Today we traveled by coach to Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle which date from the time of William, the Conqueror. The photo of Lincoln Cathedral gives a hint of its magnitude and majesty. Construction of the cathedral was begun in 1072 as ordered by the Norman ruler. Through the years, the cathedral has survived a fire and an earthquake, both times being successfully repaired. The design of the cathedral is Gothic, and it is 485 feet inside with Victorian stained glass windows relating Bible stories.
Within the walls are included a green man residing in a column, an imp between the arches in The Angel Choir, and graves stripped of all their copper and brass so the metals could be used to make weaponry.
Lincoln Castle was built by William, the Conqueror in 1068. He was not the resident, but sheriffs, tax collectors and other officers were housed inside. A wall runs all around the castle, and turrets served as homes, lookouts, and escape routes. The photo shows part of the wall and the Lucy Tower, which was the strong point of the castle. A short bridge and the steps leading up to the tower were originally made of wood. If the castle were attacked, those inside could run across the bridge. The last one up would torch the bridge. When they were all inside, the last one up would torch the steps, making an enemy attack up the 40 foot mound very difficult!
This is another view of the castle wall. On the left is part of the prison which was built in the complex at a later date. Both men and women were imprisoned and publicly hanged here. No longer used as a prison, the building houses one of the remaining 4 copies of the Magna Carta. (We did not get to see this document as it is currently in Los Angeles.) A judicial building is also within the walls.
On the return trip, we took "the backroads" instead of the highway and passed through quite a few villages with their homes, gardens, conservatories and old, old churches. It was another great day!
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