Lincoln Cathedral became the tallest building in the world in 1300, passing the Great Pyramid, when the spire on the central tower was raised (see above). It held that title until 1549 when the spires collapsed during a storm.
The city was of great importance at this time, being the capital of England’s largest diocese at the time stretching from the Humber in the north to the Thames in the south.
When King John placed his seal on Magna Carta at Runnymeade in 1215, a copy was brought back to Lincoln by then Bishop of Lincoln, Hugh of Wells, with the address ‘LINCOLNIA’ written on the back. Lincoln’s Magna Carta is still owned by Lincoln Cathedral and remains as one of four surviving copies of the document and it can be seen in Lincoln today.