The history of Lincoln can be traced back as far as 300BC. With a Roman waterway, a Norman castle and a Medieval cathedral, evidence of the city’s past is everywhere. Explore the cobbled streets to learn more about the revolutionary figures who were born here and the pioneering industries that help put Lincoln on the map.
The origins of the city
Dating back to the first century BC, the first known settlers in Lincoln lived around the Brayford Waterfront. The area was given the original name of Lindon; “Lindo” translates as “The Pool” in the Celtic language.
Excavations in this area have uncovered timber houses, weapons and pottery dating back to the first century, and in 1826, the famous Witham Shield, was found in the River Witham. Now housed in the British Museum in London, this decorative bronze shield dates back to the 4th century, and is thought to have belonged to a tribe’s chief.
So how did this relatively small area become one of the most significant Roman settlements in England?
Romans > Medieval
In AD43, the Roman Emperor Claudius and an army of 40,000 soldiers arrived on the south coast of Britain. Between AD50-60 the Ninth Legion Hispana had arrived in Lincoln.
Seeing its potential, the Romans built a legionary fortress at the top of the hill. The fortress was surrounded by a deep ditch, and a wall was built around the city. Wooden towers were placed at intervals along the defensive wall, and there were four gateways, North, South, East and West.
During this time, one of the most important Roman thoroughfares in Britain was also built. Ermine Street linked London to York, passing through Lincoln, which was now a site of military importance.
From about AD90, the Roman settlement at Lindon became a Colonia; a self-governing town for retired legionaries. The original name of ‘Lindon’ was latinised to become Lindum Colonia, and the settlement became a thriving community.
The site of the former legionary headquarters became the Roman Forum and Basilica. These would have been central hubs for the community, and houses, shops, and bath houses were built in the surrounding area. Now a bustling city, there would have also been courts of law, civic offices, markets and workshops here. As it was a wealthy area, many of these buildings would have been elaborately decorated with painted wall plaster, and floored with high quality mosaics over underfloor heating.
Over time, Lindum Colonia expanded down the hill and the River Witham became a busy port. As the settlement prospered, larger stone buildings were built to reflect its status. During the 2nd century, the original wooden walls and gates were also rebuilt in stone – many of which are still standing today.
The Romans left Britain in 407AD, at which point, the settlement at Lindum Colonia was abandoned. It wasn't until the Danes conquered the area in the late 9th century that a town was re-established within the old city walls.
In Viking times, Lincoln became an important trading centre. The city issued coins from its own mint, and the local economy boomed with the settlement of the Danes. Lincolnshire was the heart of the Viking Danelaw and its Danish inheritance can still be seen today in its place names - towns ending in -by (for example, Grimsby, Wragby, Spilsby) and streets ending in -gate (like Danesgate, Bailgate, Eastgate).
The Norman Conquest
By the time of the Norman conquest in 1066, Lincoln was flourishing. The Normans began to fortify and expand Lincoln almost immediately.
In 1068, William the Conqueror ordered the build of Lincoln Castle and the city walls - which were initially built in wood. The Norman's message was very much "we are here and we are in charge” - especially as 166 houses were destroyed in the process. In the 12th century, the castle and walls were rebuilt in stone - both of which are still a key part of the city today.
Work on the first Cathedral in Lincoln was started after William the Conqueror ordered Bishop Remigius to establish one in 1072. Norman masons worked on the structure for 20 years, and it was consecrated on 9 May 1092. Unfortunately, Bishop Remigius passed away just a few days before, and never saw the completion of his work.
When the Domesday Book was commissioned by King William in 1086, Lincolnshire was listed as the second most populated county in the kingdom, and Lincoln (recorded as 'Lincolia') was one of the four largest cities.
Middle Ages > Early Modern
During this era, the city of Lincoln was of great importance, as it was the capital of England's largest diocese. At this time, it stretched from the Humber in the north, to the Thames in the south.
When King John placed his seal on Magna Carta at Runnymeade in 1215, a copy was brought back to Lincoln by the Bishop of Lincoln, Hugh of Wells, with the address 'LINCOLNIA' written on the back.
By 1300, Lincoln Cathedral had become the tallest building in the world. When the spire on the central tower was raised, the height of the building surpassed even the Great Pyramid in Egypt. It held the title of tallest building until 1549 when the spire collapsed during a storm.
Throughout the 17th - 19th centuries, Lincoln was a wealthy town supported by a healthy wool trade. The city's cloth became famous in legend, as it was said that Robin Hood wore garments of Lincoln Green.
Industrial Revolution > Today
During the Industrial Revolution, Lincoln boomed. The city began to excel in the engineering industry, specialising in the production of air engines and tanks.
In 1916, the first ever tanks were designed and built in Lincoln, giving the city the nicknamed 'Tank Town'. These machines were paraded through the city before going to war and significantly shortened the First World War, preventing many more casualties.
Lincoln was also at the centre of the aviation industry with 1 in 14 WWI aircraft being produced in the city. Later, the county became known as Bomber County, due to the large number of RAF bases that were here.
In the 21st century, Lincoln continues to be a world leader in the engineering industry, and is now also home to one of the UK's fastest growing modern universities.
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