incoln 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. The central tower was designed by Richard of Stow and although the tower now reaches a height of 271, it originally had a spire made of wood and encased in lead above it reaching to a height of 525 feet. The spire fell down in 1548. The matching spires on the two west face towers were removed in 1807.Location
Location
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Lincoln Cathedral
| County | Categories | ||
| Remains | Excellent remains | Access | Only open at certain times |
| Location | 53.2344,-0.5373 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
| Remains |
Excellent remains |
| Access |
Only open at certain times |
| Location |
| 53.2344,-0.5373 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
incoln 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. The central tower was designed by Richard of Stow and although the tower now reaches a height of 271, it originally had a spire made of wood and encased in lead above it reaching to a height of 525 feet. The spire fell down in 1548. The matching spires on the two west face towers were removed in 1807.Location
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Timeline
1072
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
The roof of the Cathedral burnt down. Bishop Alexander the Magnificent started rebuilding work.
1146
Christmas
King Stephen's 'crown wearing' ceremony was held in Lincoln at Christmas.
1185
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
There was an eclipse of the Sun 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
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.
(to 1200)
Work on the choir and east transept as Lincoln Cathedral progressed between 1192 and 1200.
1200
(to 1220)
Work began on the Lincoln Cathedral's main West transept, or Great transept in 1200.
1220
(to 1235)
Lincoln Cathedral's chapter-house was constructed between 1220 and 1235.
1237
During a sermon by one of the canons of the cathedral, the newly finished central tower collapsed burying some of the congregation.
1255
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 King Edward I, the Queen and many important figures of the time.
1306
(to 1311)
The central tower at Lincoln Cathedral was constructed between 1306 and 1311.
1396
Catherine Swynford was the mistress of John of Gaunt. She may have been the governess of of John's daughters by his first wife. After the death of his first two wives, Blanche of Lancaster and Constance of Castile, John married Catherine. They were married at Lincoln Cathedral.
1398
Henry Beaufort was consecrated biishop of Lincoln in this year.
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