Lincoln Castle

Lincoln Castle is a Norman castle in the city of Lincoln, England, constructed soon after the Norman Conquest around 1068. It crowns a hill beside Lincoln Cathedral and forms a major medieval earth-and-stone fortress with surviving walls and a gate complex.

The castle’s curtain walls and raised walkways offer panoramic views over the historic city and the cathedral close; the interior includes exhibition spaces and a visitor route. The complex also holds one of the original 1215 copies of the Magna Carta and interprets the castle’s legal and penal history.

Originally built as a military stronghold and administrative centre, the castle’s role evolved over centuries to include a shire hall, gaol and courthouse. Parts of the site were adapted in the 18th and 19th centuries for civic uses and later conserved for public access.

It sits within Lincoln’s city centre on the western edge of the cathedral hill, a short walk from the cathedral and the historic medieval quarter.

• Date of origin: Built on a hill in Lincoln after the Norman Conquest, with construction dating to around 1068 under William the Conqueror.
• Magna Carta: One of the surviving original 1215 Magna Carta documents is preserved and displayed within the castle's exhibition spaces.

What to See #

• Curtain walls and walkway: The Norman curtain walls and walkway encircle the castle and provide an elevated route for visitors with views across the city and cathedral.
• Magna Carta display: The Magna Carta display houses one of the original 1215 copies and is part of the visitor exhibition inside the castle complex.