Lincoln Cathedral

Once inside, there is so much more to see from the vast space of the nave, the lofty Angel Choir, the intricately carved choir screen, the soaring vaulted roof of the Chapter House, the many stained glass windows to the various small chapels.

Bishop Hugh of Avalon, later known as St Hugh of Lincoln, oversaw the rebuilding of the Cathedral from 1186 following an earthquake that had caused damage the previous year. A statue of him can be found on top of the southern turret. On the opposite turret can be found the statue of the Swineherd of Stow, a poor man who gifted a peck of silver pennies, earning himself a commemoration at the same level as St. Hugh.

Above the cloisters is the Medieval Library, with its 15th oak reading desks and the Wren Library, designed by Sir Christopher Wren to house the book collection of Dean Honywood and built in c1674.

Two large rose windows can be found at either end of the transepts, known as the Bishop’s Eye and the Dean’s Eye.

The Lincoln Imp can be seen high in the Angel Choir and is a symbol of the city with many mythical tales attached, including that this small devil was turned to stone by the angels for causing havoc inside the Cathedral

The armed services chapels are in the north transept. The Soldier’s chapel is dedicated to St George, the Seaman’s chapel to St Andrew and the Airman’s chapel to St Michael.

The Father Willis organ has been restored recently and can often be heard as can the Cathedral Choirs.

Lincoln Cathedral was a beacon of homecoming for many aircrew during the Second World War and was a vital part of navigation. Three memorial books contain the names of 25,611 men who flew from Royal Air Force Stations in or near Lincolnshire, all of whom were members of the many groups of Bomber Command. There are also four memorial windows. The International Bomber Command Centre Memorial can be seen in the distance.