TimeRef - History Timelines - Lincoln Cathedral

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Official Site : Lincoln Cathedral home page

Lincoln Cathedral is dedicated to St. Mary and is situated on a hill in the city of Lincoln and can be seen from many miles in all directions. The building of the first Cathedral began around 1072 and was orchestrated by the Bishop of Fecamp. In 1141, when the roof burned down, Bishop Alexander the Magnificent, started rebuilding work. Many disasters befell the work, including earth tremors in 1185 and occupation by King Stephen who used it to hold a garrison. In 1192, work began under the direction of Bishop Hugh of Lincoln or Hugh of Avalon. Hugh was originally a Carthusian monk. He began rebuilding the choir, and eastern transepts, work which took until 1210. Following that between 1215 and 1255, work continued on the great transept, the chapter house, the nave and extensions to the west front. At this time the bishop was Robert Grosseteste. Although the central tower now reaches a height of 271, it did have a spire made of wood and encased in lead above it, reaching to a height of 525 feet. It fell down in 1548. The matching spires on the two west face towers were removed in 1807.

Mini Timeline

1072		First Cathedral at Lincoln begun
		The Norman Bishop of Fecamp began work on the first Cathedral church at Lincoln. The bishop's see had been moved from Dorchester-on-Thames.
1141		Lincoln Cathedral damaged by fire
		The roof of the Cathedral burnt down. Bishop Alexander the Magnificent started rebuilding work.
1146	Christmas	Stephen's Crown Wearing
		King Stephen's 'crown wearing' ceremony was held in Lincoln at Christmas.
1185		Lincoln Cathedral damaged
		Earth tremors damaged the Cathedral at Lincoln beyond repair. The earthquake must have been very powerful as it was said that it was felt throughout the country. Only the West front survived in good shape and rest of the building had to be demolished.
	May 1	Eclipse
		There was an eclipse of the Sun on this day over the north of Europe. Interestingly, there was an earthquake that damaged Lincoln Cathedral in 1185. Did the earthquake happen before or after the eclipse? Are the two events related?
1192 - 1200		Lincoln Cathedral choir
		Work on the choir and east transept progressed between 1192 and 1200.
		Rebuilding of Lincoln Cathedral
		After the damaging earth tremors of 1185 Bishop Hugh of Lincoln started rebuilding work on the Cathedral at Lincoln. His new scheme was followed even after his death apart from minor alterations up to the completion of the Angel Choir in 1280.
1200 - 1220		Lincoln Cathedral Great transept
		Work began on the Lincoln Cathedral's main West transept, or Great transept in 1200.
1220 - 1235		Chapter-house of Lincoln Cathedral
		Lincoln's Chapter-house was constructed between 1220 and 1235.
1237		Lincoln tower collapses
		During a sermon by one of the canons of the cathedral, the newly finished central tower collapsed burying some of the congregation.
1255		Angel Choir at Lincoln
		Work began on the construction of the Angel Choir at Lincoln Cathedral in order to house the body of St. Hugh. Work was completed in 1280. The celebration of the movement of the body was attended by Edward I, the Queen and many important figures of the time.