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A brief history of Lincoln

The recorded time when Lincoln has originated is said to be during the Iron Age. Settlements were composed of wooden dwellings which date back to the 1st century BC. This settlement can be found near a deep pool in the River Witham at a large hill’s foot.

The name Lincoln was thought to be from the word Lindon which means “The Pool.” This might have something to do with the location of the settlements.

In AD 48, the Romans conquered Lincoln and other parts of Britain. The name Lindon, which was Celtic, was then transformed into Latin, Lindum Colonia.

This settlement flourished during the Roman time, and many people accessed the town from the sea. They go through the River Withman and the River Trent to reach town. The town declined before the 5th century which led to it being deserted.

Germanic tribes coming from the North Sea area occupied Lincolnshire during the 5th and 6th centuries. The town’s then-Latin name Lindum Colonia was translated to Old English, and it was called Lindocolina before the final name Lincylene.

After the raids by the Vikings, the city became important due to its trading relations. The Danelaw was then established in 886. Because of this, Lincoln became a borough in the East Midlands. There were Five Boroughs during this period.

The once deserted town was occupied and buildings with timber frames were built. However, Lincoln experienced an economic explosion during the time of the Danes. Some parts were once again deserted.

The Witham banks by 950 were developed, and in 1068, the building of Lincoln Castle started. This was two years after the Norman conquest of England happened. The construction was ordered by William I.

The first Lincoln Cathedral was built completely in 1092. It experienced fire but was rebuilt, but an earthquake in 1185 totally destroyed it. The last rebuilding made the structure known as the world’s tallest man-made structure, surpassing the Great Pyramids of Egypt.

A battle between the forces of Empress Matilda and King Stephen happened in Lincoln in 1141. This was during the Anarchy, and King Stephen lost. He was then taken to Bristol after his capture.

Lincoln was known as one of England’s wealthiest towns by 1150. The economy thrived through cloth and wool exportation.

In the 13th century, Lincoln was the third largest city in England, and many kings fancied the city. Lincoln was involved during the First Barons’ War and the Second Barons’ War. During the second war, the records containing registered debts were burned.

It is unknown up to now whether the city’s economy and fortunes declined during the 14th century or if it remained stable and thriving. However, additional rights were given to Lincoln when it became a county in 1409.

More than seven monasteries in Lincoln closed during the 16th century. This is because of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Political powers were greatly affected especially when abbeys also shut down.

In 1549, it was sure that the economic and political state of Lincoln declined. This was seen when the great spire of the cathedral rotted and collapsed. This is because it was not replaced during the time.

Lincoln was under different hands several times when the English Civil War occurred. Damages can be seen around town and it had no easy sea access and no major industry.

Lincoln once again flourished through the Agricultural Revolution by the Georgian era. This continued until the Industrial Revolution.

However, a typhoid epidemic hit Lincoln between 1904 and 1905, and this was attributed to the polluted drinking water from the River Witham and Hartsholme Lake. Many people were infected, and some died. A chlorine disinfection system was installed by Cruickshank Houston to address the problem.

Lincoln involved itself in war production during World Wars I and II. Diesel engines were then produced together with gas turbine engines.