May 18, 2012 10.13 am This story is over

On this week in Lincoln: First Bishop’s death

First bishop: This week, we take a look at Lincoln’s first Bishop of Lincoln and his significance.

— On this week in Lincoln is part of a new series, reflecting each week on different highlights throughout Lincoln’s history. This week, Josh Francis takes a look at a significant figure who helped shape the city.

This week in May commemorates the death of Lincoln’s first bishop, Remigius de Feschamp, who died in 1092.

Feschamp, a Benedictine monk, was originally the Bishop of Dorchester.

However in 1088, an order was passed to have the monks removed from large cities and fenced towns and William the Conquer (who Feschamp was big supporter of) moved him to Lincoln.

After being appointed the first official Bishop of Lincoln, Regimus was involved in creating roles such as the Dean of Lincoln and various other positions for what would soon be Lincoln Cathedral.

The cathedral itself was constructed of Lincolnshire oolitic limestone and was built-in the south-east corner, opposite the castle.

William had already built Lincoln Castle in the south-west corner of the old Roman city, then called Lindum Colonia. It was thought that William wanted to leave his mark on the country and create landmarks to assure safety against the threat of Vikings.

In addition to bestowing titles, during his four years as bishop he also helped to lay foundations for the new cathedral.

He died before the construction was completed, but he is buried in North Transept of the iconic structure (pictured).

In 1141, Lincoln Cathedral was damaged by a fire, and it was left to another Lincoln Bishop, Alexander the Magnificent, to rebuild the damage using advanced architecture techniques of the time.

Photo: Ealdgyth

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