incoln Cathedral, situated on a hill in the city of Lincoln, can be seen from many miles in all directions. The building of the first cathedral, dedicated to St. Mary, began in around 1074 and was orchestrated by Remigius originally a Norman monk and almoner at Fecamp Abbey who has assisted William the Conqueror's invasion. 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, originally a Carthusian monk, began rebuilding the choir and eastern transepts. The work was completed in 1210. Following that, between 1215 and 1255 under the direction of bishop Robert Grosseteste, work continued on the great transept, the chapter house, the nave and extensions to the west front. 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.Cathedral
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Lincoln Cathedral
| County | Categories | ||
| Remains | Excellent remains | Access | Only open at certain times |
| Location | 53.2344,-0.5373 (Google Maps) ///diary.nods.weeks | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
| Remains |
Excellent remains |
| Access |
Only open at certain times |
| Location |
| 53.2344,-0.5373 ///diary.nods.weeks |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
incoln Cathedral, situated on a hill in the city of Lincoln, can be seen from many miles in all directions. The building of the first cathedral, dedicated to St. Mary, began in around 1074 and was orchestrated by Remigius originally a Norman monk and almoner at Fecamp Abbey who has assisted William the Conqueror's invasion. 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, originally a Carthusian monk, began rebuilding the choir and eastern transepts. The work was completed in 1210. Following that, between 1215 and 1255 under the direction of bishop Robert Grosseteste, work continued on the great transept, the chapter house, the nave and extensions to the west front. 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
1074
...
Construction of first Cathedral at Lincoln starts
Remigius the Norman monk and almoner from Fecamp Abbey began work on the first Cathedral church at Lincoln. The bishop's see had been moved from Dorchester-on-Thames.
1092
...
Lincoln Cathedral consecrated
Two days after the death of Bishop Remigius who was instrumental in the building's construction the cathedral at Lincoln was consecrated.
1123
...
Lincoln fire
A large fire took hold in the city of Lincoln doing much damage. The Cathedral may also have been ravaged by the inferno as well.
1141
...
Lincoln Cathedral damaged by fire
The roof of the Cathedral burnt down. Bishop Alexander the Magnificent started rebuilding work. This event may have been the earlier 1123 fire.
1146
Christmas
Stephen's Crown Wearing
King Stephen's 'crown wearing' ceremony was held in Lincoln at Christmas. ¹
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.
1185
May 1
Eclipse
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
...
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.
1192
(to 1200)
Lincoln Cathedral choir
Work on the choir and east transept at Lincoln Cathedral progressed between 1192 and 1200. ¹
1200
(to 1220)
Lincoln Cathedral Great transept
Work began on the Lincoln Cathedral's main West transept, or Great transept in 1200. ¹
1220
(to 1235)
Chapter-house of Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral's chapter-house was constructed between 1220 and 1235. ¹
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 King Edward I, the Queen and many important figures of the time.
1306
(to 1311)
Central Tower at Lincoln Cathedral
The central tower at Lincoln Cathedral was constructed between 1306 and 1311. ¹
1396
January 13
John of Gaunt marries Catherine Swynford
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 becomes Bishop of Lincoln
Henry Beaufort was consecrated biishop of Lincoln in this year.
1548
...
Lincoln Cathedral damaged by storm
A severe storm brough down the central spire at Lincoln's cathedral. The falling spire damaged the north trancept.
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