Lincoln Cathedral, once described by writer John Ruskin as “worth any two other cathedrals we have”, is one of the finest surviving medieval cathedrals in northern Europe. It is also a centre of excellence renowned for its music, library and traditional craft skills and breathtaking architecture.

Work set to start

Lincoln Cathedral Connected, an ambitious programme of restoration and conservation work on the Romanesque frieze, Gallery of Kings and Exchequergate Arch, is ready to begin. Much-needed facilities such as an education suite and café will be created for the use of the local community and the many thousands of tourists who flock to the historic city every year.

[quote=Ros Kerslake, HLF Chief Executive]“Lincoln Cathedral is one of England’s finest surviving architectural examples of Norman power and dominance.”[/quote]

Ros Kerslake, HLF Chief Executive, said: “Lincoln Cathedral is one of England’s finest surviving architectural examples of Norman power and dominance. 

“We’re particularly supportive of a complementary programme of activities aimed at doubling current school visit numbers as well as drawing in a wider and more diverse range of visitors.”

Outdoor spaces opened up

Extensive landscaping to the west and north of the cathedral will create fresh outdoor spaces and the floodlighting will be updated.

The Dean of Lincoln, the Very Revd Christine Wilson, said: “Today’s announcement represents a huge amount of incredibly hard work by staff and volunteers. The legacy will be a cathedral that will continue to thrive as a place of excellent worship, and of awe and wonder for visitors from around the world.”

New opportunities

Lincoln Cathedral Connected will allow visitors unprecedented access to the cathedral's collections of archaeological artefacts, treasures, manuscripts and sculpture. It will create a number of new jobs and is anticipated to attract 125,000 more visitors a year, bringing in an additional profit of £500,000 to the cathedral alone.  

This builds on the momentum generated by neighbouring Lincoln Castle Revealed, also supported by HLF.