Lincoln Cathedral from the navigation.
The waterway from Saxilby to Lincoln was very much, more of the same, but with the misty outline of Lincoln’s Cathedral and Castle visible for most of the way.
Then suddenly the Cathedral views vanish as the CRT long term moorings appear, indicating the approach of Lincoln. The visitor moorings are located at the far end just before the high concrete bridge which also marks the start of Brayford Pool. Services are about halfway along the moorings.
The vast expanse of the ‘Brayford’ as the locals call it, is home to an interesting variety of moored boats which are overlooked by the Lincoln University campus buildings.
The town side of the Brayford sports a number of visitor, look but don’t moor, eateries, a few traditional users remain including the boat club which is open on Friday nights and welcomes visitors.
The modern end of the pool with the approach to the Glory Hole via the old flood gates.
The pool as it was in its trading heyday.
The High Bridge with tow paths each side of the approach channel, these lead up to what was the old road into the medieval city.
The bridge is the oldest in the UK with buildings still on it, but the road is now a bustling pedestrianised shopping street.
The downstream side of the bridge is now open and overlooks the city centre moorings. The moorings are great for shopping or visiting the Castle Hill, but because the surrounding buildings form a canyon they are also very noisy and are not ideal for an overnight stay.
The entry to the medieaval city, known locally as the Stone Gate.
The walk up to the Cathedral resembles a steep version of the York Shambles.
The street contains some interesting little shops, one of which sells a fascinating range of old aircraft cockpit instruments.
Lincoln Cathedral was first commenced in 1072 on the orders of William the Conquerer. It has a spectacular nave and at one time was the tallest building in the world but it has relatively few memorials.
Just as we were about to leave, Sue spotted this tablet and wooden carving of a Banksia just inside the entry.
Well known for his botanical work, it was to be the first of many reminders of how Joseph Banks’ forward thinking had helped change and improve the landscape of this part of England.
As part of Lincoln’s 800 year Magna Carter Celebrations 25 of these Figures have been placed around the city to represent the 25 Barron’s who caused the document to be written.
The CRT visitor moorings are quiet and have easy car access. The IWA has recently arranged for the discretionary stay period, to be extended to 72 hours, but the signs do not reflect this yet.