May 9, 2018 9.53 am This story is over 76 months old

Happy 926th birthday Lincoln Cathedral!

Once the tallest building in the world
Lincoln Cathedral viewed from the castle walls. | Photo: Emily Norton

Lincoln Cathedral was consecrated 926 years ago today.

The Twitter World Cup-winning building, which was once the tallest in the world, has sat as Lincoln’s crown since 1092.

Photo: Jason Paul Corrigan

Photo: Steve Smailes

It’s renowned as one go Europe’s most impressive Gothic structures, but it’s not always been plain sailing for the iconic attraction.

In 1124, Lincoln Cathedral was ravaged by a great fire. Then in 1185 an earthquake struck, partially destroying the building and leaving only the West Front, which can still be seen today.

Photo: Marc Freeman

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Inside Lincoln Cathedral

Photo: Emily Norton

It’s even appeared on the silver screen. The final scenes of The Da Vinci Code were filmed within the Chapter House in 2005, and in 2007, camera crews returned for The Young Victoria.

Photo: Marc Freeman

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The cathedral has been used throughout the years as a spectacular performance venue, hosting musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar and Jekyll and Hyde.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Students from the University of Lincoln and Bishop Grosseteste University have one of the most beautiful graduation settings in the county.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Jason Paul Corrigan

Photo: Steve Smailes

Today, the team at the cathedral are in the midst of a £16 million project to boost the attraction’s visitor offer. Lincoln Cathedral Connected comprises a new shop, cafe, learning centred conservation works.

Lincoln Cathedral owns one of only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta, signed in 1215. It now resides in the castle.

Photo: Emily Norton

It draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, many of whom take in the beauty of the building and marvel at city views from tours of the roof and tower.

The view from St Hugh’s turret at Lincoln Cathedral. Photo: File/The Lincolnite

Its beauty is impossible to contest, not even by the odd petition to “knock it down“.