Lincoln: A Historic (and very hilly!) City
Lincolnshire’s main city of Lincoln has ancient roots, but due to no motorways, you’ll find more local food than most places. You may have to go up Steep Hill to find them! For over 200 years, Lincoln Cathedral was the world’s tallest building, its carved stonework and stained glass dating back to 1072.
Steep Hill is tough on the legs!
Steep Hill is one of the best-known streets in Lincoln, and for good reason. It is steep, properly steep, and there’s no point pretending otherwise. But that effort is part of the experience, almost like a small price paid for the city’s best atmosphere.
As you go, there are plenty of reasons to stop. Independent shops break up the climb. So do cafés, old windows, stone passages, and the simple need to catch your breath. Happily, Lincoln gives you permission to move slowly.
A serious health scare in 1905
In 1905, Lincoln faced a serious health crisis, when a typhoid outbreak swept through the city. The cause was traced to polluted water, which had become contaminated by sewage. Hundreds of people fell ill, a timely reminder of why we need better sewage treatment, even today.
Boston (USA) is named after the market town
The town of Boston is where pilgrims came from when landing in Massachusetts (hence why there is a US city of the same name). Also here is Louth is ‘Lincolnshire’s favourite market town) where Georgian houses frame narrow streets, and the tall spire of St James’ Church stands out for miles.
Well-known people from Lincoln
Lincoln and the surrounding area must be a creative place, as there are many people who hail from these parts:
- Actor Jim Broadbent
- Actress Patricia Hodge (such fun!)
- Actress Joan Plowright
- Actress Sheridan Smith
- Poet Alfred Lord Tennyson
