Shortly after the Norman Conquest (CE 1066), William the Conqueror ordered the first cathedral to be built in Lincoln, England. This dates to roughly CE 1076. The cathedral has been damaged over the years and even destroyed by fires and earthquakes. The structure features several distinct architectural styles which relate to its chronology.
The norman/romanesque style, is evident by the roman-style round arches on the lower levels of the west facade. Romanesque architecture is characterised by round arches as well as massively thick (load bearing) walls and pillars which support the structures. Architects aspiring to create taller romanesque buildings had to support the additional weight with even thicker walls that contained fewer windows. The result is an increasingly bulky and dark interior.
The cathedral's final form is that of various gothic styles. The earliest of which originated in France at the Church of Saint-Denis.
“I see myself dwelling, as it were, in some strange region of the universe which neither exists entirely in the slime of the earth nor the purity of heaven,” ... “By the grace of God I can be transported.”
- Abbot Suger
In this quote by Abbot Suger, the first patron of the Gothic style, he describes the transcendental effect created by new architectural devices (some were influenced by Islamic technology gained during the Crusades). These devices include a pointed arch rather than a round one, which better directs the weight of the wall downward, as opposed to outward. Unlike the Romanesque's thick pillars, the Gothic style uses clusters of thin columns bound together creating lines that lead the eye upwards vertically. Ceilings become lighter by use of the rib-vault. The weight of the roof and structure is directed away from the wall through a series of flying-buttresses.
Used collectively, these architectural devices allow the gothic structures to become taller (soaring upwards towards the heavens) and relatively lighter both physically and visually. Since the weight of the structure is no longer supported by the outside walls, the architect is able to incorporate large stain glass windows, which are used abundantly to fill the interior space with a transcending light.
West facade
Portal on west facade with nordic-esque "animal style" carvings on the columns.(Normandy was inhabited by norsemen/vikings)
View down the Nave of the cathedral
Stain glass windows not only radiated divine light, they served to educate the masses during an illiterate era. Window images would relay information by way of biblical story and sometimes included the history of the cathedral's construction and patronage.
Rose window in south transept
flying-buttress photo by Richard Croft, C.C. image from WikiA flying-buttress and pier.
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