 glazing together with many mainly C13 fragments from other parts of the cathedral.

Originally depicted the last judgement including the general resurrection.

Its construction was probably associated with efforts to secure the canonization of Bishop John Dalderby.

DB 29 December 2015

Samuel Fuller Dean of Lincoln 1695 - 1700.

Received his appointment, according to Kennet, through the interest of the Lay Lords who loved him for his hospitality and wit.

Face used by Antonio Verrio as the model for Bacchus astride of a barrel.

DB 13 May 2019

Bronze statue 1913 by William Blake Richmond with lettering by Eric Gill.

The statue shows the bishop in the act of confirmation and was originally intended to stand in the open. 

DB 7 August 2020

"Galilee porch, c1240, has a vaulted interior and ornate restored doorways"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1388680 

Built as the Bishop's entrance from his palace close by to the south.

Called "Galilee" because the phrase "go before you into Galilee" was used on entering the Cathedral here in the Holy Week ceremonial procession.

Supposed to be 5355 dog tooth pyramids used in its interior decoration.

DB 4 October 2018

Galilee Porch viewed from above.

Upper floor has been used as the muniments room and as the Chapter Clerk's office.

DB 13 May 2019

"Galilee porch, c1240, has a vaulted interior and ornate restored doorways"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1388680 

Supposed to be 5355 dog tooth pyramids used in its interior decoration.

DB 10 December 2018

In medieval times this chapel was probably dedicated to St. Thomas of Canterbury, otherwise known as Thomas a Becket, who was murdered in the Chapel of St. John the Baptist in Canterbury Cathedral.

The chapel contains a wooden carving of St. Anne teaching the Virgin to read. 

The chapel of St. Anne is now set aside for the Mothers' Union and other women's societies.

Information from notes compiled by Rod Wetton 1993. 

DB 7 February 2019

The heraldic tomb is that of George Taillbois, Ninth Lord Kyme, who died in 1538. The Taillbois were great benefactors of the Cathedral in the sixteenth century.

Information from notes compiled by Rod Wetton 1993.  

DB 29 August 2019

Bishop Dalderby is buried in the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist, the middle one of the three chapels on the East side of the South Transept.

This chapel used to house the Chantries of William Ruffus de Roveston, physician; Henry Beningworth, Sub-Dean in 1231 and Bishop Henry Lexington 1254-1257.

Information from notes compiled by Rod Wetton 1993. 

DB 7 February 2019

Works Chantry or St Edward's Chapel. 

This chapel was first dedicated to St. Guthlac. This was changed on the orders of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, to that of St. Anne. Henry died in 1311 and the dedication was again changed, this time by John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.

This chapel seems always to have contained the Works or Fabric Chantry, which was founded either by Bishop Walter of Coutances 1183-1185 or, more probably, by Bishop William of Blois 1203-1206.

Information from notes compiled by Rod Wetton 1993. 

DB 7 February 2019

Memorial to Choristers who died in the First World War.

In recent times the Works Chantry has been appropriated to the use of the Choristers and Lay Clerks for their own special corporate celebrations. 

DB 8 August 2019

Memorial to Charles Wilmer Foster (1866-1935) Canon of Lincoln and founder of the Lincoln Record Society.

http://www.lincoln-record-society.org.uk/ 

"The Lincoln Record Society was established in October 1910.The principal initiator was Canon C. W. Foster (1866-1935), who since 1906 had served as secretary of the diocesan Records Committee.

Foster became the first general editor of the new society, as well as its secretary and, from 1918, its treasurer, running it largely single-handedly until his death in 1935.

He personally edited 12 of its volumes".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Record_Society 

DB 7 August 2020

Choristers' Vestry has double arcading, a long stone lavatorium and a stone fireplace.

"Apprentices' Screen" behind the lavatorium - fourteenth century diaper work of open petalled flowers.

DB 1 November 2018

May have been carved to hide some imperfection in the masonry.

Located above and to the south side of the altar.  

DB 4 July 2019

Several bishops of Lincoln are buried in the southeast transept including Robert Grosseteste 1235-1253 the first Chancellor of Oxford University.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Grosseteste 

His tomb is marked by a raised ledger stone, designed by W.H.Randoll Blacking, and placed here in 1953. 

DB 18 October 2018

"+ In this place lies the body of ROBERT GROSSETESTE who was born at Stradbroke in Suffolk - studied in the University of Paris - and in 1224 became Chancellor of Oxford University where he befriended and taught the newly founded orders of Friars : In 1229 he became Archdeacon of Leicester and a Canon of this Cathedral - reigning as Bishop of Lincoln from 17th June 1235 until his death.

He was a man learning and an inspiration to scholars a wise  administrator while a true shepherd of his flock - ever concerned to lead them to Christ in whose service he strove to temper justice with mercy - hating the sin while loving the sinner - not sparing the rod though cherishing the weak - He died on 8th. October 1253"

DB 7 August 2020

A two storey addition to the outer western corner of the southeast transept. 

The Song School was added c1240-1250 with the upper storey still being used for that purpose.

The lower storey is now used as the Canons' Vestry. 

DB 14 November 2018 

Upper storey of the old Song School which is still used by visiting choirs.

A "new" Song School for the Cathedral's own choir was opened by John Rutter on 28th January 2018 in the Cantilupe Chantry House.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Rutter 

DB 23 January 2019

South wall of southeast transept has syncopated blind arcading.

This type of arcading in the Cathedral is attributed to the Norman-French master-mason Geoffrey de Noiers for Saint Hugh c1180-1200.

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1388680 

DB 4 April 2019

At the corner between the south choir aisle and the southeast transept.

There is a second similar pier on the north side of the Cathedral.

Octagonal limestone cores sprouting huge crockets surrounded by shafts.

Called the Trondheim Piers because the only other piers like them are in Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, Norway.

Stonemasons went from Lincoln in the late C12 to help build Nidaros Cathedral. 

DB 25 April 2019

Closer view showing the huge crockets and detached shafts.

Alternate Purbeck Marble and concave sided limestone shafts.

DB 25 April 2019

View of the choir, looking east.

Frith postcard, 1939

The stalls in St Hugh's Choir are in three tiers, with stalls at the rear for canons, below them vicars choral and in the front the choristers.

The stalls date from 1365-70 and were restored in the nineteenth century.

postcard, probably 1930s

Gift of Thomes Meeres in 1698.

Inscribed on the candelabrum is the text, St. Matthew, chapter 5 verses 14, 15 and 16: Beginning:

Ye are the light of the world ...

DB 9 July 2019

Stone in the center of St Hugh's Choir inscribed "Cantate Hic".

"Cantate Hic" means "Sing Here" and is where those who sang the Responds were supposed to stand.

The best position to be seen and heard. 

DB 20 December 2018 

Quatrefoil panel on a desk front, south side of choir, western block.

Fox in a pulpit preaching  to a congregation of geese!

DB 10 October 2019

Brass eagle lectern given to the Cathedral in 1667 by John Gooche

DB 27 June 2019

Grilles and matching gates, on the north and south sides, enclose St Hugh's Choir from the eastern transepts.

Pevsner states :-

"East Crossing, grilles. 1297. 

A very simple, timeless pattern of affronted scrolls, and one of the finest pieces of ironwork of the C13 in England. 

The pattern is much the same as that of the iron grille of the monument to Queen Eleanor in Westminster Abbey. This also dates from the 1290s, and was made by Thomas of Leighton"

DB 29 August 2019

On the south side of the sanctuary is the tomb of  Katherine Swynford.

"Katherine Swynford, Duchess of Lancaster (born Katherine de Roet, c. 1350 - 10 May 1403), also spelled Katharine or Catherine, was the third wife of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III.

She had been the Duke's lover for many years before their marriage.

The couple's children, born before the marriage, were later legitimated during the reign of the Duke's nephew, Richard II"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katherine_Swynford 

DB 4 October 2018

Misericord or mercy seat in the Sub-Dean's choir stall c1370.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misericord 

Image shows a falling knight, with an arrow in his back.

DB 30 August 2018

Misericord or mercy seat in the Dean's choir stall c1370.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misericord 

Image shows the Resurrection.

DB 30 August 2018

The fine Cathedral organ was built by Father Willis in 1898 and overhauled by Harrison & Harrison in 1960.

It had 4 manuals and 64 stops.

1930s photograph

Kelly's Directory 1930 states that :-

"The pulpit, erected in 1866 by the Lincoln Architectural Society, is from a design by the late Sir G. G. Scott R.A. ;

it is hexagonal and constructed of oak, with figures of the Evangelists on brackets, and carvings in relief of incidents in Scripture history ;

the plinth of Caen stone is surrounded by seven shafts of marble and granite"

DB 7 August 2020

Pulpitum Screen dates from 1330s and separates the nave from St Hugh's Choir

Image shows it colourfully illuminated prior to a sacred spaces event.

It was once brightly painted and still bears traces of the original pigment. 

C19 iron gate was deigned by the Cathedral architect, Sir Charles Nicholson.  

DB 18 October 2018

The Pulpitum Screen was once brightly painted and traces of pigment still remain.

DB 23 August 2018

Reredos behind the High Altar was re-designed by James Essex in 1769

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Essex 

From 1799 to 1855 a large painting of the Annunciation by Reverend William Peters R.A. acted as reredos.  

https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/rev-matthew-william-peters-419

In 1855 the painting was moved to the northeast transept, the screen was pierced and tracery added by John Pearson.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Loughborough_Pearson 

DB 1 November 2018

Known as the "crazy" vault because of its irregular pattern.

First example in Europe of a tierceron vault meaning that some of the ribs are decorative rather than structural.

Roof timbers have been dated c.1200. 

DB 27 August 2018

Treasury established by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in 1960.

https://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/company/history/history-of-the-company/ 

Designed by Louis Osman.

https://https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Osman 

First treasury to be established in an English cathedral. 

Many of the items on display come from the diocese as most of the Cathedral's own treasure was stolen in 1805.

The area now occupied by the Treasury may originally have been the Cathedral's medicine chapel.

DB 2 August 2018

From the tomb of Bishop Robert Grosseteste 1235 - 1253.

Chalice, paten, ring and part of crozier. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Grosseteste 

DB 1 November 2018

Cathedral vacuum cleaner pictured in 1978.

DB 1978