Lincolnshire

Towns & Villages

LINCOLN

It is not hard to see why this 200ft limestone plateau overlooking an otherwise flat landscape became one of the most important cityscapes in Britain.

Ancient tribes quickly responded to its military potential and later the Romans turned the locale into a mighty hilltop fort.

 Unfortunately, the term "hillTOP" indicates that, even today, some places are harder to get to than others. The name of this little street, "Steep Hill", gives a clue!

Steep Hill, Lincoln -
Photo Ron Strutt CCL

Roman North Gate, Lincoln -
Photo Ron Strutt CCL

Even today, in the 21st century, it boasts a Roman city gate still used by traffic - The North Gate, also known as Newport Arch.

Lincoln also has an 11-mile Roman canal, Fossdyke Navigation, which is the oldest canal in the country.

William the Conqueror ordered the building of Lincoln Castle in the south-west corner of the old Roman upper city. The walls and keep still stand in Castle Square.

In the south-east corner, opposite the castle, he had built a cathedral consecrated in 1092.

Lincoln Castle
Photo: Richard Croft CCL
 

Lincoln Cathedral - Photo: Ian Carrington CCL

Following a fire and an earthquake the cathedral was rebuilt in the Gothic style and the earliest parts of today's Lincoln Cathedral, one of the finest Gothic buildings in Europe, date from around 1200 AD.

This fascinating, triple-towered cathedral dominates the skyline for many miles around and is surrounded by evocative medieval buildings set amidst cobbled streets.

Inside the cathedral is one of only four copies of the Magna Carta.
 

The medieval street pattern has survived together with some original buildings, including the 12th century Jew’s House, while shops on the High Street date from the 14th century and stand on a 12th century bridge.

Lincoln, and particularly the old town areas are famous for the Christmas Markets. The fairground atmosphere and street entertainers make this a spectacle worth seeing ... and you could find some interesting and unusual Christmas gifts.

Cathedral Quarter, Lincoln -
Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

Hartsholm Park, Lincoln - Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

Around 3 miles from the city centre is Hartsholm country park if you are looking for peace and tranquillity.