Ahead of you stands St Mary Magdalene, Bailgate - look for a small, rectangular stone church with simple pointed windows, nestled right by the towering Lincoln Cathedral, its weathered walls catching the sunlight.
Imagine standing here centuries ago, in a bustling medieval market with the great shadow of Lincoln Cathedral behind you. St Mary Magdalene, the church in front of you, is old enough to make even the oldest cheese in Lincoln’s markets jealous-it dates back to the late 1100s, opening its doors in 1317. Originally, though, there was another St Mary’s even earlier, likely hidden beneath the mighty cathedral next door, and it’s mentioned in the legendary Domesday Book! This place has seen its fair share of drama: in 1644, during the English Civil War, Parliament soldiers gave it a rough time, so much so that it needed a big rebuild in 1695. And just when the church thought it could finally put its feet up, the Victorian architect George Frederick Bodley swooped in around the 1880s to give it a rather stylish makeover, including a fancy chancel screen and an organ case. Speaking of organs-the one inside has changed hands more often than a hot potato, with work done by some of the finest builders in Lincoln! So while you’re standing here, listen closely-you might just hear echoes of centuries-old hymns or a distant peal of organ pipes, telling secrets of Lincoln’s lively past.
