All photography thanks to
James Newton
About Us
Supporting and caring for the future of Lincoln Cathedral
The Friends of Lincoln Cathedral is a charity dedicated to supporting this extraordinary building and its long-term preservation. Through fundraising, advocacy and a shared commitment to heritage, we help ensure the Cathedral continues to be maintained, protected and enjoyed for generations to come.
Our work is guided by a council of volunteers who bring together a range of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm, all united by a common aim, to support and promote one of England’s most important historic landmarks.
Our Impact
The Friends of Lincoln Cathedral provide direct support for the conservation and upkeep of the Cathedral, helping to fund work that might not otherwise be possible. Our contributions assist with the repair of historic stonework, restoration of architectural features and the continuing care required to maintain a building of this scale and significance.
This support makes a practical difference, helping to protect vulnerable areas, extend the life of historic materials and ensure the Cathedral remains accessible and welcoming to all who visit. By contributing to both major projects and essential day-to-day work, The Friends play a consistent role in sustaining the Cathedral for the future.
To find out more go to our work below where we list some of the projects we have funded.
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Examples of the Projects We Support
Friends' Choral Scholar
The Friends of Lincoln Cathedral support the Cathedral’s music tradition through their sponsorship of choral scholars. These roles provide talented young musicians with the opportunity to develop their skills, perform at a high level and gain valuable professional experience.
Current choral scholar has highlighted the impact of this support, describing how the opportunity to sing daily within the Cathedral’s choir, alongside experienced musicians, has played an important role in his development. From performing major works such as Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s St John Passion to working closely with the Cathedral’s music department, the experience offers both artistic and professional growth.
Support from The Friends helps ensure that this important musical tradition continues, while also providing meaningful opportunities for the next generation of musicians.
St Hugh’s Choir Furnishings
The Friends contributed to the replacement of soft furnishings in St Hugh’s Choir, a highly specialised project due to the unique nature of the medieval misericord seating. Each piece required careful consideration and bespoke design to fit the varying sizes.
This project has helped to enhance both the comfort and presentation of this historic space, ensuring it can continue to be used and appreciated as part of the Cathedral’s daily life.
Stonemason Apprenticeships
The Friends of Lincoln Cathedral support the training and development of apprentice stonemasons, helping to ensure that the specialist skills required to care for the Cathedral are passed on to the next generation.
Recent apprentice Grace Impesi has completed her first year of training, combining academic study at York College with hands-on experience at the Cathedral. Her work has included assisting with stone repairs, rebuilding sections of walling, and contributing to conservation work on the Cathedral’s west front and cloister. Through this, she has developed practical skills in stone carving, fixing, pointing and traditional lime work.
This support plays a vital role in safeguarding the future of the Cathedral. By investing in apprenticeships, The Friends help ensure that skilled craftspeople are trained to carry out the specialist conservation work required to maintain a building of this scale and historic importance.
Music
The Cathedral’s superb Choir and Organ are at the heart of its ministry. The Friends finance Choristerships, as well as Choral and Organ Scholars. The Friends also contribute significantly towards the cost of maintaining the magnificent Father Willis organ.
Who's Who
Patron
Andrew Clark, the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire
President
Rt Revd the Bishop of Lincoln
Up to fifteen members are elected at Annual General Meetings
to serve on the Council for terms of four years.
The Very Reverend the Dean of Lincoln and the Canons Residentiary of Lincoln Cathedral are representative members of the Council.
The Executive Subcommittee of the Council comprises of seven officers
Our History
In 2011 the Association celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary and was pleased to host its present First Friend, The Earl of Wessex, now HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, to dinner in the Chapter House.
The Association of Friends was launched in 1936 and the then Duke and Duchess of York consented to be the First Friends upon the Roll of Membership.
Much remains to be done and a warm and friendly welcome awaits all who wish to join us to ensure that we pass it on safely to future generations.
Since the Association was founded there is scarcely any part of the Cathedral which has not benefited from the generosity of the Friends, from the cleaning of the south-west front to the ornamentation of St Hugh’s Shrine, from the heating system in the Chapter House to the lighting and heating in St Hugh’s Choir.
The Association’s purpose remains as an organisation to bind together all who love the Cathedral Church and desire to play their part, however small, in preserving it for future generations, supporting its departments or adding to its adornment.
Our Partners
