Top 9 Historic Sites in Lincoln, England

The Guildhall is the "official home" of the Mayor and occupies the whole of the second floor of the Stonebow. Access to this historic building is via the large double oak doors on the East Wing of the building on Saltergate and is of 15th and 16th century. On a visit you can walk through the Council Chamber, sit in the Mayor's chair and hear some of the tales of years gone by. The tour includes the old debtors prison which now houses some of the finest regalia in England beneath. Whilst in the Civic Insignia room, view the Royal Sword given to the City by Richard II, and the Mayor's Mace dated 1660, originally a defensive fighting weapon, but now carried before the Mayor on ceremonial occasions. See several chains of office, as well as the unique Mayor's posy ring which is only worn on two occasions: when being married to the City at the Annual Meeting and on the Mayor's "official" birthday a custom dating back to 1852. Read the many Royal Charters, the oldest granted by King Henry II (circa 1157) and the latest given in 1974 by Queen Elizabeth II. Also, the Guildhall's impressive Council Chamber is still used today for Full Council meetings. The Guildhall allows you to step back in time and view it's unique and historic building, as well as many significant items on display.

'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' - John Ruskin Lincoln Cathedral was for almost 300 years the tallest building in the world. Yet, in spite of its size, it is filled with intricate detail. Remigius, the Bishop who built the earliest part of the Cathedral in the Norman style, came over with William the Conqueror. Later, 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, roofs elaborated by the finest carving. From the time of the death of the saintly Bishop of Lincoln, Hugh of Avalon who so lovingly restored the Cathedral after an earthquake in the 12th century, thousands of people have come on pilgrimage to this place of pilgrimage, holiness and prayer. In 1215 another Hugh Bishop of Lincoln, Hugh of Wells, was present at Runnymede along with Lincolnshire's Cardinal Archbishop Stephen Langton. When King John agreed to the barons' demands, copies of Magna Carta were made and distributed to sheriffs and cathedrals throughout England. Lincoln Cathedral's Magna Carta is one of only four from the original distribution still in existence. It is the only one to bear the name of its city.

Three great attractions. One great day out. Medieval Wall Walk. Victorian Prison. Magna Carta. Enjoy spectacular views across Lincolnshire from our completed Medieval Wall Walk. Visit the David P.J. Ross Magna Carta Vault and see one of only four remaining original Magna Carta along side the Charter of the Forest. Immerse yourself in the lives of prisoners and their daily routines in the Victorian Prison and see the unique separate system chapel. 1000 years of history - where it happened. Winter Opening Hours: 10:00 - 16:00 Summer Opening Hours: 10:00 - 17:00

Since 2006 Doddington has been our much-loved family home. We have continued Claire’s parents work in devoting ourselves to the upkeep, repair and progression of the Doddington Estate including; the development of the Farm Shop, Bike Shop, Cafe, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Home Store, Farrow & Ball, Country Clothing Store, Bauble Barn, Christmas Tree Sales and Weddings and Events businesses; increasing public access; organising concerts and exhibitions and the development of various accommodation across the estate. There is always something new to see and do on the estate whether that is inside the Hall, in the five acres of gardens, one of our events, or on one of the estate walks. We look forward to welcoming you to Doddington.

Standing almost in the shadow of Lincoln cathedral, with sweeping views over the ancient city and the countryside beyond, the medieval bishops’ palace was once among the most important buildings in the country. The administrative centre of the largest diocese in medieval England, stretching from the Humber to the Thames, its architecture reflected enormous power and wealth. Explore the site as part of a day out in Lincoln. Guided by our audio tour, see the undercrofted East Hall and also the chapel range and entrance tower built by Bishop William Alnwick, who modernised the palace in the 1430s. Relax and enjoy the unique contemporary Heritage Garden, a haven of peace and tranquility. ⚠ Due to essential conservation work Lincoln Medieval Bishops Palace has limited access. The exhibition, Tower and West Hall are open with free admission. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.⚠ You can donate to help our conservation work by following the link below: https://bit.ly/2M6MgiZ