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A SKETCH, 
 
 
 ILLUSTRATIVE 
 
 MINSTER AND ANTIQUITIES 
 
 CITY OF LINCOLN. 
 
 LINCOLN : PRINTED FOR E. B. DRURlf, 
 SIMPKIN AND MARSHALL, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON. 
 
 1835, 
 
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 b 
 
 5£5 
 
 
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HISTORICAL SKETCH OF LINCOLN. 
 
 — oo — 
 
 Plan of Old Lindum. 
 
 CHAP. I. 
 
 LINCOLN under the ancient Britons, — and the 
 Romans, by the name of Lindum — Foundation of 
 the Cathedral, §*<?. 
 
 The City of Lincoln is a place of ancient 
 date, and formerly was one of the chief towns in 
 Britain for merchandise and wealth. Its early 
 history, like that of most places, is involved in 
 obscurity and fable in which it is not our province 
 
to interest the reader; the design of this little 
 pamphlet being to guide the stranger to the existing 
 objects of antiquity in Lincoln. Nevertheless, 
 the faint outlines of former times must not be 
 wholly disregarded, otherwise the beautiful rem- 
 nants of antiquity to be viewed in Lincoln, will 
 lose much of their value as objects of investigation ; 
 and a slight summary of the remote history of the 
 place will therefore be attempted. 
 
 In the time of the early Britons, the elevated 
 position of Lincoln, must have invited occupation, 
 as being well suited for defence, and protected 
 from surprise. Thick forests undoubtedly extended 
 in every direction, spreading a barrier between 
 stations of commanding] elevation ; the hill which 
 Lincoln occupies, governs a circle of vast extent, 
 and is seen almost on every point, a distance of 
 thirty or forty miles. It would therefore offer 
 great advantages to a people in the most primitive 
 state as a defensive position. 
 
 The first remarkable fact in its history which 
 presents itself is the period of the Roman dominion, 
 when Lincoln was occupied by that people as a 
 military station ; differing in some local particulars 
 
however from the old British town, which existed 
 before the Roman conquest, and which appears to 
 have stood on the summit-level of the hill, beyond 
 the North arch in Newport. There are some 
 traces of this aboriginal town still discernible in 
 the form of artificial mounds of earth, ditches, in 
 the peculiar figure of small plots of ground, and 
 by shaped stones used in the walled inclosures of 
 the adjacent fields. 
 
 The Roman Lindum may still be completely 
 defined. Its walls were erected in the form of a 
 parallelogram; the city was divided into four 
 unequal parts by two streets that crossed each other 
 at right angles. 
 
 The Gate in Hermin-street was the principal 
 entrance on the north. Time has scarcely left 
 any trace of the other gates, but has spared a 
 fragment of this ' noblest remnant of the kind in 
 Britain,' as it was styled by Dr. Stukely. 
 
 The wall on the north side of the town extended 
 about 1300 feet in length; the south wall ran 
 parallel with it to a similar extent, inclosing an 
 area of 1300 feet by 1200. 
 
6 
 
 On examining the outline of the Roman city, it 
 will be seen that it was of small extent compared 
 with the present town; but being very closely 
 built upon, and thickly inhabited, it was a city 
 of great importance. The situation of this town 
 not being convenient for trade, the Roman occu- 
 piers made long suburbs to it, extending down the 
 slope of the hill towards the south ; this so con- 
 tributed to the prosperity of the place, that 
 eventually under the Danes it was of such con- 
 sequence as to become one of those cities de- 
 nominated Fifburghs, whose inhabitants having 
 intermarried with the invaders, were allowed 
 peculiar privileges : and at a late date, when the 
 Normans prevailed, we are told that William the 
 conqueror destroyed 240 mansions to allow room 
 for the erection of his Castle. This structure 
 occupies a fourth part of the parallelogram, a 
 miniature sketch of which heads this chapter. 
 
 The first authentic record of the introduction of 
 Christianity into Britain, fixes the date of that 
 blessed visitation in the sixth century. St. 
 Augustine was the first who preached in the 
 province of Lindsey : to him also is ascribed the 
 holy work of converting Blecca, then governor of 
 
Lincoln, who built a curious church as the first 
 fruits of the newly-sown faith. 
 
 This church is identified to have stood on the 
 site of the present St. Paul's church, and the 
 imagination of the sagacious and keen antiquary- 
 may probably exercise itself in discovering here 
 and there in the walls or in the pavement, a part 
 of the original material of Blecca's religious edifice. 
 
 About 1066 when William the Conqurer as- 
 cended the throne, it was declared in synod, that 
 bishoprics should be removed to the chief towns 
 in their diocese : and Lincoln then became a 
 bishop's see. Previous to this synodal decree, 
 many of the sees were situated in villages and 
 small towns. Remigius de Fescamp, one of 
 William's followers, as the first bishop of Lincoln, 
 removed hither from Dorchester, in Oxfordshire ; 
 and immediately after began the foundation of a 
 cathedral, which he completed in four years, but 
 did not live to see consecrated. 
 
 He purchased several houses and the lands 
 belonging, in the highest part of the city, and 
 erected thereon a structure which ultimately arrived 
 
8 
 
 at the grandeur and stateliness that now claim 
 the admiration of all spectators. — On the brow of 
 the hill, where the Bishop's palace stands, there is 
 still remaining a part of the city-wall prior to the 
 erection of the cathedral. — Remigius w r as singularly 
 fortunate in the site of his building ; — its position 
 is admirably described by the poet Southey, on 
 his first beholding Lincoln cathedral rising above 
 the town in all the venerable majesty so suitable 
 to its destination as a religious edifice. The poet 
 writes under the character of Don Esprella, a 
 Spaniard travelling in England, and describes the 
 scenery on his approach by the Gainsborough 
 road from Dunham Ferry. 
 
 "We now entered upon a marsh, and once 
 more beheld the cathedral upon its height, two 
 leagues distant. This magnificent building stands 
 at the end of a long and high hill, above the city. 
 To the north there are nine windmills in a row. 
 It has three towers, the two smaller ones topped 
 with the smallest spires I have ever seen ; — they 
 w r ere beautiful in the distance — yet we doubted 
 whether they ought to have been there, and in fact 
 they are of modern addition, and not of stone, so 
 that on a nearer view they disgrace and disfigure 
 
the edifice. Imagine this seen over a wide plain, 
 this is the only object, — than which the power of 
 man can produce no finer. The nearer we ap- 
 proached, the more dreary was the country — it 
 was one w r ide fen; — the more beautiful the city, 
 and the more majestic the cathedral : never was 
 an edifice more happily placed ; it overtops a city 
 built on the acclivity of a steep hill, its houses 
 intermingled with gardens and orchards. To see 
 it in full perfection it should be in the red sunshine 
 of an autumnal evening when the red roofs, and 
 red brick houses, would harmonize with the sky, 
 and with the fading foliage." 
 
 The structure as built by Remigius, was almost 
 wholly burnt down in the year 1124, when 
 Alexander de Blois was bishop, by whom it was 
 rebuilt on a larger scale, and arched over with 
 stone to prevent a similar accident. — Alexander, 
 the bishop, was a great promoter of architecture, 
 and erected several castles, amongst which was 
 that at Sleaford ; but these proved his ruin by 
 exciting the jealousy of the king (Stephen,) who 
 imprisoned Alexander, and seized upon his castel- 
 
10 
 
 lated edifices. — When liberated he directed all his 
 attention and wealth to his episcopal church, which 
 he so far improved and beautified that it became 
 the finest cathedral in England. 
 
 The cathedral was further enlarged by the pious 
 St. Hugh, who added to it that beautiful edifice 
 the chapter house. He left the cathedral at his 
 death very much in its present state as far as 
 regards external appearance; excepting the later 
 works at the East End, and the upper parts of the 
 great tower; also a few chapels not conspicuous 
 enough even to interfere with the regular plan of 
 the building, which were built by one or two sub- 
 sequent bishops for the deposit of their own corpses, 
 and the performance of masses for their souls. 
 
 The following Extracts are transcribed from the 
 ninth vol. of the Archaeologia, and appear to have 
 been derived from the archives of the cathedral ; 
 with it we shall conclude our historical notices of 
 the building, and confine our succeeding remarks 
 to what is observable and worth observing on 
 personal inspection. 
 
11 
 
 Extracts from the Archaeologia. — 
 
 " A. D. 1 124. The church was burnt down. — 
 Bishop Alexander in the historical accounts given 
 to the public, is said to have rebuilt it with an 
 arched roof, for the prevention of the like accident. 
 But John de Scalby, canon of Lincoln, and 
 bishop D' Alderby's register and secretary, says 
 of Robert de Chesney (who succeeded Alexander) 
 that he " primus Ecclesiam voltis lapidies com- 
 munivit 1147." 
 
 " A. D. 1186. John de Scalby says of Hugh, 
 the Burgundian, Bishop of Lincoln, that he 
 "fabricanae ecclesiae a fundamentis construxit 
 novam." This can relate only to alterations and 
 repairs of the old church ; for the new east end 
 was not begun to be built till one hundred and 
 twenty years after." 
 
 "A, D. 1244—5. The great tower fell down, 
 and greatly damaged the church. Very little was 
 done to repair this disaster, till the time of Oliver 
 Sutton, elected bishop 1279. The first thing that 
 he set about was extending the Close wall, but not 
 so far to the east as it now is, for it was as will be 
 
12 
 
 seen, further enlarged ; and he afterwards com- 
 pletely repaired, in concurrence with the dean and 
 chapter, the old church; so that the whole was 
 finished, painted, and white washed, after the year 
 1290. When this work was done, the great tower 
 was carried up no higher than to the part where 
 the bells now hang. The upper part was, with the 
 other new work, begun sixteen years after." 
 
 "A. D. 1306. The dean and chapter contracted 
 with Richard de Stow, mason, to attend to, and 
 employ other masons under him, for the new work ; 
 at which time the new additional east end, as well 
 as the upper parts of the great tower and the 
 transepts were done. He contracted to do the 
 plain work by measure, and the fine carved work 
 and images by the day." 
 
 "A. D. 1313. The dean and chapter carried 
 the Close still further eastward, so as to enlarge the 
 canons' houses and mansions, the chancellery, and 
 other houses at the east end of the minster yard." 
 
 "A. D. 1321. In this year the new work was 
 not finished, for bishop Burghwash, finding that 
 those who were entrusted to collect the money 
 
13 
 
 given by voluntary contribution, and legacies to 
 the church, detained the same, and were backward 
 in their payments, published an excommunication 
 against all offenders in this way, which tended in 
 retardionem fabricae." 
 
 "A. D. 1324. It may be collected, the whole 
 was finished about 1324; but this is no where 
 specified. — The late bishop of Carlisle, Doctor 
 Littleton, conjectured that all was finished, about 
 1283. Conjecturers are led into this mistake, by 
 supposing that the work was finished soon after 
 King Henry Ill's charter was granted for enlarging 
 the church and close." 
 
 A. D. 1380. John Welburn was treasurer. 
 He built the tabernacle at the high altar, the 
 north and east parts are now standing; and the 
 south was rebuilt after, to make the north and 
 south sides uniform. He was master of the fabric, 
 and the principal promoter of making the two 
 stone arches under the west towers, and the 
 vault of the high tower ; and caused the statues 
 of the kings over the west great door to be 
 placed there." 
 
14 
 
 "N. B. This new work is all of the regular 
 order of Gothic architecture, as I have supposed 
 it to be finally established by the free masons. 
 The rest of the church is in part the opus romanum, 
 and partly of the style of the first essays of the 
 Gothic." — Communicated by Mr. Bradley to 
 governor Pownall. 
 
15 
 
 Ichnographic Plan of the Cathedral 
 
 CHAP. II. 
 
 SURVEY OF LINCOLN CATHEDRAL. 
 
 The ground plan of the cathedral is in the form 
 of a double cross; almost all the old churches 
 were built to agree with that religious emblem in 
 one shape or another. By the above outline it 
 will be seen that the cathedral is composed of a 
 nave and its aisles ; one transept at the west end, 
 and two transepts at the east end, one of which is 
 near the centre : there are also a choir r.nd chancel 
 
16 
 
 with their aisles, corresponding in height and 
 width with the nave and its aisles. 
 
 The great centre transept has an aisle towards 
 the east, opposite to which in the south arm, is a 
 grand porch, or gallilee, as it is termed in archi- 
 tecture. — At the northern extremity of the eastern 
 transept is a communication leading by the 
 cloisters to the library. 
 
 The Church is ornamented with three towers ; 
 one at the centre and two at the west end ; these 
 being lofty and proportionable to the size of the 
 building, communicate to it that sublime effect for 
 which it stands pree-minent over all other religious 
 buildings in England, Salisbury Cathedral perhaps 
 alone excepted : the towers are profusely decorated 
 with varied tracery, pillars, pilasters, windows and 
 carvings ; and abound with ornaments elaborately 
 and exquisitely executed. 
 
 The dimensions of a noble building being often 
 a matter of curiosity and dispute, the following 
 statement is given from the measurement of the 
 late Mr. Espin, of Louth, who was highly dis- 
 tinguished as a draughtsman and antiquarian. 
 
17 
 DIMENSIONS OF THE CATHEDRAL. 
 
 " The elevation of the two western towers, one 
 hundred and eighty feet. Previous to the year 
 1808, each of these was surmounted by a central 
 spire of timber, covered with lead, the height of 
 which was one hundred and one feet. The great 
 or rood tower, in the middle of the church, from 
 the top of the corner pinnacle to the ground, is 
 three hundred feet; its width is fifty-three feet. 
 Exterior length of the church, with its buttresses, 
 iive hundred and twenty-four feet ; interior length, 
 four hundred and eighty-two feet ; width of the 
 western front, one hundred and seventy-four feet; 
 exterior length of the great transept, two hundred 
 and twenty-two feet ; the width is sixty-six feet. 
 The lesser or eastern transept, is one hundred and 
 seventy feet in length, and forty-four in width, 
 including the side chapels. — Width of the cathedral, 
 eighty-two feet ; height of the vaulting of the nave, 
 eighty feet. The chapter house is a decagon, and 
 measures, interior diameter, sixty feet, six inches. 
 The cloisters measure one hundred and eighteen 
 feet on the north and south sides, and ninety-one 
 feet on the eastern and western sides." 
 
18 
 
 The grand western front is the part in which 
 the greatest variety, and at the same time confusion 
 of style prevail ; but so admirable is the union of 
 the separate works that it is only the more interesting 
 to the scientific observer who refers the different 
 works to their respective dates; in elucidating 
 which the foregoing extracts will prove useful. 
 
 We shall endeavour to point out the separate 
 parts of this front, which belongs at least to three 
 distinct eras. — This portion of the fabric consists 
 of a large fagade decorated with door-ways, 
 windows, arcades, niches, and statues. It has a 
 pediment in the centre, and two octangular stair- 
 case turrets at the extreme angles, surmounted by 
 plain spire-shaped pinnacles. The three door- 
 ways are of most elegant architecture ; the arches 
 semicircular, with architrave mouldings highly 
 ornamented. On each side of the two small doors 
 is a large niche under a semicircular arch, above 
 which are ancient emblematical sculptures in 
 relief. — There are similar niches on the north and 
 south, which before the last additions to this 
 western front were exposed to view, but are now 
 hidden from the outward view by the two chapels 
 called Great Tom, on the north, and Hugh on the 
 
19 
 
 south, in the interior of which these niches may 
 be seen. — Over the great door-way are some 
 statues of kings under canopies : above them is 
 the large western window with mullions and 
 tracery; a circular window with mullions and 
 tracery is seen above this, both surmounted by an 
 elegant pointed arch, and on each side of this the 
 flat wall is ornamented with a sort of trellis work 
 or shaped tracery. The two smaller doorways, 
 north and south, are surmounted by pointed 
 windows over which are very rude circular arches, 
 a part no doubt of the original structure. 
 
 Of these different and distinct parts, it may be 
 noticed generally, that such as are composed of 
 the soft and decaying stone, may be inferred to be 
 the remnant of Remigius's building ; for the 
 workers in stone in those days being Normans, 
 were accustomed to the soft materials of their own 
 country, and preferred it to the more durable but 
 more difficult stone used in the later works by 
 Alexander and St. Hugh.* 
 
 * The great oolite at Lincoln has a soft surface when fresh from the 
 quarry, its colour is mellow light buff, figured occasionally with remnants 
 of the encrinus and other antidiluvian fragments ; after seasoning this 
 stone becomes hard and retains exquisite smoothness. 
 
20 
 
 Directing the spectator to the eastern centre 
 transept, he will there discern that its architecture, 
 and that of the choir, are in the sharp-pointed or 
 early English style ; very irregular in point of 
 design but all very light and chaste. The vaulting 
 is generally simple ; a double row of arcades, one 
 placed before the other, is continued round 
 beneath the lower tier of windows, which, together 
 with the vaulting is the work executed by St. 
 Hugh. The transept, gallilee porch, and vestry 
 opposite, are in the same style of architecture, 
 but seemingly of later date. — The gallilee porch 
 was apparently the entrance from the Palace of 
 the bishops, at the time when they resided for a 
 considerable part of the year at Lincoln. 
 
 Some conjectures have been made with respect 
 to the intention of the gallilee porch, and it is 
 said to have been appropriated to probationary 
 excommunicants previous to their being re-admitted 
 into the communion of the faithful. The gateway 
 is wide and spacious, and would admit a large 
 crowd of sinners. — In the Parish church of Bing- 
 ham, Notts., there are certain holes of different 
 dimensions in the outer wall, through which 
 penitents were obliged to crawl into the " com- 
 
21 
 
 munion of the faithful." There is a pleasant 
 anecdote told of the present Archbishop of York, 
 who on visiting Bingham church had these holes 
 pointed out to him by the late Mr. Baxter, of that 
 place. His Grace, alluding to his own portly person 
 jocosely remarked that it was fortunate for him 
 that he had not lived in former days to affront the 
 priest of Bingham, as the narrowness of all the 
 holes would have been an insurmountable obstacle 
 to his being relieved from pains of excommuni- 
 cation ! Mr. Baxter drily remarked, that his Grace 
 seemed to forget that fasting was a part of the 
 penance. 
 
 The style of the great central tower is that of 
 the reign of King John, or Henry III. It seems 
 to have been carried on from the west, as the two 
 arches next that end are narrower than the others ; 
 perhaps they stand on the old bases. The clustered 
 pillars of the nave built partly of stone and partly 
 of Purbeck marble, are not uniform, some being 
 worked solid, and others having detached shafts; 
 the upper windows are clustered three together, 
 and two are included within each arch of the 
 aisles. The lower part of the north wall is plainer 
 than the south, whence it may be concluded that 
 
22 
 
 this was built first. — Part of the great tower was 
 erected by bishop Grosthead, who also finished 
 the additions which had been begun to the old 
 west front ; for there is the same fascia or moulding 
 under the uppermost story as is continued twice 
 round the rood tower, and altered to its present 
 form. The part consisting of five arches extending 
 from the smaller transept to the east end was 
 probably built by Gravesend,Sutton,and D'Alderby , 
 about the conclusion of the thirteenth or com- 
 mencement of the fourteenth century, and is 
 decidedly the most elegant specimen of the gothic 
 architecture throughout the building; next to 
 which the lofty and elegant arches and groined 
 ceiling of the Nave command the attention and 
 admiration of the beholder. — Over the south porch, 
 which is highly ornamented, is a representation of 
 the final judgement in bold relief, much injured 
 by the injudicious zeal of the early reformers or 
 perhaps in the time of Cromwell. The lower 
 windows have slender clustered pillars, with 
 capitols; and the heads are ornamented with 
 circles, cinque foils, and other devices; but the 
 large east window does not correspond in richness 
 with the other component parts. The upper 
 windows have double mullions, and a gallery 
 
23 
 
 runs between the upper and lower tier. Bishop 
 D'Alderby built the upper story of the rood tower, 
 and added a lofty spire ; which was constructed of 
 timber and covered with lead. This was blown 
 down in a violent storm of wind, A. D. 1547; 
 and the damages then sustained were not wholly 
 repaired till the year 1775. 
 
 The two towers in the west front, the lower 
 parts of which are of the Norman style of archi- 
 tecture, were probably raised in the reign of 
 Edward III. There were two wooden spires 
 covered with lead on these towers, which stood for 
 above 400 years before they were found out to be 
 against the rules of taste, and accordingly in 
 compliance with the dictates of taste, they were 
 pulled down in 1807-8. It has been alleged that 
 they were removed in consequence of being in an 
 insecure state, but whether that was the fact or 
 not, with relation to the spires, the towers appear 
 to have suffered considerably by the removal of 
 the pressure on their summit, which probably 
 acted like a coping weight, and also served as a 
 slant to heavy gusts of wind. 
 
 These spires might be anomalous, in regard to 
 true architectural design, but certainly could not 
 
24 
 
 be unsuitable in a structure which is usually so 
 adorned, and favors an elevated termination — 
 "small by degrees and beautifully less," — as is 
 exemplified by Strasburg and the copper-pinnacled 
 spires of the famous ecclesiastical edifices of 
 Germany and the Netherlands. 
 
 The Cathedrals of Lincoln and York have often 
 been brought into comparison with each other, 
 and the opinion of so eminent a man as the Earl 
 of Burlington may be allowed to have its due 
 weight in deciding the matter. That nobleman 
 gave his opinion in favour of Lincoln Cathedral, 
 and preferred the west front to any thing of the 
 kind in Europe; observing "that whoever had the 
 conducting of it, was well acquainted with the 
 noblest buildings of old Rome, and had united some 
 of their greatest beauties in that very work." 
 
 >!©l®l<s 
 
25 
 
 CHAP. III. 
 
 MONUMENTS. 
 
 In 1782, the floor of the cathedral was newly 
 paved, which, occasioning a great change in the 
 state of inscribed stones, and other alterations 
 being made, totally disarranged many of the 
 principal tombs. In the choir were formerly four 
 monuments, one of which is said to have belonged 
 c 
 
26 
 
 to Remigius, the first bishop. Remigius who 
 began to build this church, and his successor 
 Bloet, who finished it, had contiguous monuments, 
 or, as Browne Willis calls them, chapels, on the 
 north side of the choir. It is probable, that the 
 monuments ascribed to both, were erected over 
 their remains when the old choir was rebuilt by 
 bishop Alexander, in the reigns of Henry I. and 
 Stephen. The present situation of the monuments 
 is on the north side near the altar ; and over each 
 is a canopy of Gothic arches, of very elegant 
 productions : the armed figures in front of Bloet's 
 are conjectured to denote the soldiers guarding 
 the holy sepulchre. Bishop Bloet was not buried 
 in this monument which bears his name, but died 
 suddenly while riding with King Henry T. at 
 Woodstock, and was buried at a monastery of 
 his own building in Eynsham. 
 
 LADY CATHARINE SWINFORD'S & THE 
 COUNTESS OF WESTMORELAND. 
 
 The two tombs under a rich canopy on the 
 south side of the altar, and exactly opposite 
 the monuments of Bloet and Remigius, contain 
 the ashes of Lady Catherine Swinford, # wife of 
 
 * Sister to the Poet Chaucer. 
 
27 
 
 prince Henry, Duke of Lancaster, and the 
 Countess of Westmoreland, her daughter: the 
 inscriptions and escutcheons of both are so muti- 
 lated that they are illegible. — The tester, or arch, 
 is modern : probably put up in Charles lid's time, 
 as there appear the cantaluses which are introduced 
 by Inigo Jones in Covent-garden church. It was 
 probably defaced in the Civil Wars, and repaired 
 at the restoration, after the stalls were re-fitted up, 
 which was in 1660. 
 
 LITTLE ST. HUGH. 
 
 In the south aisle behind the choir is a stone 
 projection in the form of a seat with ledges, 
 usually pointed out to the visitor as the shrine of 
 " little St. Hugh ;" and is considered by anti- 
 quarians to be actually the shrine of the child of 
 that name who was said to be crucified by. the 
 Jews, a lie usually propagated when it was con- 
 venient to extract from that unfortunate race the 
 wealth which their industry had accumulated. 
 When the floor was repaved in 1791, under the 
 pedestal of this shrine, was discovered a stone 
 coffin, which contained the skeleton of a young 
 child ; corresponding in every respect with the 
 
28 
 
 traditions handed down since the year 1255, when 
 the despicable slander is recorded to have been 
 promulgated by the greedy plunderers of a de- 
 fenceless tribe of traders. 
 
 ST. KATHERINE'S, OR BISHOP LONG- 
 LAND'S CHAPEL. 
 
 Eastward of the shrine of little St. Hugh, in 
 the same aisle and near the great south door, is 
 Bishop Longland's chapel, with an altar-tomb, 
 under an arched canopy of curious workmanship, 
 decorated with his arms. He died at Woburn, 
 and was buried in the chapel of Eton college ; and 
 after his death the chapel was dedicated to St. 
 Katherine. Above the chapel is a painted window 
 with the names of the chancellors wrote thereon, 
 which was done at the expense of Chancellor 
 Reynolds. It is called the " Chancellors Window." 
 
 ST. BLAZE'S, OR BISHOP RUSSELL'S 
 CHAPEL. 
 
 This edifice is on the east, as Longland's is on 
 the west, side of the great south door. In a tomb 
 beneath a rich canopy the bishop lies interred* 
 
29 
 
 The chapel contains several good monumental 
 tablets, which, ill according with the original style 
 of the fabric, were removed hither from other parts 
 of the church. 1. The Rev. John Gordon, 
 precentor and archdeacon, died, 1793. — 2. Samuel 
 Fuller, of St. John's college, adorned with his bust, 
 in full canonicals, and a fine wig. — 3. Elizabeth 
 Halton, daughter of the noted Sir. Wm. Scroggs. — 
 4. Elizabeth York, wife of William York, esq., of 
 Lessingham. — 5. Rev. Henry Best, a prebend and 
 justice of the peace. — 6. Mary wife of George Fitz- 
 william, esq., of Mablethorpe. — 7. Aime, daughter 
 of Sir Nicholas Cur wen ; and besides these a 
 number of flat stones on the floor, recording 
 epitaphs, though excepting the above they are 
 nearly illegible. 
 
 CHAPEL OF ST. NICHOLAS. 
 
 Under the lesser east window, on the south, are 
 the remains of two magnificent monuments, which 
 formed part of a small chantry, founded by Lady 
 Joan de Cantalupe, and dedicated to St. Nicholas. 
 — On the tomb nearest the window under a lofty 
 pinnacled canopy, is the effigy of Lord Cantalupe 
 in a coat of mail, but woefully mutilated. The 
 
30 
 
 other monument, at the head of Lord Cantalupes,, 
 bears the statue of a canon in his robes, and is for 
 Canon Wymbish. — Both sepulchres are in fine 
 gothic style, highly decorated, and are very in- 
 teresting pieces of antiquity. Near them is a flat 
 stone with the brasses gone., to the memory of Lady 
 Joan Cantalupe. 
 
 TOMB OF LORD WELLS. 
 
 On the north side of the great east window is a 
 large monument, the canopy of which is destroyed, 
 though the supporters of it still remain. The 
 tomb has no effigy, but is covered with two flat 
 blue slabs, one of which seems reversed. The 
 north front of this monument contains some fine 
 figures in bold relief, standing in pairs, male and 
 female, under five arches. This erection is con- 
 jectured to be the tomb of John Lord Wells, who 
 died 1361. 
 
 BISHOP BURGHERSH. 
 
 Contiguous to Lord Well's tomb is that of 
 Bishop Burghersh, a beautiful work, much re- 
 sembling Wells's; on the front, as in the other* 
 
31 
 
 are five niches, which contain each two figures in 
 a sitting posture, with a desk between them. 
 
 THE SHRINE OF ST. HUGH, OR 
 CONFESSIONAL. 
 
 Adjoining and at the head of Burghersh's 
 monument, is a square pedestal, supposed to be 
 the shrine of St. Hugh, the Burgundian ; and 
 this though doubted by some, is partly confirmed 
 by the stones in the front being hollowed and 
 worn away by the devotion of pilgrims and 
 devotees. It is singular that this pillar, or pedestal, 
 should be hollow, and also that St. Hugh's tomb 
 should be described as being an elegant pinnacled 
 shrine, of a pyramidical form ; the pinnacled part 
 is now wanting, and the summit where it was 
 placed, discloses part of a cavity which probably 
 was adapted to some holy jugglery of miracles 
 to be wrought at the saints tomb. 
 
 In the vicinity of Bishop Burghersh's tomb are 
 monumental flat slabs, inscribed with the names 
 of the Rt. Hon. Earl of Deloraine, 1739, aged 
 33 years; and William Earl of Dunmore, 1756, 
 61 years. The arms are in bold relief and very 
 perfect. 
 
32 
 
 Lord Burghershs lies opposite his brother the 
 bishop, in the north wall. His figure is of 
 freestone, in armour, reposing under a canopy ; 
 the head rests on a helmet, and at the feet is a lion ; 
 at both head and feet, are figures of angels sup- 
 porting a shield, charged with a lion having two 
 tails, an emblem which is also borne on the 
 escutcheons of the bishop. — The six niches in front, 
 formerly contained twelve figures similar to those 
 that decorate the tomb of Lord Wells, but they 
 are gone, and their coats of arms only remain. 
 
 TRINITY, OR FLEMING'S CHAPEL. 
 
 East of the north door is a curious little chapel 
 founded by Bishop Fleming, dedicated to the 
 Holy Trinity. The tomb of the bishop is rather 
 singular. — On the one side fronting the chapel his 
 effigy is placed, dressed in full pontificals ; on the 
 other side which is towards the cathedral is another 
 statue representing the human form exhausted to 
 a skeleton : to which state it is asserted the bishop 
 was reduced, in his attempt to emulate our Saviour s 
 fasting forty days and nights, of which attempt it 
 is said he died. — It is more probable that the two 
 
33 
 
 statues were placed there merely as mementos of 
 the change that our mortality is subject to. 
 
 Inside the chapel are several monuments, which 
 for the same reason is stated at page 25, were re- 
 moved from other parts of the church ; one is 
 particularly elegant in design, and especially in 
 the inscription it bears, pourtraying the greatest 
 perfection of the female character : 
 
 Here is Entombed, 
 
 Dame Harriet, Daughter of Lieut. -General Churchill, 
 
 Wife in her first marriage to Sir Everard Fawkener, Knt. 
 
 In her second to Governor Pownall, 
 
 She died Feb. 6, 1777, aged 51. 
 
 Her person was that of animated animating beauty, 
 
 With a complexion of the most exquisite brilliancy, 
 
 Unfaded when she fell. 
 
 Her understanding was of such quickness and reach of thought, 
 
 That her knowledge, although she had learning, 
 
 Was instant and original : 
 
 Her heart, warmed with universal benevolence 
 
 To the highest degree of sensibility, 
 
 Had a ready tear for pity j 
 
 And glowed with friendship as with a sacred and inviolate fire ; 
 
 Her love, to those who were blest with it, 
 
 Was happiness j 
 
 Her sentiments were correct, refined, elevated, 
 
 Her manners so cheerful, elegant, and winning — amiable 
 
 That while she was admired she was beloved, 
 
 And while she enlightened and enlivened, 
 
 She was the delight of the world in which she lived j 
 
34 
 
 She was formed for life, 
 She was prepared for death ; 
 Which u being a gentle wafting to immortality, " 
 She lives 
 Where life is real. 
 
 The monument is an elegant sarcophagus, of 
 white marble. Besides this, there are monumental 
 inscriptions to — 1. John Inott, D. D. Chanter of 
 the cathedral, with his family. — 2. A superb mural 
 tablet to Elizabeth, wife of Gervas Scroope, of 
 Cockerington. — 3. Thomas Terry, L. L. D. Rector 
 of Leadenham, and Vicar of Wellingore. 
 
 In the middle of the chancel, opposite the great 
 east window, are four monumental tables of 
 marble. The first on the north bears a fine slab 
 of black marble placed on four small pillars of 
 veined marble, bearing a latin inscription by 
 Bishop Fuller, who erected it over the grave of 
 the good St. Hugh. The learned may gratify 
 their curiosity by perusing the original, but as our 
 humble labours are to assist every description of 
 visitors, we shall be excused for attempting the 
 following translation : 
 
 Were there no fear of second sacrilege 
 
 Gold, not marble, should cover these ashes ; 
 
 We cannot but regret 
 
35 
 
 That what were once enshrin'd in silver 
 
 Should now, 
 
 As best agreeing with a degenerate age, 
 
 Be only cas'd with stone ! 
 
 Of the pious Hugh this is the humble memorial, erected by one 
 
 who also remembered to build his own tomb. 
 
 The second monument is for Bishop Fuller, 
 whose pious labours restored so many ruined 
 tombs of other persons, and who, while thus 
 occupied, (as is observed in his inscription on St. 
 Hugh's,) was mindful of his own death. We here 
 again subjoin a translation of the epitaph : 
 
 In a vault beneath this stone, lie the remains of William Fuller ; who 
 from a remote part of Ireland, was translated to this Prelacy, in the 
 year 1667, being the 67th bishop,* and also in the 67th year of his age. 
 He died on the 9th of May, 1675, if possible with more serenity than he 
 had lived. He was as active in the state as in the church. Sometime 
 before his decease, so mindful was he of death, that those monuments 
 which the former pious age had raised to the memory of those bishop?, 
 founders of this church, and which the unprincipled of the present, had 
 so shamefully destroyed, he rebuilt, in a manner not less costly than his 
 own ; and was intent on repairing many more, when death called him 
 away. Passenger imitate him whom thou must one day follow. 
 
 * This is a mistake, he being only the 47th bishop from Remigius ; if 
 he meant from the first institutionby Birinius, be was then the 89th bishop. 
 
36 
 
 The other monuments which are of elegant 
 materials and shape, preserve the memory of 
 Bishop Gardiner, and his son the Subdean. 
 
 Near the screen of the altar are the graves of 
 Dean Samuel Fuller, Dean Brevint, Moses Terry, 
 Prebendary Welfit, and Michael Honey wood a 
 Dean of Lincoln, who was a grandchild, and one of 
 the 367 persons that Mary the wife of Robert 
 Honeywood, Esq., did see before she died, law- 
 fully descended from her ; that is 16 of her own 
 body, 114 grandchildren, 228 of the third gene- 
 ration, and 9 of the fourth. 
 
 A little to the north of Bishop Burghersh's 
 tomb in the pavement are a few memorial slabs 
 worth recording, which bear the name of Lady 
 Katherine Knolles, daughter of Charles, Earl of 
 Banbury, by his wife, daughter of Michael Lister, 
 Esq., of Burwell. — Also, the Rt. Hon. Mary, 
 Countess of Deloraine, wife of Francis, Earl of 
 Deloraine, before mentioned. — Another flag records 
 the decease of the Rev. Sir Richard Kaye, 1809. 
 
 In the transept of the north aisle of the choir, 
 (which is usually called the Deans Aisle,) are 
 
37 
 
 painted in fresco, as large as life, the figures of 
 the first four bishops, done by Damini, a Venetian 
 artist, in 1 728. 
 
 Opposite this display of pictorial art is a small 
 chapel, called St. Mary's Chapel, in which is a 
 fine mural monument to Michael Honeywood and 
 his wife. 
 
 UMFRAVILLE'S CHAPEL. 
 
 It is situated in the south-east of the great tran- 
 sept, opposite the gallilee entrance ; there rest the 
 remains of John Pretyman, archdeacon and pre- 
 centor, who died 1817; and also a series of digni- 
 taries of the church from the earliest times. There 
 is also an ancient monument in the wall, with a 
 canopy, but no effigies. The tomb is covered with 
 a flat stone, on which two figures are hollowed 
 out, but there are no inscriptions or brasses. A 
 flat stone in front of the monument records the 
 name of Taylboys. 
 
 In this chapel (formerly three chapels) the 
 courts and visitations of the Dean and Chapter 
 are held. — The chapel nearest the choir, is called 
 
 D 
 
38 
 
 Remigius' Chapel, and was formerly used by the 
 four chantry priests who there offered up prayers 
 for the benefactors to the fabric. The inscription 
 over the door, " Oremus pro benefactoribus hujus 
 Ecclesiae" shews the purposes of its dedication, 
 and their memory was to be further perpetuated 
 by the (now headless) effigies remaining by the sides 
 of the entrance door. — The priests inhabited the 
 house called the Work's Chantry House, situated 
 to the west of, and adjoining to, the Deanery. 
 This old house was taken down in 1828, and its 
 removal opened the area on the north-west of the 
 cathedral, opposite to James-street. 
 
 In the centre of the east end, between the 
 monuments of Bishop Burghersh and Lord Can- 
 talupe, was a chantry called our Lady's Chapel, 
 founded by Edward I. ; wherein the bowels of his 
 queen Eleanor were interred, beneath a cenotaph 
 with the figure of a queen reposing thereon : the 
 fragments of these are no where to be found. 
 
 In the place called the Morning Prayer Service 
 Chapel, are several memorial stones, but none of 
 any peculiar interest. In this place is the font ; 
 a very fine piece of sculpture formed out of an 
 immense block of black marble. 
 
39 
 
 A marble table near the west door of the 
 cathedral records the memory of William Smith, 
 formerly bishop of Lincoln, who died in the year 
 1513 ; it was erected by Radulphus Cawley, S.T. P. 
 at his own expense, in 1775, in the place of a 
 magnificent tablet and plate, which were taken 
 away in the time of Cromwell. 
 
 Many defaced monuments, and stones, which 
 had both figures and inscriptions, were taken up 
 during the new paving, and are intended to be 
 placed in the aisles o*f the choir, or in the cloisters. 
 
 -»fc^[^<$««- 
 
40 
 CHAP. IV. 
 
 THE CATHEDRAL.— Continued. 
 
 On the north side of, and connected with, the 
 cathedral are the cloisters, of which only three 
 sides remain in the original state. 
 
 Attached to the eastern side of the cloisters is 
 the Chapter-house, a lofty elegant structure. It 
 forms a decagon, sixty feet six inches in diameter; 
 the groined roof of which is supported by one 
 pillar consisting of a circular shaft with ten small 
 fluted columns attached to it. From a band in 
 the centre with foliated capitals the groins issue, 
 resting on small columns on each side. One of 
 the ten sides forms the entrance which is of the 
 same altitude as the chapter-house. In the other 
 sides are pointed windows with two lights. — Several 
 stone coffins, monumental slabs, and fragments, 
 are left in the cloisters, amongst which is a Roman 
 tomb-stone, to the memory of Helius. 
 
 THE CATHEDRAL LIBRARY. 
 
 The Library over the north side of the cloisters 
 was built by Dean Honeywood, whose portrait by 
 Hanneman is still preserved. In this room is a 
 
41 
 
 large collection of books, with some curious spe- 
 cimens of Roman antiquity ; one is a red glazed 
 urn, having at the bottom the maker's name 
 Donatvs F. Amongst the Pottery are many urns 
 and vessels of various construction. A very large 
 Amphora, or wine vessel of baked earth, unglazed, 
 with a short narrow neck, to which are affixed two 
 circular handles. A very curious glass phial of 
 bluish green colour, with a handle near the mouth 
 containing pieces of bones larger than could have 
 been put in through the mouth of the vessel. 
 
 This building was designed by Sir Christopher 
 Wren, and certainly assimilates more with the 
 Cathedral of St. Paul, London, than the one near 
 which it is placed. This side of the cloisters was 
 demolished before this building was erected, and 
 probably the great expense of restoring it in the 
 same style as the other three sides, as well as the 
 prevailing fashion of the day, occasioned so 
 different a style to be adopted. 
 
 At the top end of the room is a chair said to 
 have been used at King John's coronation. In a 
 small room at the entrance of the library are 
 several manuscript volumes, beautifully done on 
 
42 
 
 parchment with illuminated letters. Also a 
 collection of fragments of earthenware, swords, 
 battle-axes, spears, a stirrup, and many other rude 
 relics of antiquity, which time has used so roughly 
 that their purposes can only be guessed at. 
 
 OLD GREAT TOM. 
 
 An amusing account of u Great Tom " (the great 
 bell) is supplied by the poet Southey, under his 
 fictitious character of a Spaniard, and we select his 
 narrative of a visit to the mighty Tom: "We 
 ascended," says he, " one of the other towers after- 
 wards to see Great Tom, one of the largest bells in 
 England. At first it disappointed me, but the 
 disappointment wore off, and we became satisfied 
 that it was as great a thing as it was said to be. 
 A tall man might stand in it upright ; the mouth 
 measures one and twenty english feet in circum- 
 ference, and it would be a large tree of which the 
 girth equalled the size of its middle. The hours 
 are struck upon it with a hammer. I should tell 
 you that the method of sounding bells in England 
 is not by striking, but by swinging them ; no bell, 
 however, which approaches nearly to the size of 
 
43 
 
 ,uis is ever moved, except this; it is swung on 
 Whitsunday, and when the judges arrive to try 
 the prisoners, — another fit occasion would be at 
 executions, to which it would give great solemnity, 
 for the sound is heard far and wide over the fens. 
 On other occasions it was disused because it shook 
 the tower, but the stones have now been secured 
 with iron cramps. Tom, which is the familiar 
 abbreviation of Thomas, seems to be the only 
 name which they give to a bell in this country." 
 
 Round the crown of Tom was this inscription.— 
 Spiritvs sanctvs a patre et filio procedens svaviter 
 sonans et salvtem, anno Domini, 1610, Decembrio 
 3 regni Jacobi Anglie 8o et Scotie 44o. 
 
 TRANSLATION. 
 
 The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father 
 and the Son, sweetly sounding to salvation : anno 
 Domini, 3d of December, 1610, in the 8th year of 
 King James of England, and 44th of Scotland. 
 
 And round the skirts was the following: — 
 Lavrentivs Stanton, Decanvs, Rogervs Parker, 
 Precentor, et magister fabricie. Georgivs Eland, 
 Cancellarivs, et magister fabricie. Richardvs 
 Clayton, Archidiaconvs, Lincoln. 
 
44 
 
 The weight of this large bell was nine thousand 
 eight hundred and ninety-four pounds. It had 
 been guaged, and could hold four hundred and 
 twenty-four gallons, ale measure. The actual 
 circumference at its mouth, was 19 feet 6 inches; 
 at 3 feet from the bottom the circumference was 
 1 1 feet 4 inches ; its length, measuring as the bell 
 was shaped, from the centre of the crown to the 
 skirt, 6 feet; from the shoulder to the skirt, 
 measured straight, 4 feet 6 inches and a half. 
 The clock hammer, that struck on the bell, weighed 
 601bs. The clock was put up in the year 1775, 
 and is a fine and strong piece of workmanship 
 said to be made by Vulliamy and Son, but in fact 
 by Thwaites, of ClerkenwelL 
 
 Old Great Tom of Lincoln, unlike his suc- 
 cessor, never travelled beyond the precinct of his 
 own church, but was manufactured on the spot ; 
 for which purpose a furnace was erected in the 
 minster-yard, in the year 1610; and there he was 
 cast by Henry Holdfield, of Nottingham, and 
 William Newcomb, of Leicester, bell-founders, 
 and partners in this concern only ; which con- 
 nexion arose from the former being a man of the 
 first eminence in his profession, to whom such a 
 
45 
 
 charge could with safety be committed, and the 
 latter living within the diocese ; for the honor of 
 which it was deemed necessary he should have 
 some concern in the business. — Many beautiful 
 pieces of Holdfield's work are still to be seen in 
 this and the neighbouring counties ; one in par- 
 ticular, the ninth bell of that fine peal of ten, in 
 St. Mary's, at Nottingham, cast in 1595, which is 
 singularly elegant; the ornaments are similar to 
 those upon Great Tom, and the tones of both 
 uncommonly fine. 
 
 DESTRUCTION OF GREAT TOM. 
 
 On Christmas Day, 1827, this noble bell, con- 
 fessedly the finest in tone and symmetry of any of 
 the great bells of England, was observed to have 
 materially changed in the former, which in a few 
 days was ascertained to be occasioned by a small 
 crack in its skirt or mouth on the south side, in a 
 spot where formerly the clock hammer appears to 
 have struck, and opposite to that on which the 
 last clock hammer fell. — The regret this event 
 occasioned to all his numerous admirers was evinced 
 by the extreme interest taken for his repair or 
 restoration in various parts of the kingdom and 
 
46 
 
 the various modes of cure proposed, none of 
 which could avail any thing, as from experience 
 in similar cases, it is understood that nothing 
 short of a renovation of the bell, could effectually 
 restore its former harmony. 
 
 The following dimensions, &c, of the larger 
 bells in England were furnished, mostly from 
 actual admeasurement, by Mr. John Briant, bell- 
 founder, of Hertford. 
 
 Diam. 
 
 Ft. in. 
 Oxford , (Tom) 7 1 
 St. Pauls, 
 London. 
 Lincoln, (Tom) 6 3£ 
 Exeter, (Peter) 6 1£ 
 Gloucester ... 5 8| 
 
 6 9£ 
 
 Canterbury, 
 (Dunstan) 
 
 } — 
 
 Thick, 
 
 6i 
 
 5§ 
 4| 
 5 
 
 
 Weight. 
 
 
 Key. 
 
 tons. 
 
 cwt. 
 
 qr. 
 
 lbs. 
 
 
 7 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 
 
 B flat 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 A 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 B 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 Ash 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 Csh 
 
 10 
 
 As the spectator proceeds to the chamber where 
 Old Tom used to swing, he is shewn the more 
 rational curiosity of the stone beam ; a catenarian 
 arch kept together by lateral pressure at each end. 
 The exterior of the groined vaulting that forms 
 the ceiling of the church is here striking in its 
 appearance; it is probable that the stone beam 
 
47 
 
 just noticed and which expands over this external 
 vaulting, is contrived to detect any failure in so 
 important part of the fabrick, and to counteract 
 other pressure from the outer walls. 
 
 RESTORATION OF GREAT TOM. 
 
 The restoration of the Great Bell being de- 
 termined upon, the fragments of the old bell were 
 despatched to London to the foundry of Messrs. 
 Mears and Co., Whitechapel. — Saturday, April 11, 
 1835, was the day fixed upon for the entry of the 
 new bell into Lincoln, but a difficulty had arisen 
 in passing through the Toll-bars on the north-road, 
 which occasioned some further delay. — On Monday 
 morning, April 13, however, messengers arrived, 
 declaring that they had seen the mighty personage 
 in veritable form and substance at the Green Man 
 Inn, only 8 miles from the city : bands of music 
 began to parade the streets and all classes streamed 
 towards the bar, where the long-expected cavalcade 
 at length arrived. From a quarter-past ten till 
 twelve o'clock, huge Tom remained at the bar, the 
 whole city thronging down to gaze upon him. 
 Exactly at twelve, the procession being formed, 
 
48 
 
 this illustrious awakener of the echoes of future 
 hours, and perhaps ages, began to be solemnly 
 borne and escorted to the sublime dwelling of his 
 fathers ! 
 
 First came a crowd of clergy, gentry, and 
 merchants — some on foot and others on horseback ; 
 next rode in chivalrous style, with his walking- 
 stick held in the dignified manner of a fieldmarshal's 
 baton, the Secretary of the Mechanics' Institute, 
 who on this occasion acted as Master of the 
 Ceremonies ; then came the Up-hill band, making 
 sonorous melody ; afterwards walked the Minster 
 ringers, each carrying a small bell, and together 
 ringing changes as they advanced; centremost, 
 rolling on a ponderous wain, was borne the massive 
 man of metal, drawn by nine horses bedecked 
 with white ribbons; behind him marched, in the 
 usual effective order, the Below-hill or brass band 
 of bugles, trumpets, and trombones, attracting the 
 ears of the lovers of martial music. Rearmost, 
 followed flags, carriages, horsemen, and an in- 
 numerable train of foot. The whole filed off past 
 St. Peter's church, (the bells in each parish ringing 
 a peal as the procession went by,) and advanced 
 at length up the hill and to the great gate of the 
 
49 
 
 cathedral. — The picturesque pageantry of this 
 playful gaud, as it ascended the inclined plane 
 of the New-road, was singularly striking to the 
 distant observer. 
 
 The horses were then taken off, and ropes being 
 attached to the car, Great Tom was drawn over 
 the threshold of the great gate into the ancient pile 
 — while the bands of music struck up " God save 
 the King," and "all the people shouted with a 
 great shout." Such a throng was never seen 
 beneath the magnificent vaulting of the cathedral 
 in the memory of any living man. 
 
 Great Tom is taller than his immediate ancestor, 
 but scarcely so wide in its lower diameter ; yet his 
 weight (5 tons 8 cwts.) is more by 18 cwts. 
 Around his upper circumference is the inscription 
 — " Spiritus Sanctus a Patre et Filio procedens, 
 suaviter sonans ad salutem : Anno Domini 1835. 
 Martii 25, regni GuHelmi quarti Britanniarum 5." 
 And around his lower circumference — " Georgius 
 Gordon, D. D., Decanus. Richardus Pretyman, 
 M. A., Precentor. Georgius Thomas Pretyman, 
 B. C. L., Chancellarius. Thomas Manners Sutton, 
 M. A. Subdecanus et Magister Fabriciae." 
 
 E 
 
50 
 The weights of the two bells are given below :— 
 
 Bell of 1835. Bell of 1610. 
 Perpendicular height, &c. on the outsides : Ft. In. Ft. In. 
 From the skirt to the top of the cannons . . 6 0J. . 6 3 J 
 
 the crown .... 5 Of . . 4 10J 
 
 to the shoulder 4 5J.. 4 2| 
 
 Diameter at the skirt 6 10§.. 6 3§ 
 
 Circumference at ditto 21 6 . ♦ 19 6 
 
 at the shoulder 11 9 ..10 11 
 
 Thickness at the sound-bow 6 . . 5f 
 
 Weight 5 tons 8cwt. 4 tons 8 cwt. 
 
51 
 
 Z$t eagtte ©atetoag* 
 
 CHAP. V. 
 
 SURVEY OF THE CITY OF LINCOLN. 
 
 Lincoln is divided into twelve parishes within 
 the City, but there are four townships subject to 
 its viscomptial jurisdiction, which makes the whole 
 number sixteen. The viscomptial jurisdiction 
 arose from the poverty of the city. The King's 
 
52 
 
 fee-farm rents being in arrear and many houses 
 being forfeited for non-payment, the four towns 
 were added in order to insure the better payment 
 of the amount. — Though not a place of any 
 particular manufacture, it carries on a considerable 
 trade in corn and wool ; which are sent in large 
 quantities into Yorkshire, by vessels that obtain in 
 return a freightage of coals and other articles of 
 interior consumption. The River Witham affords 
 it a convenient communication with the German 
 Ocean at Boston; and the Fossdyke Navigation 
 joining with the Trent at Torksey, opens an 
 intercourse with Gainsborough, Hull, and with 
 the Ouse and other streams connected with the 
 River Humber. 
 
 A careful examination of the outlines of the 
 country westward of Lincoln, leads to the con- 
 clusion that in former days the River Trent itself 
 discharged part of its waters through Lincoln, 
 and probably was the agent which formed the 
 valley of Witham and the outlet to the German 
 Ocean. The fore-shores of the Witham from 
 Lincoln to the sea, present evidence of having 
 been occupied by a much larger volume of water 
 than at present flows between its modern banks. — 
 
53 
 
 The wells and springs in this district are said to be 
 dependent on the state of the Trent, although 
 that river is ten miles distant. 
 
 The most striking feature in the city, to a 
 stranger entering it from the south, is its long and 
 single street; extending with but slight curves 
 and gentle ascension for more than a mile, and 
 presenting at every step perspective views almost 
 with the effect of a panorama. The humble 
 buildings on entering the town are overlooked in 
 the nobler attraction of the cathedral, fronting the 
 spectator in his course up the street; for, as 
 Fuller quaintly observed of the minster, "its 
 floor being higher than the roofs of many such 
 like buildings/' it is beheld from all parts of 
 the town, towering above the houses and green 
 trees, and raising a friendly beacon to direct the 
 wanderer's steps. 
 
 There being but one street of any magnitude or 
 regularity of appearance in Lincoln, the conveni- 
 ence of a cross street of sufficient width is much 
 wanted. The town is in two divisions, known 
 by the distinction of Above-hill, and Below-hill; 
 but these denominations are used so arbitrarily 
 
54 
 
 that scarcely two persons agree where the one 
 ends or the other begins ; the usual application of 
 the terms however is as follows : Below-hill is all 
 that portion of the town below the immediate base 
 of the hill ; and Above-hill comprehends the steep, 
 as well as the summit-level of the ascent. 
 
 THE STONE-BOW. 
 
 In the heart of the city and across the main 
 street stands a fine antique Gate-house known by 
 the above name ; in the best preservation perhaps 
 of any similar gate in the kingdom. The style of 
 architecture has been referred to the age of Richard 
 II. but there is no record whatever of its erection ; 
 though most likely it was built from the first for 
 its present use of serving the citizens for a Guild- 
 hall. The whole of the interest possessed by this 
 structure is in its exterior, and there is nothing in 
 the interior worthy the notice of the stranger. 
 To the disgrace of the municipal trustees of 
 former days, the west wing of this fine civic 
 building has been converted into private property. 
 The restoration of the interior suite of Apartments 
 of the Stone-bow, throughout the edifice, to the 
 
55 
 
 original plan, by purchasing that part which has 
 fallen into private hands, ought not to be neglected 
 by the Coporation. 
 
 It is an indelible stigma on the ancient corpor- 
 ation government of Lincoln, that the streets were 
 encroached upon by collusive leases granted since 
 1610, of lands and wastes abutting thereon, which 
 the corporators granted to themselves by mutual 
 connivance, and held on nominal fines and re- 
 newals. There is scarcely a street or lane which is 
 not contracted of its fair proportions, by encroach- 
 ments projecting upon the line of street. 
 
 Corporation-street. — South of the Stone- 
 bow a narrow lane runs eastward, where formerly 
 stood the Prison, visited and condemned by 
 Howard : fortunately for the character of the City 
 the horrible dungeons that once disgraced it are 
 now transformed into safe depositories of mer- 
 chandise, and their places supplied by the well- 
 directed New Gaol adjoining the Sessions-house; 
 of which more in its proper place. — Opposite to 
 Corporation-street is Guildhall-street, the only 
 one that leads to the Wharfs, and to the Gains- 
 borough road. It is a considerable thoroughfare— 
 
56 
 
 the whole of the front, extending from the end of 
 the Stone-bow to the projecting angle near the 
 Crown Inn, is one of those encroachments per- 
 petrated under the disgraceful leases of the Cor- 
 poration. The narrow and inconvenient entrance 
 to this street from the High-street was widened 
 during the mayoralty of Mr. Alderman Cartledge, 
 in the year 1827, and it is to be hoped a similar 
 patriotic improvement will in due time be effected 
 by the enlargement of Corporation-street, at 
 present extremely inconvenient and obstructing 
 the communication along the line of the river. 
 
 A few yards above the Stone-bow is Mint- 
 lane, where the Particular Baptist Chapel is 
 erected. — There is a building (now a stable) in 
 this lane, which is described in the lease of the 
 Dean and Chapter, as the "Old Mint House.'' 
 A piece of metal was recently found near this 
 Old Mint House having impressions of several 
 dies of Roman coin struck upon it, as if for trial. 
 
 Nearly opposite Mint-lane, and forming one 
 side to Silver-street, is the church of St. Peter at 
 Arches, a very plain and meagre modern building 
 of the Grecian style. The interior is conveniently 
 
57 
 
 fitted up, but excepting the Altar-piece there is 
 nothing of attraction to the visitor. Strangers 
 are readily accommodated at this church with 
 seats on the Sabbath day, where service is per- 
 formed both morning and evening. 
 
 The corner house of Silver-street at this part of 
 the town, is one of the most dangerous turns in 
 the Coach-road between London and Hull ; and 
 cannot be much longer tolerated at the present 
 accelerated speed of travelling; — the removal of 
 this house, or the opening of a street opposite 
 Guildhall-street, are felt to be imperatively neces- 
 sary. — Unless some disposition be shewn for the 
 improvement of the many inconvenient turns, and 
 narrow parts, it is certain that ere long the Trustees 
 of the Turnpike roads will resort to a new line — 
 which will be lamented by the owners of property 
 in the present thoroughfare. 
 
 THE BUTTER MARKET. 
 
 This is a double colonnade adjoining to St. Peter's 
 church; on Fridays, at market time, it is filled 
 with rows of country lasses bearing their baskets 
 
58 
 
 of butter. It is however much too small for its 
 destination ; it is consequently crowded most 
 oppressively in summer time, and the women 
 frequenty faint with the heat. The City Assembly 
 Rooms are over the Butter Market, and are fitted 
 up with considerable taste. — The Butter-house was 
 erected in 1736 by the corporation, which evinced 
 a patriotic self-denial in this instance of a rather 
 uncommon occurrence, having voluntarily devoted 
 the cost of the annual civic feast to defray the 
 expense of erecting this building. 
 
 In the year 1832, a Musical Society was 
 established at Lincoln, which supported monthly 
 concerts during the winter, at the Assembly Rooms. 
 
 Proceeding higher up the street, the next turning 
 eastward is Butchery-lane, where the Meat market 
 is held. The Shambles are erected on a con- 
 venient plan, and are well supplied with meat on 
 the market-days. 
 
 Nothing worthy of notice now presents itself 
 till we arrive at the Strait, which from its narrow 
 and inconvenient space is very properly so called, 
 and there begins the ascent of the " Steep-hill." 
 
59 
 
 The Strait appears to have been the terminus 
 of the Roman Suburbs, and the narrow gorge of 
 its entrance was the usual mode of defence to a 
 walled town. There evidently was a Gate-house 
 here, and foundations of ancient walls have been 
 traced in a line with this gate both eastward and 
 westward. 
 
 The house that fronts the High-street, at the 
 beginning of the Strait, is called the Dunstan 
 Lock,* but from what circumstance it obtains the 
 name no one knows. Tradition reports, that in 
 digging the foundations, a post was found with a 
 small boat moored to it, indicating the place to 
 have been covered with water at some distant 
 period. In sinking a well at this part in 1826, at 
 8 yards deep, there was found the remains of the 
 ancient wall, having an arched culvert, or sewer, 
 of large size, with a level deposit of clean sea-sand 
 and shells, beneath the arch. 
 
 Near Dunstan Lock, is St. Martin's church, 
 which has some claim to antiquity, though from 
 
 * Quere, St. Dunstan's Lock or Hospital, or, if this was once the 
 south portal to the upper town, it may have been the " Down" 
 Sfone-Lock : the comparatively modern gate of the " Stone-bow " 
 seems to shew by its title some probability of this being the name. 
 
60 
 
 the modern improvements scarcely any of the 
 ancient part of the building remains. It contains 
 a large monument of alabaster to the memory of 
 Sir Thos. Grantham and his Lady, dated 1618, 
 whose figures lie sculptured as large as life on the 
 monument : amongst other mural tablets is one of 
 statuary marble, erected by the surviving Officers 
 of his Regiment to Capt. Robert Lowry, a native 
 of this City, who fell in Spain, universally esteemed 
 and lamented by all who knew him. 
 
 Proceeding up the Strait, which from its close- 
 built and irregular state, is a sad nuisance to the 
 town, the Jew's House presents itself on the left 
 hand opposite Bullring Terrace. 
 
 The Jew's House has probably been a religious 
 edifice at some early time, though all that is 
 recorded of it is, that it was the residence of one 
 Belaset de Wallingford, a Jewess, hanged for 
 clipping the coin in the reign of Edward I. A 
 year after it was granted to William de Foletby ; 
 whose brother gave it to Canon Thornton, who 
 gave it to the Dean and Chapter, its present 
 proprietors. The ornaments of the door-way to 
 the Jewess's House, are similar to those of the 
 
61 
 
 west front of the cathedral. — Higher up the ascent 
 is a long wooden bench built into the causeway- 
 called the Mayor's Chair: which might be con- 
 verted into a seat for the weary wight to rest his 
 fatigued limbs, and to survey the cheerful prospect 
 to the south. We have often wished it were 
 more convenient, and suitable for the purpose 
 which its name implies. Above the Mayor's Chair 
 is the County Hospital and Christ's Church 
 School; near the latter is the church of St. 
 Michael on the Mount. All the three edifices are 
 of modern date, estimable for their utility, but not 
 very remarkable in their appearance : a little north 
 of these is the site and some remains of the 
 foundations of the southern gate of the original 
 Roman City, and these form the boundary line of 
 the Bail. In ancient fortified places, with walls, 
 the Ballium was the space between the outer wall 
 and the second wall. 
 
 At the Castle-square the observer is in the 
 centre of the ancient Roman City — having passed 
 the suburbs, and the Ballium : he will find himself 
 in the vicinity of several objects of high interest. 
 Taking his position at the corner house of 
 'Chequer-gate, on his right is the old gate-house 
 
62 
 
 called the Exchequer: above and between the 
 arch of which is viewed the magnificent and 
 varied sculpture of the Cathedral, contrasting 
 richly with the rough simplicity of the gate. To 
 the left is a view of the Castle entrance, beautiful 
 and stern, in picturesque decay, its crumbling 
 turrets growing the yellow wall flower and ivy in 
 thick clusters. The Judges' House, a new erection, 
 is a great addition to the coup d'ceil; it has a 
 plain elegant front designed with much neatness 
 so as to leave little to praise or to blame. 
 
 'Chequer-gate derives its name from the Ex- 
 chequer, or otherwise from the church that forms 
 the north side of the street, at both extremities of 
 which were formerly gates: the one at the east 
 end is the last remains of antiquity in this short 
 street which, within these few years, presented the 
 finest specimen of old buildings in Lincoln ; from 
 the one end to the other stood a row of houses 
 built on wooden pillars forming a kind of rude 
 piazzas. These joined the gate at the west end 
 that was demolished some years ago. The piazzas 
 were removed so late back as 1816 ; and whatever 
 convenience may be derived from their destruction, 
 it is to be regretted that, in losing its curious 
 
63 
 
 ancient edifices, Lincoln loses almost all its 
 attraction, and in their place little is now seen 
 that can excite pleasurable sensations from a con- 
 nexion with our prosperity or our comfort. Much 
 might be said in condemnation of the false taste 
 and mis-judgment which thus destroy, rather than 
 undertake the restoration of the footpaths, levelling, 
 and otherwise correcting the encroachments. 
 
 THE CASTLE. 
 
 Of the Castle built by the Conqueror little now 
 remains; and the area is occupied by buildings 
 appropriated to the administration of justice. The 
 few remaining vestiges convey the same idea of 
 original Norman architecture as that of York, 
 erected nearly at the same period. The Keep, or 
 strong hold, stood half without and half within 
 the castle wall, which ascended up the slopes of 
 the hill and joined its great tower. Being nearly 
 circular, and covering the summit of a high 
 artificial mount, it was thus rendered a distinct 
 strong hold, tenable with or without the castle. 
 This accounts for the circumstance, mentioned by 
 Lord Lyttleton, of the Earl of Chester making 
 
64 
 
 his escape, while the castle was invested by 
 Stephen. From the keep to another tower, 
 placed also on an artificial mount, was a covered 
 way by which a private communication was kept 
 up. The walls are above seven feet thick; and 
 under the place of ascent from the covered way, 
 there is something like the remains of a well, 
 protected by the massy thickness of the walls. 
 The outer bulwarks of the castle inclose a very 
 large area, entered by the gateway of which we 
 have here given a sketch. In one corner of the area 
 is a curious tower or building, called Cob's-hall ; 
 which Mr. King thinks originally was a chapel, as 
 it had "a fine vaulted roof, richly ornamented, 
 and supported by pillars, with a crypt underneath, 
 and adjoining it is a small anti-chapel :" it is now 
 used as a place for the public execution of crimi- 
 nals. On the north-western side of the area are 
 the remains of a tower, or gate turret, having a 
 curious arch, explored by Sir Henry Englefield, 
 and which being in the line of the Roman wall 
 he thought originally belonged to a more ancient 
 building than the castle of William the Conqueror, 
 and conceived it was probably the west gateway 
 to the old City of Lindum. 
 
65 
 
 The external appearance of the castle walls is 
 no longer that of an interesting ruin, increasing 
 in beauty by dilapidation, numerous repairs to 
 insure prison security having restored much of its 
 ancient strength. Its gateways are contemplated 
 with pleasure by the traveller and the antiquary, 
 though far different are the feelings of those poor 
 wretches who are doomed to the inside of its 
 walls. The newly erected County Hall, with 
 commodious courts for the Assizes, from the 
 design of Robert Smirke, Esq., will attract the 
 attention of visitors. 
 
 The east gate of the castle may be thought 
 almost too entire to be picturesque; it exhibits 
 however an imposing specimen of early Norman 
 style, and interests us by the contrast of its round 
 towers with the angular projection between them : 
 the mouldings round the arch are very beautiful. 
 
 The entrenchments thrown up against the castle 
 by king Stephen (when in defiance of the pro- 
 phecy he entered Lincoln, and besieged the castle,) 
 can with difficulty be traced ; from the alteration 
 to which an open country is liable, and from 
 the improvements that have been made in that 
 
ee 
 
 quarter by an increasing agricultural spirit, and 
 in the formation of roads. 
 
 The prophecy above alluded to was from the 
 earliest times current in Lincoln. It probably 
 had its origin in the enthusiastic love of liberty 
 always displayed in former days by the citizens, 
 which led them to dread the presence of a king : — 
 
 " The first crown'd head that enters Lincoln's walls, 
 His reign proves stormy, and his kingdom falls." 
 
 Stephen, in defiance of this prediction, even in 
 that superstitious age, entered Lincoln with his 
 crown on his head : and the events of his reign 
 amply verified the prognostication. 
 
 Passing from these interesting remains, and 
 proceeding northward, we notice to the right a 
 street called Eastgate, at whose entrance were 
 till lately two gate-houses as in 'Chequer-gate. 
 They also, after having been spared by the wars, 
 and the tooth of tin^e, were demolished in the 
 rage for improving which prevailed a few years 
 back, and which has left so little to admire and 
 so much to regret. How much more desirable 
 would it have been if the conductors of the im- 
 
67 
 
 provements had widened and repaired the street, 
 levelled it, had made good water-courses, and had 
 left the old gates standing, as monuments of what 
 Lincoln formerly was. 
 
 In the year 1828, a large pile of old and dilapi- 
 dated buildings designated the Works' Chantry, 
 from having been formerly the residence of the 
 four Chantry Priests of the Cathedral, were taken 
 down, which opened to public view a large part 
 of the northern side of the cathedral, including 
 the magnificent centre tower and the adjoining 
 nave and transept ; and induces a desire to have 
 removed other contemptible private buildings, so 
 as to throw open to view a still further part or 
 the whole of this majestic structure. 
 
 Above Eastgate, on the other side of the street, 
 is St. Paul's church, celebrated as being on the site 
 of the one erected by Blecca ; to this circumstance 
 it stands indebted for all its interest, as the modern 
 structure is scarcely superior to a well built barn. 
 The eye of the passenger will note as he proceeds 
 onward a variety of relics of the olden time in 
 all directions. Saxon, Norman, and pointed arch- 
 ways, door-ways with turrets, looped walls, mul- 
 
68 
 
 lioned windows, and zig-zag mouldings, are seen 
 adorning the outhouses and stables, and though 
 doubtlessly highly curious as tending to mark the 
 progress of the arts, yet " age has veil'd them in 
 obscurity/' and baffles all attempts to narrate their 
 history. — The County Assembly Rooms are in the 
 vicinity of St. Paul's church, and nearly opposite 
 to it. 
 
 THE ROMAN ARCH. 
 
 Its position, as has been pointed out before, is 
 at the end of Hermin-street. The great, or central 
 gate-way is sixteen feet in diameter ; the arch is 
 semicircular, and formed with 26 large massive 
 stones put together apparently without mortar. 
 The height is 22f feet, of which eleven are buried 
 in the ground. On each side of the great arch are 
 two small posterns, one of which was recently 
 opened by subscription, and it is hoped that a 
 more enlightened and enterprising age will further 
 restore this grand remnant, by lowering the road 
 to the plinths, and purchasing the house which 
 blocks up the west postern. The singularity in 
 the great arch is its having no key-stone, the 
 whole mass being held together by the wedge-like 
 
69 
 
 form of the stones composing" the semicircle. — • 
 A little to the east of the Roman arch is still 
 to be seen a piece of the Roman wall ; and on the 
 west side also in a garden is another large frag- 
 ment. In an adjoining garden nearer to St. Paul's 
 church, are further remains of Roman work, called 
 the Mint-wall, very curiously formed of alternate 
 layers of stone and small Roman bricks. 
 
 Beyond the Roman arch the town assumed until 
 lately the appearance of a village; it has had 
 many new houses erected in that direction, but is 
 devoid of anything that can tempt the visitor to 
 extend his walk : returning therefore to the en- 
 trance into Eastgate, and proceeding into that 
 street, we arrive at the Deanery, situated on the 
 right, surrounded by high walls and religious 
 edifices connected with the cathedral. 
 
 Eastgate contains many excellent mansions 
 occupied by the nobility and gentry of the town, 
 but being almost generally enclosed with high 
 walls the appearance of the street is sombre ; it 
 contains a very neat church, called St. Peter's in 
 Eastgate, for the service of the parishes of St. 
 Peter in Eastgate, in the City, and St. Margaret 
 
70 
 
 in the Close; the church of which latter parish 
 stood near the south-east corner of the cathedral, 
 and has been taken down some years. St. Peter's 
 church possesses but few monuments or other 
 curiosity. 
 
 A short distance further, on the Wragby road, 
 are the remains of an Hospital and its chapel 
 called St. Giles's, and in an adjoining close are 
 subterraneous vaultings and passages vulgarly 
 called St. Giles's hole, but which have never been 
 sufficiently explored to decide the use or extent. 
 
 THE MINSTER YARD. 
 
 From Eastgate we enter into the Minster Yard 
 through a skeleton of a gateway erected over the 
 site of an old gate called North Close Gate. Of 
 the old gate, did it now exist, something might 
 have been written, but respecting the present 
 spectre, silence is wisdom. Adjoining it on the 
 south side is a house called the Priory, but 
 whence it derives that appellation is not known ; 
 it has on the north side an ancient tower much 
 defaced : being erected on the Close wall it was 
 
71 
 
 probably a defensive watch station ; and this is 
 more than probable, as in a corner of the Chan- 
 cellor's garden are two other similar towers, both 
 situate on the old walls of the Close, which pro- 
 ceed angularly till they communicate with Potter- 
 gate at the south-east corner of the Minster Yard. 
 
 POTTER-GATE 
 
 Possesses considerable attractions; its north 
 front is a very fair specimen of a military keep, 
 embattled, pierced with loop holes, and grooved 
 for a portcullis. It is however so narrow as to be 
 an extremely inconvenient approach to the Minster 
 Yard; but the whole is of such solid masonry 
 that it would be a crying disgrace to destroy it, as 
 so many other fine old gates have been destroyed, 
 purely to prevent our fair towns-women's slippers 
 being stained, especially since by the addition of 
 a postern on each side, and by good Mount-sorrel 
 paving, 
 
 " Titania's foot without a slip 
 From stone to stone might safely trip, 
 Nor risque the glow worm clasp to dip 
 That binds her slipper's rim." 
 
72 
 
 Passing through Potter-gate and descending, we 
 enter on the most attractive spot in Lincoln, and 
 few towns present a more delightful view than is 
 seen from the Lindum-road Terrace. The River 
 Witham is beheld winding along through a wide 
 space of country, studded with villages, church- 
 spires, and gentlemen's seats: fronting the spec- 
 tator, in the rising ascent, is the rural village of 
 Canwick, the seat of Col. Sibthorp, the well-known 
 M. P. The range of high or cliff land rises in 
 bold outlines from east to west as far as Canwick, 
 and turns off at right angles to the southward; 
 leaving the prospect at its base unbounded, in 
 which the meanders of the river are traced, glit- 
 tering amongst the trees, for many a mile. Nearer 
 at hand the prospect includes the town, with the 
 Minster, Castle, and Hospital on its summit; 
 and extending from the steep ascent of the hill 
 down to the level : the churches nearly in a line, 
 marking the locality of the various objects; the 
 fine piece of water called Bray ford, with numerous 
 vessels : stretching to the east and west two navi- 
 gable rivers, ornamented with well-cultivated fields 
 and tracts of grazing land to the very brim. In a 
 hollow on the left of the spectator, " scant half a 
 mile from the Minster" (as Leland writes) are the 
 
73 
 
 ruins of Monks Abbey, situated near the Witham. 
 The outer walls and part of the chapel remain 
 almost entire, but the glory of the place is gone 
 with its ornaments. It forms a beautiful feature 
 in the scene, and is as fine an illustration of the 
 picturesque as even the sage Syntax would wish 
 to eulogise. 
 
 Leaving the station as spectators on this beautiful 
 spot of the New-road Terrace, a little further 
 downwards is the turn to Grecian-stairs, a flight 
 of stone steps that lead to the Cathedral, Bishop's 
 Palace, and Vicars' Court : in which neighbourhood 
 are many relics whose minute beauties we pass 
 over, as an attempt to do them justice in so small 
 a volume would be fruitless. 
 
 SESSIONS HOUSE AND GAOL. 
 
 These form a handsome structure, built with 
 considerable taste under the auspices of Mr. Aid. 
 Fowler, during his mayoralty ; and it is but fair 
 to record as a stimulus to others, that this gentle- 
 man's patriotic exertions to improve the town 
 together with those of Mr. Aid. Sewel and Mr. 
 
74 
 
 Aid. Cartledge when each respectively held the 
 office of mayor, have in this and many other 
 instances, contributed to the adornment of the city 
 with its most judicious undertakings. 
 
 BROADGATE. 
 
 A street called Broadgate passes from the New- 
 road towards the Swing-bridge across the Witham : 
 at the upper end of this street was an old building, 
 marked on Stukely's map as the Black Friars, it 
 had mullioned windows and arched doorways, and 
 was a conventional hall or refectory; not a trace 
 is now left, a modern erection having recently 
 supplied its place. — Communicating with Broad- 
 gate is the Sheep-market Square ; on one side of 
 it is the Grey Friary, now the Grammar School. 
 The building is well worth inspection, particularly 
 the ground floor. The Grammar School, a 
 foundation for the gatuitous instruction of free- 
 men's sons, occupies the upper floor, — and here the 
 pen must stop, for who that has been educated at 
 this venerable establishment can dilate upon its 
 present state, nearly approaching to total disuse ! 
 
"5 
 
 MECHANICS' INSTITUTE. 
 
 Whilst the Grey Friars' Classical School has 
 become nearly extinct, a new order of things has 
 arisen, by the occupation of the building as a 
 Mechanics' Institute. — The school room has been 
 fitted up for lectures and exhibitions. The suite of 
 apartments on the ground floor afford a library, 
 class room, museum, and apartments for the 
 Curator. 
 
 From the Grey Friary we pass by the barn-like 
 church of St. Swithin into Corporation-street, and 
 find ourselves at the Stone-bow again ; whence we' 
 can journey to take a survey of the different objects 
 in the lower and western quarters of the city. 
 
76 
 
 2tfg5=3$rttfge ©Misiu 
 
 CHAP. VI. 
 
 SURVEY OF LINCOLN, &c. 
 
 The River Witham, on which the City of Lincoln 
 is situated, takes its rise at the Village of Witham, 
 about equi-distant between Stamford and Gran- 
 tham. From its source it proceeds along in a 
 meandering course past Grantham, and the villages 
 of Beckingham, Bassingham, Aubourn, North 
 
 — i 
 
77 
 
 Hykeham, Bracebridge, until it enters into the 
 basin of Brayford, Bradenford or Bradenhead 
 Mere, as it is diversely called. Out of Brayford 
 it flows through the City of Lincoln in a nearly 
 direct course east. It passes under the main 
 street of the town a few hundred yards from the 
 Stone-bow, and is there crossed by an ancient and 
 very broad stone bridge of one arch, called the 
 High-bridge, one side of which is built upon, the 
 other is open, and adorned by a handsome stone 
 obelisk, in a place where formerly stood a chapel, 
 now converted into a conduit, furnishing excellent 
 water. A tradition exists that the High-bridge 
 once consisted of five arches, crossing as many 
 streams of the river ; but only one remains, which 
 is supported by groined ribs springing from a base 
 and uniting in the centre at the top : all parts of 
 the architecture are of very massive work in a 
 style of gothic magnificence uncommonly fine. 
 It has furnished Mr. Dewint, the artist, with a very 
 effective subject for his pencil. 
 
 From Brayford, inclining to westward, is the 
 ancient Roman navigation, the Fossdyke, probably 
 the oldest canal in Britain. — It is conjectured by 
 Callis, the expounder of the law on sewers, to be 
 
78 
 
 a connexion between Lincoln and the Trent, cut 
 by the Romans, for the purpose of navigation and 
 drainage, and to serve as "a great trough to 
 swallow up the waters." — A more exact knowledge 
 of the countiy will discover that there once ex- 
 isted a communication between this canal and the 
 ancient Car-dyke which now falls into the Witham, 
 four miles below Lincoln, but formerly was in 
 junction with the Fossdyke, by an intervening 
 trench called Sincil Dyke, forming a complete 
 chain of drainage and navigation from the Nene 
 to the Humber. 
 
 On either side the Bridge are old buildings 
 which were occupied by religious corporations of 
 the Roman church. 
 
 On the right hand from the High-bridge, the 
 church of St. Benedict occurs at a short distance, 
 in which are some old monuments. Further 
 down, on the opposite side, is the Corn-market 
 Square, well adapted for its destination. 
 
79 
 
 &oman Engcrfptiom 
 
 'MWIVI 
 
 
 \i£B^f^^Mc 
 
 /V0M 1A//^AClf 
 
 liRyscmuovisi 
 
 ST. MARY LE WIGFORD, AND CONDUIT. 
 
 This church is on the same side with the Corn- 
 hill, and is chiefly interesting from the beautiful 
 piece of gothic architecture called by Leland the 
 "Castel of the Condoit, " which stands adjoining 
 its Church yard : it was erected about the time of 
 Henry VII., or VIII., by Ranulphus de Kyme, 
 a rich merchant of Lincoln, whose effigy with that 
 of his wife lies on the top of the " Castel." The 
 Church, which in describing the Conduit we had 
 nearly passed over, is very old, of Norman date. 
 
80 
 
 and in the rudest style of building. On the front 
 of the church is a Roman inscription, (of which we 
 have given a fac simile engraving,) which was 
 probably part of a funereal Altar. 
 
 After St. Mark's church, which neither in ex- 
 terior nor interior possesses any attraction, the 
 next edifice of note is the church of St. Peter at 
 Gowts, the counterpart, though of more ancient 
 date, of St. Mary le Wigford. It, also, is inter- 
 esting only from its age, rude appearance, and 
 plain though lofty tower. Adjoining to its burying 
 ground is an old edifice styled the stables of John 
 of Gaunt, whose winter palace was the house 
 opposite, but of which there are now no remains 
 excepting an elegant oriel window preserved with 
 most commendable care in the gable end and 
 another in the former Hall. — At a small distance 
 from St. Peter's church the street is crossed by an 
 arm of the "Witham river, over which is built a 
 good bridge called Gowts' Bridge ; at each end of 
 which is a foot road leading to pleasant walks in 
 the environs of the town. 
 
 The street extends a quarter of a mile below 
 the Gowts' Bridge ; in which space there is the 
 
81 
 
 small prebendal church of St. Botolph ; but both 
 it and the other edifices in the street are modern 
 and unimportant erections. This quarter of the 
 town is indeed so widely diffused tha, almost all 
 the houses on either side of the way have large 
 gardens, and even large tracts of farming land 
 attached to them, which from being well watered, 
 (a stream flowing at the back of each row of 
 houses,) is exceedingly valuable. 
 
 The houses on the west side of the street for the 
 most part have communication with the navigable 
 parts of the River Witham, and those fronting the 
 Corn-hill possess wharfs leading to Brayford; 
 whose spacious basin admits vessels direct from 
 Boston, Horncastle, Sleaford, Hull, Gainsborough, 
 Chesterfield, Derby, Wakefield, &c. ; besides af- 
 fording ample space for the enjoyment of an 
 aquatic excursion, to which species of pleasure the 
 charming prospects on all sides highly contribute. 
 
 As a summary to our sketch we shall notice 
 such objects as could not be introduced with any 
 regularity elsewhere. Among these stands most 
 prominent the Lunatic Asylum, erected on the 
 
82 
 
 brow of the hill, to the west of the castle, and 
 presenting an elegant front. For salubrity of 
 situation and adaptation to its purposes, it is 
 inferior to none of those buildings which have 
 been provided to screen the unfortunate from 
 heaped misery, and to remove from our streets 
 those wretched and degrading exhibitions of 
 human debasement formerly beheld in every 
 parish. The Lincoln Asylum is under the con- 
 duct of a Director and Matron, and governed by 
 a President, Vice-Presidents, and Governors. 
 Benefactors of twenty guineas are governors for 
 life, and Subscribers of three guineas annually 
 governors during payment. A weekly board of 
 governors is held to receive the report of the 
 director, and superintend the condition of the 
 house. Every facility is given to visitors to in- 
 spect this establishment, provided they be per- 
 sonally introduced by a governor, or present a 
 written order from a governor, or one of the 
 physicians. — The management of the Asylum, 
 under an active and enlightened board of Gover- 
 nors has gained for it a reputation which a single 
 visit will demonstrate to be well deserved. The 
 great aim is, to reject personal restraint, and to 
 supersede by careful and humane attendance, and 
 
83 
 
 by classification, the dangerous usage of the Strait- 
 waistcoat. Every arrangement in the management 
 of the institution is made subservient to the 
 welfare of the patients. 
 
 Behind the Lunatic Asylum is the House of 
 Industry, an extensive though very indifferent 
 building, where the poor of the Lincoln parishes 
 and the adjacent villages are kept by contract. 
 
 In the front of the House of Industry a car- 
 riage road passes towards the Race Ground; a 
 fine tract of land about half a mile from the town, 
 affording an excellent run for two miles. The 
 meetings are usually held in September. A great 
 improvement has been recently effected in alter- 
 ation of the Course, and erection of a Grand 
 Stand, with a building for the accommodation of 
 the Stewards and Judges. 
 
 As another modern establishment of which we 
 may boast, we make mention of the Subscription 
 Library, in a suite of rooms in the High-street, a 
 short distance from Dunstan Lock. Strangers 
 during a month's residence may have the benefit 
 of this institution on payment of five shillings, 
 
84 
 
 and being introduced by two proprietors. A Pro- 
 prietary News-room, to which strangers are allowed 
 access on application, is situated opposite Silver 
 street near the Guild-hall. — In the court adjoining 
 the Library stands the Theatre, a neat and very 
 commodious edifice, under the direction of Mrs. 
 Robertson, who annually attends for about two 
 months, at the time of the races, with a most 
 respectable company of comedians. 
 
 In addition to its various churches Lincoln has 
 a large number of Dissenting chapels, some of con- 
 siderable size, and embellished with great judgment, 
 particularly that of the Methodists, standing near 
 St. S within's church. The Particular Baptists also 
 have a chapel in Mint-lane, opposite Silver-street. 
 The Unitarians have a place for divine worship, 
 (originally that of the Presbyterians) near John of 
 Gaunt's stables. The Independents possess a large 
 building a little up the street. The Catholic chapel 
 is a small, unassuming edifice in New-street, near 
 to Broadgate ; its religious distinction, signified by 
 the figure of a cross over the entrance, is all that 
 distinguishes its external appearance from the ad- 
 joining houses : a circumstance that must be felt 
 even by the mostbigotted, who compare this humble 
 
85 
 
 temple with the noble remains of Catholicism all 
 around ! 
 
 Near the Catholic chapel is the place of worship 
 frequented by the Calvinistic dissenters. 
 
 In Silver-street, opposite the east corner of St. 
 Peter at Arches, is the National school for Boys 
 and Girls, conducted on the Madras system. It 
 supplies education to 260 Boys, and 200 Girls. 
 
 In Free-school-lane, an Infant School for the 
 poor is maintained by subscription. 
 
 The public Dispensary for the poor is situated 
 on the Corn-hill ; and is productive of incalculable 
 benefit to the city and neighbourhood. 
 
86 
 
 CHAP. V. 
 
 SURVEY- OF LINCOLN, &c. 
 
 WALKS AND RIDES 
 
 IN THE COUNTRY. 
 
 To the temporary resident in Lincoln, this part 
 of our little pamphlet will be acceptable, how- 
 ever imperfectly it may delineate the objects to 
 be met with in the neighbourhood. For want of 
 a knowledge of the most favorite retreats of the 
 town, many pleasant routes escape the acutest 
 observer, which if pointed out would afford a far 
 
 
 
87 
 
 higher pleasure than is to be derived from the 
 mere physical exercise of walking. Lincoln fur- 
 nishes a great variety of walks, and some have 
 attractions peculiar to the place. The first is the 
 promenade to the Great South Toll-gate, which is 
 the usual resort in unfavorable weather, and being 
 flagged the whole distance, it is mostly dry and 
 clean in the worst of seasons. 
 
 Walk 2nd. 
 
 THE BANKS. 
 
 On the south side of the Witham, half way 
 between the High-bridge and Swing-bridge, a 
 street leads towards The Banks. The water is 
 overhung by the elegant willow, abele, and moun- 
 tain ash, which with gardens on the opposite side 
 are agreeable additions to this romantic stroll. 
 About three quarters of a mile up the stream, a 
 plank bridge affords a passage towards Gowts- 
 bridge and High-street, but those who wish to 
 extend their walk, may pursue the onward course 
 till they arrive at the road leading to the Toll-gate. 
 
88 
 Walk 3rd. 
 
 CANWICK HALL AND VILLAGE. 
 
 The last walk also affords access to Canwick, 
 across the fields. Tne village, being on a rising 
 ground, possesses a charming view of the city and 
 the cathedral; and perhaps there is no situation 
 where both appear to so good effect as from Canwick- 
 Hall. The Hall is a modern stone building, 
 elegantly plain, occupied by Colonel Waldo 
 Sibthorp, M. P. 
 
 Walk 4th. 
 
 THE VILLAGES OF BRACEBRIDGE 
 AND BOULTHAM. 
 
 These are approachable by the road from the 
 toll-gate ; but at the end of the pavement a foot- 
 path across the fields presents a pleasant walk. 
 Bracebridge is famous for its eel-pie house on 
 the bridge, which is also frequented by tea-parties. 
 Boultham, being situated on the flat, is chiefly 
 noted for its resemblance to a Dutch village, and 
 like such is surrounded on all sides by drainage 
 cuts, delphs, and water courses. From Boultham 
 
89 
 
 the ambulator may return to Lincoln by the banks 
 of the Witham. 
 
 In 1834, an exchange took place between the 
 proprietor of Boultham and the public, which 
 dedicates to the latter a right of way along the 
 whole course of the upper Witham, across the 
 several drains, as far as Bracebridge. — A foot-road 
 to Wisby across the private estate was given up 
 in exchange for this great convenience, which is 
 further enhanced by Mr. Ellison having engaged 
 to maintain in perpetuity, bridges for foot pas- 
 sengers across his drains. — A copy of the record 
 is filed in the archives of the quarter sessions. 
 
 Excursion 5 th. 
 
 WAVES' HOUSE, AND TEA GARDEN. 
 
 A pleasant water excursion is often made to the 
 Waves' House, and Tea Garden, on the banks 
 of the Fossdike Navigation. Along the water, 
 beautiful views of the Town, Castle, Lunatic 
 Asylum, and Cathedral, present themselves: at 
 the Waves' House excellent viands are served up 
 in the rustic style with extreme cleanliness. 
 
90 
 
 Excursion 6 th. 
 
 BURTON HALL AND VILLAGE. 
 
 The seat of the Right Hon. Frederick John, 
 Lord Monson, situated most delightfully in a 
 gentle declivity, well wooded,, but wanting a sheet 
 of water. It is a pleasant walk to Burton, pro- 
 ceeding past the Lunatic Asylum, and then along 
 the Kirton road, which for several miles presents 
 a fine prospect towards the west, with neat villages 
 at the foot of the hill, at intervals of about a mile. 
 This and the Cliff Road to Grantham exhibit the 
 finest prospects in the county. 
 
 Excursion 7 th. 
 
 GREETWELL CLOSES. 
 
 The small hamlet of Greetwell is about two 
 miles east of the minster; the field pathways 
 afford an agreeable ramble, presenting fine pros- 
 pects on both sides. 
 
91 
 
 Excursion 8th. 
 
 MONKS' ABBEY CLOSES. 
 
 These are entered shortly after leaving the top 
 of Broad gate, and lead to the ruins, Chalybeate 
 Spring and River Witham: on the banks of the 
 river, and by this pleasant route, a large concourse 
 of people proceed every afternoon to meet the 
 arrival of the steam packet boats. 
 
 The Chalybeate Spring is protected by a stone 
 water-course, having steps towards the water, — 
 a very substantial piece of work liberally provided 
 by C. Mainwaring, Esq., the proprietor of the land. 
 
 At short distances, and approached by one or 
 other of these routes, are the following places 
 possessing attractions for a visit : — 
 
 Eiseholme Hall, two miles north of Lincoln ; 
 a neat and comfortable house erected by the late 
 Thos. Chaplin, Esq., with a sheet of fine clear 
 water, and the grounds tastefully decorated with 
 plantations by the present occupant, Francis 
 
92 
 
 Chaplin, Esq. This gentleman is the owner of 
 some good paintings, and is himself skilled in the 
 fine arts. 
 
 Nettleham Village, two miles from the road 
 turning to Wragby, at the entrance of East-gate. 
 
 Swan-Pool, a tract of meadow near Boultham, 
 affording excellent skaiting in winter. 
 
93 
 RIDES ROUND LINCOLN, 
 
 Within these few years much attention has 
 been paid to the improvement of the roads round 
 Lincoln. Nature has not been very favourable to 
 our neighbourhood in this respect, but art and 
 expense have been liberally applied to accomplish 
 as much as might be done with materials naturally 
 of bad quality. The system of M'Adam also has 
 been introduced very generally ; and has produced 
 a decided improvement in the Newark, Sleaford, 
 and Brigg roads. A very improving track is also 
 found on the Gainsborough road, particularly that 
 part called Carholm, near the Race-course. In 
 short, even the country highways partake of the 
 benefits of the rational system of road-making, 
 and are no longer, as formerly, the terror of the 
 traveller: as a proof of this, coaches pass daily 
 to Gainsborough along a tract which formerly was 
 in many parts hardly passable for a single horse, 
 and little expected to become the passage of a 
 coach. 
 
94 
 
 No. 1.— THE NEWARK ROAD. 
 
 The neat and well-built town of Newark is 
 sixteen miles from Lincoln; Newark's famous 
 Castle, together with the good society that is ge- 
 nerally encountered at the places of public resort, 
 renders the place well worthy of a visit. The 
 road from Lincoln first passes over Bracebridge; 
 thence proceeds south-west to Newark. 
 
 Beyond Bracebridge the country is but just 
 emerging from the neglected state of a desolate 
 moor, and still preserves so much of that character 
 as to render it here and there wildly picturesque, 
 in nature's own garb. The neighbourhood and 
 Villages to the right and left of this road, however, 
 are attractive, and have a pleasing country aspect 
 with characteristic scenery. 
 
 West of the road, a bye-road conducts to Boul- 
 tham, in its position at least much resembling a 
 Dutch village. The new church is a piece of 
 architecture partly in modern taste, near to which 
 is the seat of Captain Richard Ellison. 
 
 Skellingthorpe is closely in the vicinity of 
 Boultham ; it is chiefly the property of the Go- 
 
95 
 
 vernors of Christ's Church School, in London. 
 There are in the parish some excellent Farm-houses 
 and buildings as well as extensive plantations. 
 
 Doddington is adjacent. It was the seat of 
 the Delaval family, now of Col. Jervis; it is a 
 handsome building', of the Elisabethan age, and 
 possesses many good pictures and other elegances 
 usually attached to the residence of people of 
 distinction. The grand room is of supurb di- 
 mensions, floored with English oak, and ap- 
 proached by a very magnificent staircase. Dod- 
 dington Hall is a truly grand old English mansion, 
 in admirable repair; it is a fine specimen of 
 England's ancient domestic architecture ; retaining 
 many striking characteristics of old times. 
 
 Eagle is five miles from Lincoln and near Dod- 
 dington. It formerly had a Preceptory of Knights 
 Templar, which afterwards belonged to their rivals, 
 the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. Several 
 singular" tenures of feudal origin still exist in this 
 and the adjacent villages. — Swinderby, nine miles 
 from Lincoln, is on the same route. 
 
96 
 
 Between Lincoln and Newark are the Half-way 
 Houses, two inns, eight miles distant from either 
 place. Two miles further are the boundaries of 
 the shires, on the line of which stands Potter-hill 
 toll-gate. The Nottinghamshire borders are well 
 wooded and watered, and abound in beautiful 
 prospects. Near Newark on the road-side occur 
 the seats of — Duncombe, Esq., and the late Roger 
 Pocklington, Esq. 
 
 South side of the Newark road and approached 
 by numerous bye-ways, are the following villages 
 within reach of a morning's ride : 
 
 x s ' 
 
 Stapleford, four miles from Newark. 
 
 Norton Disney, formerly the seat of the 
 Disneys. The church contains an ancient memo- 
 rial on a brass plate of that family. 
 
 Aubourn still retains its watermill which is 
 recorded in Doomsday Book. Other watermills 
 near Lincoln have ceased to exist, there being no 
 water power in the present day adequate to move 
 a wheel, but as several sites were millstreams 
 
97 
 
 formerly, it is to be inferred that the bed of the 
 River Witham has obtained a higher level, and 
 the surface of the land is become more even. 
 
 The villages of Beckingham, Thurlby, Carl- 
 ton-le-Moorland, Bassingham and Welbourn, 
 are all in the vicinity, but our ride through them 
 afforded nothing we could record excepting the 
 pleasant situations, salubrity, and neatness of 
 all : they are beautifully skirted by the River 
 Witham flowing through the pastures — 
 
 " Strong, without rage— without o'erflowing, full." 
 
 and in many parts washing the home closes of the 
 farms. This always gives an interesting ap- 
 pearance to rural subjects, and in the shades and 
 plains of Beckingham, &c, the lover of country 
 pleasures, the artist, the convalescent invalid, and 
 the man of leisure, may each seek their several 
 gratifications. 
 
 The two Hykehams, North and South, within 
 six miles of Lincoln, communicate with Brace- 
 bridge, and terminate our survey of the champaign 
 of this section. 
 
 i 
 
98 
 No. 2.— THE SLEAFORD ROAD. 
 
 The pen of one familiar with the spot from 
 childhood, cannot be employed otherwise than 
 agreeably in describing the never-failing variety of 
 Cross o' Cliff Hill. — Its gradually-swelling 
 acclivity is clothed with verdure, its summit is 
 crowned with villages, its genial slopes and a long 
 withdrawing vales " never disappoint the husband- 
 man's expectation, and over its elevated ridge 
 (contrasted with peaceful arts) the broad and 
 majestic military way has borne the Roman legion. 
 A long summer's day is too brief for the pleasure 
 of rambling in school-boy fashion about the 
 eminence of old Cross o' Cliff, — the place where 
 our school-boy recollections still love to dwell, — in 
 whose mimic defiles and briary lanes the holiday 
 saint-day was spent in 9 searching the snail horn,* 
 or the mossy nest." 
 
 From the top of the hill and descending, the 
 most beautifully-placid prospects are displayed to 
 the sight. On the right and on the left sides of 
 the road are views in which land and water, nature 
 and art, combine to form a picture which at least 
 no native of Lincoln can survey with indifference. 
 
99 
 
 To those who have sailed over the " wide, wide 
 seas " the prospect, on first returning home, and 
 arriving at the edge of Cross o' Cliff, must be 
 surveyed with glistening eyes — not only are the 
 towers and streets traceable, but even the very 
 house of their home perchance may be discovered 
 in the panorama; the scenes of boyhood are on 
 every side ; and on every side " the old familiar 
 faces " of childish enjoyment are spread instantly 
 and fully before the gazer. The name of Cross o' 
 Cliff commemorates the existence of a market- 
 cross at which the markets were held, when the 
 plague was raging in the City. 
 
 To the left (on leaving the brow of the Cliff 
 and proceeding towards Sleaford) the Grange or 
 White Hall, is within a few hundred yards of 
 the road. Further on, is Red Hall, the farm of 
 Mrs. Gibbeson. 
 
 In the distance now appears the Pillar, six 
 miles from Lincoln, with its tapering shaft bearing 
 a colossal statue of his late Majesty King George 
 the 3rd, rising above the green plantations and 
 relieving the eye strained with the wide space of 
 plain lying before it; the Pillar was formerly 
 LofC. 
 
100 
 
 surmounted with a lanthorn,to direct the benighted 
 traveller across the dreary heath. 
 
 Waddington is the first village of the " Cliff 
 Row/' and with it begins a series of eighteen 
 towns following each other in close succession to 
 Grantham, twenty-two miles distant from Lincoln. 
 Between the Cliff Row towns and the Sleaford 
 mail-coach road, the old Roman military way 
 runs in a parallel line with both, for twelve miles. 
 From Waddington to Ancaster it is surprisingly 
 perfect, and wears its antiquity with an air of 
 pride, as if boastful of its endurance : from An- 
 caster, until interrupted by enclosures of open 
 fields it passes in its usual straight course till 
 it enters and crosses the great north road, a little 
 to the south of Colsterworth, the birth-place of 
 the great philosopher, Sir Isaac Newton. 
 
 Harmston, nearly opposite the Pillar, is the 
 seat of the Thorolds. 
 
 Coleby, a pleasant village six miles from 
 Lincoln, belonging to the Tempest Family, is 
 occupied by Charles Mainwaring, Esq., to whose 
 elegant retreat belong some beautiful gardens. — 
 
101 
 
 We return to the direct Sleaford road, to notice 
 the Green Man Inn, which was resorted to by the 
 gentry of seventy years ago, for the enjoyment of 
 convivial society. In the large dining room are 
 placed a number of busts, profiles of the fre- 
 quenters of the meetings. At that period the 
 country round was a wide heath, and the Pillar 
 served by day as a land-mark, and at night, being 
 surmounted by a lighthouse lantern, as a friendly 
 beacon to the traveller. A curious adventure is 
 related of Christopher Neville, Esq., and 'Squire 
 Gamston, both members of the Green Man Club, 
 who after devoting some hours to the jolly god, 
 set off late at night to return to Lincoln. Their 
 postillion had but newly come into service, and 
 not being well acquainted with the road, especially 
 by night, he was merely enjoined "to keep the 
 lighthouse on the right hand ; " his masters having 
 given this accurate direction, quietly composed 
 themselves to sleep, from which they did not 
 awake, till the stopping of the carriage led them 
 to conclude themselves at home. But to their 
 surprise, the postillion complained that he could 
 not get on, and that a wide river stopped his 
 further progress! It was not until day-break 
 had dispelled the clouds of night, and the fumes 
 
102 
 
 of the grape, that the exact situation of the car- 
 riage was learned from some people coming 
 to Lincoln market. It appeared that they were 
 on the banks of the Witham, six miles below 
 Lincoln, whither they had arrived in consequence 
 of the postillion persevering to keep " the light- 
 house on his right hand." Had it not been for 
 the river, there is but little doubt of their arriving 
 again precisely at the place of starting, and so 
 making a complete circle round the flaming light. 
 The country was then a barren heath, stocked with 
 rabbits ; it now shews the finest husbandry. 
 
 Blankney Hall, the seat of Charles Chaplin, 
 Esq., is within a short distance of the Green Man ; 
 and further on, Ashby toll-bar occurs, near to 
 which are the seats of Clifford King, Esq., and 
 Mr. Dundas, with the village! of Leasingham 
 and Holdingham, through which tb£ traveller 
 passes towards Sleaford. 
 
 By the more pleasant route of the Cliff Towns, 
 we arrive at Navenby, (after leaving Coleby,) 
 thence proceed to Wellingore, (the seat of 
 General Noel,) and in succession pass through 
 Welbourn, Leadenham, (the seat of Col. Reeve,) 
 
103 
 
 'ulbeck; and leaving An caster a little on the 
 ight, take in Syston, (the seat of Sir John 
 Choroid,) Belton, (the seat of Earl Brownlow, 
 jord Lieutenant of the county, and so to Grantham. 
 
 No. 3„— NORTH CLIFF ROAD. 
 
 This road branches off the left immediately on 
 eaving the toll-bar at Lincoln, and takes in its 
 ;oute the following places : — Canwick, the seat of 
 Col. Sibthorp, M.P., Washingborough, Bran- 
 ston, Heighington ; Potter-Hanworth : of the 
 last three townships, Sir Wm. Ingilby, bart., the 
 Governors of Christ's Hospital, in Lincoln, and 
 the Rev. P. Curtois, are the chief proprietors- 
 Nocton, the seat of the Earl of Ripon ; Dunstan, 
 
 METHER INGHAM, BLANkNEY, SCOPWICK, AsHBY, 
 
 and Bloxholm. 
 
 No. 4.— THE WRAGBY ROAD. 
 
 The gentle contrast of a valley with its rising 
 grounds on either side, forms the general charac- 
 teristic of the neighbourhood of Lincoln, and 
 excepting the bold prominence of Cross o' Cliff 
 
104 
 
 Hill, the course of the country on the north side, 
 is nearly uniform with the range on the south of 
 the River Witham. The elevation of the land is 
 at its highest at Cross o' Cliff on the one side, and 
 at the Castle-brow on the other. From these two 
 points the slope inclines gradually eastward, till it 
 is lost in the fenny tracts skirting round Tatter- 
 shall and Sleaford. The only variation in the 
 superficial outline, is the vale of the Witham. 
 The ascent towards the "W ragby road vies with its 
 rival ridge in beautiful and extensive prospects; 
 and though the adjacent villages are so irregularly 
 scattered that they can scarcely be brought into 
 the view, yet this default is amply supplied by the 
 wide expanse to the south, bounded only by 
 horizon's blue. 
 
 Proceeding towards Wragby, after passing Bun- 
 ker's hill toll-bar, here and there are villages allied 
 to the main road by short cuts ; of these Nettle- 
 ham is a pleasant spot ; Sudbrooke is the seat of 
 Richard Ellison, Esq., Langwith and Stainton 
 next occur, which bring the traveller within sight 
 of Wragby, a market town of very small extent, 
 but round it there are several seats, viz. Hainton 
 Hall, Panton, Willingham House, &e. 
 
105 
 No. 5.— THE BRIGG & BARTON ROAD. 
 
 Proceeding through the Roman Arch in New- 
 port, this route passes due north for 17 miles in a 
 perfectly straight course, and then curves a little 
 inclining to the east towards Barton Waterside, 
 36 miles distant from Lincoln. The whole extent 
 of this road is distinctly the Ermine- street, a 
 continuation of the military road passing through 
 Ancaster; and it is at Lincoln that the mordern 
 mail-coach road and Ermine-street unite. 
 
 Ten miles from Lincoln is Summer Castle, the 
 residence of the late Sir Cecil Wray. SpittaL 
 twelve miles, is a neglected hospital founded in the 
 16th Edward II. Here the Gainsborough, Market 
 Rasen, and Louth roads have their communication 
 with the Barton and Lincoln route. Norton 
 Place, the seat of Sir M. J. Cholmely, bart. ; 
 Redbourn Hall, the seat of the Duke of St. Alban's. 
 
 The country bye-roads running parallel on the 
 right or east of this route, connect the following 
 villages : Nettleham, Scothorn, Dunholm, Wei ton, 
 Hackthorne, Spridlington, Saxby, Owmby, Caenby, 
 Glentham, Spittal. 
 
106 
 
 On the left or western side, Burton, the seat of 
 Lord Monson, South and North Carlton, Scampton, 
 Aisthorpe, Brattleby, Cammeringham, Ingham, 
 Fillingham, Glentworth, Harpswell, Spittal. Glent- 
 worth is the property of Lord Scarborough, of 
 whose ancestors the church contains some fine 
 monuments. 
 
 No. 6.— THE GAINSBOROUGH ROAD. 
 
 In the Gainsborough direction, the parish of 
 Torksey is remarkable for a fine castellated ruin, 
 once one of the strong houses in turbulent times 
 when to be safe every man's house was, in literal 
 as well as legal signification, his castle. 
 
 In the road to Gainsborough by the Fossdyke, 
 the following places occur in rotation : the Race- 
 course, Saxilby, Drinsey-nook, Fenton, Kettlethorpe 
 Hall, the seat of Sir W. A. Ingilby, bart., Torksey, 
 Martin, Knaith, Lea, Gainsborough. 
 
 At Drinsey-nook a road turns to Newton and 
 Dunham Bridge over the Trent which has a com- 
 munication with the great north road, and the 
 other roads into the commercial districts of the 
 west of England. 
 
 _ 
 
107 
 BOTANICAL VARIETIES. 
 
 The variety of indigenous plants growing* in the 
 neighbourhood of Lincoln will greatly contribute 
 to the pleasure of the Botanist in his excursions. 
 A few species are here enumerated, remarkable 
 either for the beauty of their flowers, or their rarity. 
 
 1. In the drains and fields adjoining, the following 
 
 may readily be found : — 
 
 Veronica scutellata. 
 Utricularia vulgaris. 
 Montia fontana. 
 Anagallis tenella. 
 Samolus valerandi. 
 Alisma ranunculoides. 
 Butomus umbellatus. 
 Comarum palustre. 
 Nymph sea alba. 
 Ranunculus lingua. 
 Stratiotes aloides. 
 Lathyrus palustris. 
 Bidens cernua. 
 Senecio paludosus. 
 Cineraria palustris. 
 Littorella lacustris. 
 Myriophyllum verticilla- 
 
 tum. 
 Ophioglossum vulgatum. 
 Narrow-leaved speedwell 
 
 Bladderwort. 
 
 Waterblinks. 
 
 Bog pimpernel. 
 
 Brook weed. 
 
 Lesser water-plantain. 
 
 Flowering rush. 
 
 Purple marsh cinque-foil. 
 
 White water-lily. 
 
 Great spear-wort crow- 
 foot. 
 
 Water aloe, or water-sol- 
 dier. 
 
 Marsh vetchling. 
 
 Nodding bur-marigold. 
 
 Great fen rag-wort, 
 
 Marsh flea-wort. 
 
 Plantain shore- weed. 
 Whorled water-milfoil. 
 Adder's tongue. 
 

 108 
 
 2. In the woods and more elevated parts of the 
 neighbourhood the following are met with : — 
 
 Pinguicula vulgaris. 
 Dipsacus pilosus. 
 
 Paris quadrifolia. 
 Anagallis coerulea. 
 Gentiana pneumonanthe, 
 amarella. 
 
 campestns. 
 
 Convallaria majalis. 
 Parnassia palustris. 
 Chlora perfoliata. 
 Spiraea filipendula. 
 Geum rivale. 
 Antirrhinum spurium. 
 Arabis hirsuta. 
 Geranium pratense. 
 Malva moschata. 
 Lathyrus nissolia. 
 Graphalium ractum. 
 Orchis bifolia. 
 
 -pyramidalis. 
 
 viridis. 
 
 -conopsea. 
 
 Butterwort. 
 
 Shepherd's staff or small 
 
 teasel. 
 Herb Paris. 
 Blue pimpernel. 
 -Calathian Violet. 
 Autumnal gentian. 
 Field gentian. 
 Lily of the valley. 
 Grass of Parnassus. 
 Yellow-wort. 
 Drop-wort. 
 Water avens. 
 Round-leavedsnapdragon 
 Hairy wall-cress. 
 Meadow crane's-bill. 
 Musk mallow. 
 Crimson vetchling. 
 Upright cudweed. 
 Butterfly orchis. 
 Pyramiaal orchis. 
 Prog orchis. 
 Aromatic orchis. 
 
 Edward-Bell Drury, Printer, Lincoln. 
 
 LBAg?9