Lincolnshire – June 2021

Driving north-east from Kings Lynn, we motored into Lincolnshire.  The weather was NOT on our side for this journey – it was dull, grey, and misty with clouds of rain sweeping across the VERY flat fens.  As the weather lifted, we enjoyed the odd splash of colour as we passed fields of poppies – such a welcome boost in the otherwise unending shades of green in this fertile area. 

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A visit to Lincoln Cathedral was our main goal and we were not disappointed.  For those of you who have not visited Lincoln, imagine any one of the many impressive cathedrals this country boasts – but then multiply that splendour ten-fold!  The sheer size of this spectacular building is astonishing.  From its beginnings in 1072, it is rich in history, all of which I shall leave you to research if you’re interested.  We were lucky enough to attend Evensong – which took place in the choir stalls of St Hugh – listening to six excellent lay vicars singing (often in six parts!) – and pinching ourselves that we really were taking part in a service in one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world. 

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The cathedral is built high on a hill, alongside the castle.  Lincoln Castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1068 on a site that has been occupied since Roman times.  Again, the history is ‘heady stuff’ (including some beheadings!) and worth some research.  A walk around the medieval walls was informative as well as offering breath-taking views in all directions.  The Castle prison was set up with a ‘separate system’ which was an isolation regime to keep prisoners from ‘corrupting’ each other.  This included a daily visit to the chapel where prisoners sat in ‘separate’ divided seats.  Our tour guides divulged all sorts of stories over the continuous power struggles, as well as the clever building techniques of the 10ft thick walls. 

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The Castle and Cathedral areas can be approached by the famous ‘Steep Hill’ route, which is just what it says on the tin!  A very steep hill, lined with all manner of shops, boutiques and cafes.  The cafes do a roaring trade mostly from exhausted tourists who stop to catch their breath and have a drink! 

Snipe Dale Nature Reserve gave us a little insight into the Lincolnshire Wolds.  Wonderful to experience some hilly land again – and in this case, particularly wild and uncultivated land.  Cattle are used to encourage the wildlife – but otherwise, nature is left to its own devices.  We were amazed to find that we crossed the Greenwich Meridian – another little gem to add to our many memories of this trip.

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  Home tomorrow – and we’re already planning our next trip!   Watch this space. . .