Lincoln Cathedral: England’s Other Gothic Masterpiece
Lincoln Cathedral rises 160 metres above the city of Lincoln, dominating the landscape for miles around. For over 200 years after its completion in 1311, it was the world’s tallest building – higher than the Great Pyramid of Giza. Today, while no longer the world’s tallest, it remains one of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals and, in the opinion of many visitors, England’s most beautiful. With its soaring vaults, intricate stone carving, and atmospheric setting, Lincoln Cathedral deserves to be as famous as Canterbury or York – and offers a quieter, less crowded experience.
Why It’s Special
The Height
The central spire reached 160 metres (525 feet) before it collapsed in 1548. For over two centuries, this was the tallest building on Earth. What’s left – the crossing tower at 83 metres – still dominates the Lincolnshire landscape.
The Gothic Architecture
Lincoln Cathedral represents the high point of English Gothic. Built between 1072 and 1311, it shows the evolution from Norman to Early English to Decorated Gothic styles. The west front, with its three enormous arches, is considered one of the finest examples of English Gothic anywhere.
The Setting
Unlike many cathedrals that sit in flat cities, Lincoln Cathedral crowns the top of a steep hill, visible for miles across the flat Lincolnshire countryside. The approach up Steep Hill adds to the sense of drama – the cathedral literally rises above you as you climb.
The Exterior
The West Front
The cathedral’s most famous aspect, with three enormous arches decorated with sculptured Biblical scenes. The scale is overwhelming – the central arch alone is large enough to fit Big Ben inside.
Statues: The original statues were destroyed during the Reformation. The current Victorian reconventions restore the lost glory but lack the medieval originals’ historical depth.
What to notice: The scale, the decoration, the way the façade pulls the eye upward. This is Gothic architecture at its most ambitious.
The Towers
Two towers flank the west front. The crossing tower (where nave and transepts cross) rises to 83 metres and dominates the skyline. Both towers can be climbed (book ahead, limited numbers).
The climb: Steep spiral stairs, narrow passages, but the views across Lincoln and the surrounding countryside are worth the effort. Not for claustrophobes or anyone with mobility issues.
The Lincoln Imp
The cathedral’s mascot – a carved impish figure on the Angel Choir. According to legend, the imp was sent by Satan to cause chaos but was turned to stone by angels. The imp became Lincoln’s symbol and appears throughout the city.
Finding it: In the Angel Choir (east end), high up on a pillar. Binoculars help. There are several imps – the famous one is on the north side.
The Interior
The Nave
Early English Gothic at its finest. Soaring columns, intricate vaulting, and a sense of space that feels both enormous and intimate. The nave was largely rebuilt after a fire in 1185, incorporating the latest Gothic innovations.
Key features:
- The vaulting – intricate, complex, and structurally brilliant
- The rose window – one of the finest in England
- The bishop’s throne – elaborately carved, symbolic of the bishop’s authority
The Transepts
The north and south arms of the cathedral. The north transept houses the Dean’s Eye and Bishop’s Eye – two of the cathedral’s famous rose windows. The stained glass is medieval, though pieced together from multiple periods.
The Angel Choir
Built 1256-1280, this is Decorated Gothic at its finest. Named for the carved angels that decorate the pillars, this was intended to be the most beautiful part of the cathedral – and many think it succeeded.
What to look for: The intricate vaulting, the stained glass, the sense of light and space. This is where you’ll find the famous Lincoln Imp.
The Cloisters
While much smaller than medieval cloisters (most were demolished after the Reformation), what remains gives a sense of monastic life. The covered walkways offer a quiet space for reflection.
The Treasures
The Lincoln Magna Carta
One of only four surviving copies of Magna Carta (1215), displayed in the cathedral’s library. This document, signed by King John, established principles of law and liberty that influenced constitutional development worldwide.
Practical: The Magna Carta is displayed in the library, separate from the main cathedral entry. Check opening times – limited access.
The Chapter House
Where the cathedral chapter (the governing body) meets. The building is beautiful in its own right, with stained glass and medieval sculpture.
The Library
The cathedral’s medieval manuscripts and early printed books. Not always open to visitors, but tours sometimes include it.
Practical Visit
Getting There
By train: Lincoln is on the East Coast Main Line from London (about 2 hours). The station is at the bottom of Steep Hill – a 15-minute walk up to the cathedral.
By car: Easy access via A1 and A46. Park in the city centre and walk up (parking is limited near the cathedral).
Walking: The approach up Steep Hill is part of the experience – steep (obviously) but lined with interesting shops and historic buildings.
Opening Hours
Cathedral: Generally open daily (check seasonal variations). Best to visit morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Library/Magna Carta: More limited hours – check ahead.
Tower climbs: Scheduled tours, limited numbers. Book ahead.
Admission
Free entry (suggested donation). Tower climbs and library require paid tickets.
Allow
Quick visit: 1 hour (exterior and nave) Full visit: 2-3 hours (interior, towers, library) Serious interest: Half-day including tower climb and detailed exploration
What to Notice
The Light
Gothic cathedrals were designed to maximise natural light – notice how the stained glass, the rose windows, and the clerestory (high windows) work together to create a luminous interior.
The Scale
Take time to absorb the scale. Stand at the west end and look down the nave, then stand under the crossing and look up. This is human ambition expressed in stone.
The Details
After absorbing the scale, look closer at the details – stone carving, stained glass, roof bosses. The craftsmanship is extraordinary.
The Atmosphere
Lincoln Cathedral is more than just architecture – it’s a living place of worship. Quiet moments are possible even with other visitors. Take time to sit and absorb the atmosphere.
Beyond the Cathedral
Lincoln Castle
Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, standing just downhill from the cathedral. Together, castle and cathedral tell the story of medieval power – spiritual and secular.
What to see: The medieval wall walk, the Victorian prison, and another copy of Magna Carta.
Steep Hill
The steep street connecting lower Lincoln to the cathedral. Historic buildings, interesting shops, and cafés. It’s literally steep – wear good shoes.
The City of Lincoln
Lincoln is a charming city beyond its cathedral – the Roman walls, the medieval buildings around the cathedral close, the Brayford Pool waterfront. Worth exploring.
Photography Tips
Exterior: The west front is spectacular but challenging to photograph because of its height and width. Back up to get the full façade.
Interior: Tripods aren’t practical, so camera settings need adjustment for low light. Avoid flash – it washes out the atmosphere.
Best light: Early morning or late afternoon creates dramatic lighting, both outside and inside.
Accessibility
The cathedral: Most of the main floor is accessible to wheelchair users, though some areas have steps.
The towers: Not suitable for anyone with mobility issues or claustrophobia. Steep spiral stairs and narrow passages.
The library: Accessible with assistance.
Seasonal Notes
Christmas: Special services, atmospheric lighting, but busy.
Easter: Religious services, but also interesting for non-religious visitors.
Summer: Busier but good weather for exploring the city.
Winter: Fewer visitors, atmospheric lighting, but heating is limited.
Final Thoughts
Lincoln Cathedral is genuinely one of England’s finest buildings – a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that deserves more recognition than it gets. What makes it special is not just its scale or beauty but the way it feels both overwhelming and intimate, ancient and alive.
Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, religion, or just appreciate beautiful places, Lincoln Cathedral delivers. Combine it with the castle, walk up Steep Hill, explore the city – and you’ll understand why medieval builders spent 240 years creating this extraordinary building.
This isn’t just a cathedral – it’s a testament to human ambition, faith, and craftsmanship. Come with respect, leave with awe.