Lincoln Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to 1072, has been a witness to centuries of history and a source of numerous paranormal tales. The cathedral’s rich history is intertwined with ghostly legends that continue to captivate visitors and locals alike.
The cathedral is said to be home to several spectral residents. One of the most frequently reported is the ‘woman in white’, often seen carrying a dead baby before laying it to rest on a nearby flower bed. This apparition is sometimes associated with St Joseph’s convent, though her true origins remain a mystery.
Another well-known spirit is that of a hanged cleric, spotted wearing a hat and long coat. Local lore suggests this ghost guides and protects travelers ascending the infamous Greestone Stairs.
Perhaps the most gruesome legend involves Saint Hugh of Lincoln. After his death, his body was reportedly dissected and distributed to various cathedrals, with his head remaining in Lincoln. The story goes that thieves once attempted to steal this relic, accidentally spilling its contents down the Greestone Stairs. Visitors have reported hearing the eerie sound of a head rolling behind them on these steps.
A chilling legend tied to the Black Death of 1349 claims that on the anniversary of a mass burial, spirits of plague victims rise from their graves and march to the cathedral’s ‘Judgment Porch’, singing for salvation.
Beyond specific apparitions, the cathedral is said to be a hotbed of supernatural activity. Visitors and staff have reported unexplained sounds, sudden temperature drops, and an overwhelming sense of being watched.
One of the most well-known tales associated with Lincoln Cathedral is that of the Lincoln Imp. According to legend, two mischievous imps were sent by the devil to wreak havoc on earth. After causing trouble at St. Mary’s Church in Chesterfield, twisting the spire, they made their way to Lincoln Cathedral. Once inside, the imps began causing chaos, tripping up the bishop, smashing tables, and destroying the stained glass windows. An angel appeared and ordered them to stop. One imp, frightened by the angel, fled, but the other remained defiant. The bold imp threw rocks at the angel, declaring, “Stop me if you can!” The angel, reaching the limits of her patience, promptly turned the imp to stone. The petrified imp has remained in the cathedral ever since, perched high up on a pillar in the Angel Choir.
Today, the Lincoln Imp has become a symbol of the city, appearing on everything from football club badges to door knockers. Visitors to the cathedral often seek out the imp, considering it a must-see attraction. While official sources may not acknowledge these supernatural claims, the persistent tales of ghostly encounters continue to intrigue both believers and sceptics. Whether fact or fiction, these stories add an extra layer of mystique to the already awe-inspiring Lincoln Cathedral.
One of the most well-known tales associated with Lincoln Cathedral is that of the Lincoln Imp. According to legend, two mischievous imps were sent by the devil to wreak havoc on earth. After causing trouble at St. Mary’s Church in Chesterfield, twisting the spire, they made their way to Lincoln Cathedral. Once inside, the imps began causing chaos, tripping up the bishop, smashing tables, and destroying the stained glass windows. An angel appeared and ordered them to stop. One imp, frightened by the angel, fled, but the other remained defiant. The bold imp threw rocks at the angel, declaring, “Stop me if you can!” The angel, reaching the limits of her patience, promptly turned the imp to stone. The imp has remained in the cathedral ever since, perched high up on a pillar in the Angel Choir, serving as a reminder of the power of good over evil.
Today, the Lincoln Imp has become a symbol of the city, appearing on everything from football club badges to door knockers. Visitors to the cathedral often seek out the imp, considering it a must-see attraction. While official sources do not acknowledge any supernatural activity, the persistent tales of ghostly encounters continue to intrigue both believers and skeptics alike.
