August 13, 2014 1.04 pm This story is over 115 months old

Once in a lifetime Lincoln Cathedral turret tours for one day only

One day only: A unique guided tour at Lincoln Cathedral is now up for grabs to experience the view from the North West turret scaffolding.

Places on a one day only guided tour at Lincoln Cathedral are now up for grabs, as the Works Department shares the view from the North West turret scaffolding.

The tours, which will take place on Friday, August 22, will offer once-in-a-lifetime views of Lincoln and an insight into the structure’s £1.25 million restoration.

There will be 50 places on the tour, and those wishing to take part can book from August 13 by calling 01522 561614.

Tours will take place at 9am, 10.15am, 11am, 1.15pm and 2pm and tickets will cost £25 per person.

Due to the nature of the tours, under 18s will not be permitted to take part and there will not be a provision for disabled access.

The Lincolnite was invited to scale the 135 foot turret and meet conservation workers on the project.

Works Manager at Lincoln Cathedral, Carol Heidschuster, said: “This work will see the turret through to the next century and there will not be scaffolding on it again in that time, so this really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“The structural damage to this turret was not as bad as St Hughes Spire, but it did require more cleaning.

“Once this section is finished, we will begin work to other areas such as the east end and Chapter House. Our restoration plans reach 2030 and beyond.

“Potential sponsors for the work will be local farmers, who have pledged a tank of grain from this year’s harvest to raise funds for the restoration.

“The initiative was inspired by the story of the ‘swineherd’ whereby a poor man gave his life savings towards the restoration of the cathedral at the end of the 12th century.

“Local farmers have been raising money at events to restore the turret where the Swineherd of Stow statue sits.”

Stone Conservator in the Lincoln Cathedral Stonemasonry Department, Neil Bywater, said: “When these stones completely fail, my job is to restore as much of the original fabric as possible. The idea is that we try to keep the cathedral as it is.

“The stones on this turret are quite worn but there is not much wrong with them, so by filling in holes and putting on protective coatings we can help it to last a lot longer.

“The biggest challenges that the building faces is time and weather, they undo most things.

“Another problem that we come across is well-intentioned work that’s been done in the past that’s then proved to not be as durable as was first thought.

“In certain places, iron work has been put in. Where it has rusted and been exposed to water it’s expanded and pushed things well out of line.”

Also see our tour from 2012 of the St Hugh turret