On our way between York and Oxford, we stopped at Lincoln. We were intrigued by Lincoln and its massive cathedral because of Bill Bryson's description of it in his book "Notes From a Small Island."
The cathedral definitely dominates the landscape! We could easily see it perched on the hill as we drove towards the town. We parked the car and walked into Lincoln via the castle. William the Conquerer ordered construction of both the castle and cathedral in the 11th century. The castle was built on a former Roman fort site. The castle now houses one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. We didn't have time to stop in view it; I regret this a bit!
We had lunch in the quaint village square, and then admired the cathedral. As with many ancient structures, it is undergoing restoration and conservation. The original structure was in the traditional Norman style, and the Gothic towers and spires were later additions. When the central tower and spire were added in the early 1300s, the cathedral became the tallest building in the world (525 feet), surpassing the Pyramids at Giza. It lost the distinction in 1549, when the central spire collapsed and was not replaced.
Lincoln was a fun stop. Then we were off to Oxford!
Cathedral in the distance
Relief map of the castle yard
In front of the castle
In the village
Facade of the cathedral
Description of cathedral changes
Under the Chapter House flying buttresses
Rear of the cathedral
Houses built for the medieval clergy
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