I Have Seen More Than I Remember

Friday September 12, 2014

Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England

What is now known as Lincoln developed from the Roman town of Lindum Colonia. Lincoln's major landmarks are Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle, an 11th-century Norman castle. The field trip consisted of a sincerely depressing visit to the Castle, a small amount of free time to see the shops and local area, a tour of the Cathedral, and a walking tour of local Roman Ruins.

  

The castle must be an incredible site to see, when you can actually see it. A vast majority of the castle was under construction. Luckily we were still able to go onto a part of the castle that overlooks the cathedral. The view of the city from above was stunning.

Here are the small portions of the castle you can actually see (but not go into):

The beginning of the trip began as an opportunity for the group I was in to walk around the city. I walked around with Mckenzie and David, but we weren't able to go very far in the time we had. We just went down part of Steep Hill, which is very aptly named. At one point on the hill, which we didn't make it to, there are rails on the side for people to use because it's hard getting up without them. The hill is basically a runner's nightmare. I would never ever want to participate in a race up that hill. After visiting some of the super cute shops, including a gallery full of beautiful watercolor paintings, and a store FULL to the ceiling of books it was time to eat lunch. School lunches are not braces friendly: they gave us raisins (too chewy) and apples (can't bite into them.) But the rest of the food was edible and delicious! :)

After Lunch it was time for the Cathedral tour; my group was led by one of the professors, Dr. Bianca Leggett. Dr. Leggett is also my seminar professor. British Studies is a 6 hour course which consists of 2 hours of lecture and 2 hours of seminar (smaller group) every week. I am taking Honors British Studies, which means I also take a one hour tutorial session each week. 

The Cathedral tour began outside where Dr. Leggett pointed out some of the Romanesque architecture, such as the rounded arches, and some of the more Gothic features, such as the pointed arches and flying buttresses. 

 

We then headed inside to continue our tour. I was very ecstatic to learn that I was indeed able to take pictures! I overheard someone watching people take pictures say, "I really wish I enjoyed taking pictures more." As many people can tell, I do NOT have that problem. I take so many pictures. Everywhere. Of everything. 

 Gothic Style Ribbed Vaulting

 

Ribbed Vaulting (Gothic) and Stained Glass Window (Romanesque due to rounded features)

I cannot for the life of me remember what this is called. I do, however, remember that Dr. Leggett said it used to be the separation where only the Priests and higher could enter into that part of the cathedral- Common people were not allowed past the gate. She said it was rather impressive that it is still there because during the reformation most of them got knocked down. 

Another View inside the Cathedral.

After the Cathedral tour, we did a walking tour around Lincoln to see Roman ruins in the area. Parts of monumental gateways and walls can be seen but there are very few traces of public buildings remaining. The Newport Arch, pictured below, is the ONLY Roman gateway still open to traffic. The arch is part of the north gate of Lindum Colonia, the Roman town founded in the 1st century. It was rather interesting seeing other buildings built up around the scattered ruins.

 

Although it was disappointing that the castle was under construction, Lincoln was well worth the visit. Especially since it was a great trip that I didn't have to pay for. ;) Those don't make my heart hurt like paying for the other trips I'm planning have been.

"Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember and remember more than I have seen." -Benjamin Disraeli