OCA Learning Log : Assignment 5

Lincoln Cathedral

John Ruskin famously said, 'I have always held and proposed against all comers to maintain that the Cathedral of Lincoln is out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles'

Lincoln Cathedral, or Lincoln Minster as it is also known, dates from 1072 when William the Conqueror instructed that the bishopric of this, then the largest diocese in England (covering the lands between the river Thames and the Humber), be moved from Dorchester, near Oxford, to Lincoln, where he had already established a castle in the old Roman upper city. The first Norman Bishop of Lincoln, Remigius had previously been a Benedictine monk, and a loyal supporter of William at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The cathedral was finally consecrated in 1092. It has dominated the skyline of Lincoln since then and is a prominent landmark from many parts of Lincolnshire.

The night time image was chosen as I like the way the building is lit at night time showing it in all it's towering glory, it almost seems to glow and can be seen for many miles. In retrospect I should have used a tripod and take a longer shutter speed in order to prevent any camera shake.

Upon entering the Cathedral, visitors are greeted with a view of the nave stretching back to the organ

The image on the left was taken at the particular angle as there is a restorative programme in situ which obscures the view of the tower on the right. The image on the right shows a blue barrier tape which I left in the image on purpose, my reason for this was to demonstrate the division between the sacred area of the cathedral and the area for the general public, demonstrating the sanctity of this special place.

In spite of its size, the Cathedral is filled with intricate detail

I included this image of the curves and arches looking up at part of the ceiling, I particularly liked the way the light cascades through the glass of the arches.

The nave, transepts, St Hugh's choir and the ten-sided Chapter House are

all early English. The nave is huge public space with a tremendous feeling of light and space. The Cathedral is very much a place of worship and peaceful place for anyone to come to pray

St Hugh's Choir is one of the earliest examples of English gothic style. It contains fine examples of carved
choir stalls dating from 1370.

In Lincoln Cathedral the architects of
the gothic style perhaps reached the
pinnacle of their art. Everywhere you look
there is the most intricate detail, walls,
roof elaborated by the finest carving.

Yet, it doesn't stop there, today some
thirty men and women wonderfully skilled
in their traditional crafts of masonry,
joinery, lead-working and glazing are
continuing the act of creation as they
follow the century long cycle
of maintenance of this astonishing
building.

Completed in 1898, designed by Henry Willis,
it proved to be the last cathedral organ
finished by 'Father' Willis himself, and one
of his finest instruments. It also has the distinction
of being one of two Willis organs in English
cathedrals to retain its original quality.
The organ is admired by organists from
all over the world. Organ concerts are held
regularly in the Cathedral and in recent years
performers have from from Notre Dame, Paris
and Westminster Abbey to name but a few,
even Rick Wakeman has played the
Lincoln Cathedral organ.

Holy Communion is taken daily, all are welcome to take part and receive a blessing

Unlike many tourist attractions, all tours are included in the entry charge. The Floor Tours, are suitable for all, take about an hour and take in aspects of the Cathedral from architecture, history with a few interesting stories
along the way!

The Roof Tours are very popular, suitable for most but if you have trouble climbing steps please reconsider. The tour takes approx 90 minutes and gives fantastic views of the inside of the Cathedral and over to the Castle: