Lincoln Cathedral

The triple-aisled interior of this Early-Gothic columned basilica is impressive for its length and size with two transepts, and for the contrasting colors of honey-colored limestone and dark Purbeck marble. In the nave the font is made of black Tournai marble (12th century) with animal motifs. The other side of the transepts display marvelous Gothic tracery, to the north a round window known as the Eye of the Deacon (about 1200) with medieval stained glass and to the south the Eye of the Bishop (early 14th century) with pieces of glass from different periods. Legend has it that the Eye of the Deacon watches over his residence whereas the Eye of the Bishop watches over the palace waiting for the gospel from the Holy Ghost. The ambulatory leads to the chapel of Bishop Grosseteste, who was chancellor of the university of Oxford in 1214, and to the tombs of Katherine Swynford and her daughter. Katherine Swynford (d. 1403) was the third wife of John of Gaunt, ancestor of the present royal family and George Washington, the first president of the USA. The love story of Katherine and John of Gaunt, ancestor of the Tudors, was made popular by Anya Seaton in her novel "Katherine". A wrought-iron gate (13th century) leads to St Hugh's choir, one of the best examples of Early-Gothic architecture (about 1200). The "crazy" vaulting above the choir-stalls has three ribs instead of four leading to the keystone on each truss. It is thought to be the work of the theologian and scientist Robert Grosseteste, who carried out optical experiments before he was made bishop of Winchester in 1235 and following the collapse of the crossing tower in 1239 had the damaged choir truss renovated. The 62 choir-stalls from 1360-1380 have wonderful carving, especially the miserichords. The combined sedilia with an Easter sepulcher is a rare example of 14th century sculpture. The south ambulatory comes to the retro choir known as the Angel Choir (completed about 1280) which gets its name from the 28 angels on the triforium, a Gothic work of great elegance and harmony, which accommodated the shrine of St Hugo. At the top of the second-last pillar to the north is the "Lincoln Imp", which according to legend annoyed the angels in the choir and so was turned to stone. The east window has High-Gothic geometric tracery; a monument below commemorates Queen Eleanor, wife of Edward I, who died near Lincoln. The north ambulatory leads to the cloisters which are 13th century and have beautifully carved roof bosses. The north side, from which there is one of the finest views of the cathedral, was rebuilt in 1647, together with the library above it.

The chapterhouse adjoining Lincoln Cathedral is decagonal with its vaulting supported by a central pier; it dates from the middle of the 13th century. Several parliaments met here in the reigns of Edward I and II.

Lincoln Cathedral Close is very picturesque and has a number of notable buildings, including the remains of the Old Bishop's Palace, Cantilupe Chantry and Vicar's Court (14th century); a monument commemorates the poet Lord Tennyson, who was born in Somersby in 1809 near Lincoln.

The medieval gateway leads to the imposing twin towered west front which is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The central round-arched doorway (about 1150) is Norman with 12th century frieze-like sculpture depicting scenes from the Old Testament (Noah's Ark, Daniel in the Lion's Den) and dragons in the walls, whereas the statues of kings in judgment in the niches above the main doorway are from the 13th century.