New protective glazing could be fitted to four medieval windows in Lincoln Cathedral to protect the historic stained glass.
Special monitoring sensors will even be fitted to the windows to ensure the new glazing is set at exactly the right position to keep the medieval glass protected.
The project is planned for four of the lancet windows beneath the Bishop’s Eye which date from the 13th century.
The new scheme, if agreed by the cathedral’s Glazing Advisory Committee, will start early next year when the old glass is going to be removed for conservation.
New, specially made, protective glass will then be fitted to the window’s exterior recess before the conserved windows are rehung behind it on special brackets.
The new protective glazing will then shield the stained glass from the elements – particularly important in Lincoln because the cathedral is more exposed than most.
The project is likely to cost £550,000.
However the air flow and condensation between the sheets must be exactly right to prevent any damage to the medieval glass.
So sensors will be fitted between the two windows and the measurements automatically sent to a specialist company in Cambridge where they will be monitored for a year.
That will allow the works department to adjust the distance between the two windows to the exact millimetre needed.
It is only the second time the Cathedral will have protective glazing fitted in recent years.
In 2006 the Dean’s Eye had special protective glass fitted with the electronic monitoring only finishing last year.
Each of the four windows needs to be measured and monitored individually because they are all slightly different sizes so the entire project will take four years to complete.
“It is a long and very detailed process but it will ensure this priceless medieval glass is protected from the elements,” said works department manager Carol Heidschuster.
“Each window needs to be accurately assessed for humidity, air flow and temperature and monitored for a year so we can ensure the windows are placed at exactly the right distance from one another.
“Most visitors view the stained glass from the inside with the light travelling through it and we specially design the outer panels to ensure the lead work patterns match those on the inside.
“So visitors will still be able to enjoy the splendour of the windows while they are being protected.”
The first window the Lincoln Glazing Department will be conserving is the one damaged by a break-out in 2008 when an intruder used it to escape. The medallion depicted Moses in a biblical scene.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.