Lincoln Cathedral is dedicated to St. Mary and is situated on a hill in the city of Lincoln and can be seen from many miles in all directions. The building of the first Cathedral began around 1072 and was orchestrated by the Bishop of Fecamp. In 1141, when the roof burned down, Bishop Alexander the Magnificent, started rebuilding work. Many disasters befell the work, including earth tremors in 1185 and occupation by King Stephen who used it to hold a garrison. In 1192, work began under the direction of Bishop Hugh of Lincoln or Hugh of Avalon. Hugh was originally a Carthusian monk. He began rebuilding the choir, and eastern transepts, work which took until 1210. Following that between 1215 and 1255, work continued on the great transept, the chapter house, the nave and extensions to the west front. At this time the bishop was Robert Grosseteste. Although the central tower now reaches a height of 271, it did have a spire made of wood and encased in lead above it, reaching to a height of 525 feet. It fell down in 1548. The matching spires on the two west face towers were removed in 1807.
Earth tremors damaged the Cathedral at Lincoln beyond repair. The earthquake must have been very powerful as it was said that it was felt throughout the country. Only the West front survived in good shape and rest of the building had to be demolished.
There was an eclipse of the Sun on this day over the north of Europe. Interestingly, there was an earthquake that damaged Lincoln Cathedral in 1185. Did the earthquake happen before or after the eclipse? Are the two events related?
After the damaging earth tremors of 1185 Bishop Hugh of Lincoln started rebuilding work on the Cathedral at Lincoln. His new scheme was followed even after his death apart from minor alterations up to the completion of the Angel Choir in 1280.
Work began on the construction of the Angel Choir at Lincoln Cathedral in order to house the body of St. Hugh. Work was completed in 1280. The celebration of the movement of the body was attended by Edward I, the Queen and many important figures of the time.
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