Gothic UK landmark that was once the world’s tallest building used to film huge winter blockbuster
IF YOU want to get behind the scenes of this year’s biggest movie, then you might want to take a trip to the east midlands.
While Lincoln may not attract as many visitors as the likes of York, Cambridge, and Bath, there are still plenty of reasons to visit.
One of those is Lincoln Cathedral, which dates back to 1072.
The Gothic cathedral was commissioned by William the Conqueror in the 11th century.
In its long history, Lincoln Cathedral has earned several accolades, including its title as the tallest building in the world.
Lincoln Cathedral took the world-record-breaking title from the Great Pyramid of Giza when a spire was added to the cathedral’s structure in 1311.
The cathedral retained its title for more than 200 years until its spire collapsed in 1548.
Lincoln Cathedral has other claims to fame too, including being used as a filming location for Sir Ridley Scott’s biopic, Napoleon.
The film, which was released earlier this year, follows the French leader’s rise to power, as well as his relationship with Empress Joséphine (played by Vanessa Kirby).
Film buffs in the UK will be pleased to know that parts of the Hollywood blockbuster were shot in England.
Travel and tourism brand, ConnollyCove, identified some of the biopic’s filming locations, which included Lincoln Cathedral.
Historically, Napoleon’s coronation took place in Notre Dame Cathedral.
With the French cathedral undergoing restoration, Lincoln Cathedral was used as the backdrop instead.
Other UK filming locations included Blenheim Palace and Peper Harow Park in Surrey.
In addition to its starring role in a Hollywood blockbuster, Lincoln Cathedral is also home to one of the only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta.
Meanwhile, other attractions include the Lincoln Imp.
According to local legends, the imp was turned to stone by an angel after misbehaving.
Visitors to the cathedral will be able to spot the stone imp in the building’s rafters.
There are other attractions too, including the Medieval Library and Wren Libraries, which house a collection of 15th-century books.
Lincoln Cathedral is open every day of the week, with opening times varying on different days of the week.
Entry tickets into the cathedral cost up to £11 for a full-paying adult, while children go free.
Despite the entry charge, access to all services is free of charge.
The cathedral receives positive reviews on TripAdvisor with a 4.5/5 star rating from more than 6,500 reviews.
One person wrote: “Lincoln Cathedral is by far the biggest and most awe-inspiring cathedral I have ever been to.
“The Outside is just as beautiful. It is also a bit of fun to find the Lincoln Imp hidden on one of the pillars.”
Another person said: “A lovely cathedral steeped in history. We had a great floor tour with a very informative guide, who told us not just about the architecture, but also about people who had lived in different periods.”
There are plenty of other spots across the UK that have been used to film Hollywood blockbusters and hit TV shows over the years.
Set in Yorkshire, Aysgarth Falls is a three-tiered natural water feature that was visited by historical figures like William Wordsworth.
The waterfalls also provided a dramatic setting for a scene from the Hollywood movie Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.
Meanwhile, a train station in the West Midlands was used as a filming location for Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One.