"Our Lady of Lincoln"

There are several early historical references to this devotion
In his History of Lincoln in the Midle Ages Sir Francis Hill refers to devotion to Our Lady. She was chosen as Patroness of the city on the occasion of the victory of the citizens over the forces of the Earl of Chester in 1147 A.D. -during a period of civil war between the followers of King Stephen and the supporters of the "Empress Matilda".

From Dugdale's Monasticism Volume 6 (British Museum) we have a description of the original statue of Our Lady of Lincoln, found in Lincoln Cathedral.

" A great image of Our Lady, sitting in a chair of silver and gilt with four polls, two of them having arms in the front, having upon her head a crown, silver and gilt, set with stones and pearls; and one bee ( metal torque) with stones and pearls about her neck, and an ouche (brooch) depending thereby, having in her hand a sceptre with one flower, set with stones and pearls and one bird in the top thereof; and her Child sitting upon her knee, with a crown on his head, with a diadem set with pearls and stones, having a ball with a cross of silver and gilt in his left hand and at either of his feet a scutcheon of arms. "

The City of Lincoln was under the patronage of Our Lady, and its great Cathedral dedicated to the Annunciation. This Gospel scene, described in ch. 1 of St. Luke, is also depicted on The Stonebow, an ancient arch in the High Street. Viewed from the south side, the figure of the Archangel Gabriel stands on the right of the Gate, bearing a rolled scroll (originally inscribed 'Ave, gratia plena, Dominus tecum") while on the left the Virgin Mary, with hands joined, stands in an attitude of prayer, her feet treading on a dragon, symbol of evil.

One statue of Our Lady, which escaped the ravages of both the Reformation and the Cromwellian Wars of the 17th.Century, is found on the exterior of the Cathedral high above the large east-facing window. (A more modern statue of Our Lady and her Child is found on the south side of the Cathedral guarding the entrance known as the Galilee Porch.)

Today, as one travels into Lincoln from the North East one can admire the very attractive modern Church which forms an impressive landmark, on Cabourne Avenue just off Nettleham Road. Built in the 1960s as the second Catholic Church to be erected in the city since the Reformation it was very fitting that it should be placed under the patronage of the Mother of God and dedicated to her under the ancient title of Our Lady of Lincoln.

During the Jubilee Year, 2000, the Lady Chapel was refurbished and newly decorated. It is a little haven of peace much loved by parishioners and visitors as a place of quiet prayer and contemplation.

It is fitting that this modern shrine should be found in the city which has such a long history of devotion to the Mother of God and that all who come here should be encouraged to pray for continued healing of the old wounds which have divided the followers of her Son since the 16th. Century.

(Notes compiled by Sister Stephanie from various sources)

OUTLINE HISTORY OF OUR LADY OF LINCOLN PARISH