Lincoln in Medieval Times

Lincoln’s most significant historical buildings were constructed in the years following the Norman Conquest.

In 1068 William I ordered Lincoln Castle to be built on the site of the former Roman settlement, for the same strategic reasons and using the same road. In 1072 the first bishop of Lincoln ordered the construction of Lincoln Cathedral, which was completed in 1092 opposite the castle.

Outside the precincts of the cathedral and castle, the old quarter clustered around the Bailgate and down Steep Hill to the River Witham, where the High Bridge was constructed in the 12th century. Lincoln’s three ancient churches also date from Medieval times: St Mary le Wigford and St Peter at Gowts were built in the 11th century, and St Mary Magdalene in the late 13th century.

The bishops of Lincoln were among the magnates of medieval England. At the time of its construction in the late 12th century, Lincoln Medieval Bishop’s Palace was one of the country’s most imposing residential structures. It was also the administrative centre of the Diocese of Lincoln, the largest diocese in England. Stretching from the Humber to the Thames, this contained more monasteries than the rest of England put together, and was supported by large estates outside Lincolnshire. When the Magna Carta was drawn up in 1215, one of the witnesses was Hugh of Wells, Bishop of Lincoln.

Lincoln also enjoyed a thriving Medieval Jewish population, and in 1154 was officially noted as being home to one of England’s five most important Jewish communities. However, anti-Semitic riots in 1190 were followed by increasingly anti-Semitic behaviour, most notably 'The Libel of Lincoln' affair in 1255 (in which prominent Jews of Lincoln were falsely accused of the ritual murder of a Christian boy), and in 1290 the Edict of Expulsion expelled Jews en masse from England. Despite of this, Lincoln’s Norman Jewish population is still reflected in extant 12th century buildings, including Norman House, Jew’s House and Jew’s Court.

In 1130 Lincoln weavers had set up a guild to produce Lincoln Cloth, in particular the fine dyed 'scarlet' and 'green'. By 1150 cloth and wool formed the basis of the economy, and Lincoln was one of England’s wealthiest towns. This merchandise was exported to Flanders, and its reputation was further boosted when Robin Hood wore woollens of Lincoln green.

During the 13th century Lincoln was England’s third largest city, and a favourite of more than one king. It also became embroiled in the conflict between the king and the rebel barons who had allied with the French, and it was here and at Dover that the French and Rebel army was defeated.

However, during the 14th century, the city's fortunes began to decline. The lower city was prone to flooding, becoming increasingly isolated, and plagues were common.