Steep Hill, Lincoln, England

[melodysparks]

Steep Hill Lincoln, England



Steep is not an exaggeration, indeed it isn’t with its a one-in-seven gradient (around 50-60 degrees). In November 2011 it was crowned greatest street in Britain.



Steep Hill is a popular tourist street in the historic city of Lincoln, England. At the top of the hill is the entrance to Lincoln Cathedral and at the bottom is Well Lane. The Hill consists of independent shops, tea rooms and pubs. Its name arises from the gradient of the hill, which is difficult to ascend and descend. There is a handrail, which is needed by most people. It is not advisable to push a wheelchair up this hill.


The central (and steepest) part of the route is unsuited to any form of vehicle, and only passable on foot. A handrail is provided along this section also seating for those who wish to rest.
The route is part of the Roman route from the ford over the River Witham to the Forum in modern Bailgate, and thus the final part of Ermine Street .
Two Norman houses lie on the street, Jew's House and Norman House, the latter formerly known as "Aaron the Jew's House". Both display characteristic Norman mullioned windows. Adjacent to and above the Jew's House stands Jew's Court, said to be from the Norman period but not displaying any obvious Norman features. There are some jettied half-timbered houses towards the top.



I recently visited the street with a friend and we found walking up in a diagonal zigzag was easier on the leg muscles and boy did they ache after that climb, but a great place to visit.

Comments

[tamnat.livejournal.com]

Last night I watched the first episode of the TV series (on video) which is called "The Adventure of English. The Biography of the Language" in which Melvyn Bragg didn't fail to mention about the Norman conquest of Britain; he spoke of their influence on the language and culture. Now, your post adds a new authentic feature to my awareness of the history of Britain, its heritage and its modern life.
Truly enlightening.
Have a nice day!

[melodysparks.livejournal.com]

The Normans had a massive impact on England equal to that of the Romans. Both Nottingham & Lincoln were major Norman towns both having a hill or rock outcrop where William the Conqueror ordered the building of a royal castle, Lincoln Castle was one of the first and is at the top of Steep Hill one of the next was the legendary Nottingham Castle which stood atop of a 130 foot high bunter sandstone outcrop. Both had strong solid Norman walls and were virtually inpregnable with their highly defensible position. In 1141 Lincon survived a seige between the forces of King Stephens and Empress Maud during the first English Civil War known as the Anarchy. The castle walls still stands to this day.

Nottingham was beseiged by King Richard on his return from crusade for 3 days. The defenders believed him prisoner and held out regardless of the outer gatehouose being taken and all the garrison in there hung. The constable finally identified Richard and the castle opened its gates. In 1640, King Charles 1st raised his standard at Nottingham Castle in an attempt to gather forces but Nottingham spurned him and welcomed the parliamentarians instead, thus starting the second Civil War. Nottingham castle was an icon. Nottingham Castle never ever fell to beseigers. At the end of the Civil War, parliament ordered the governor of Nottingham to raise the building to the ground to prevent Oliver Cromwell and others who coverted the fortress as their own. Although the building was destroyed the cellars and foundations remained as did the outer walls. (That twice Nottingham defied the King. Historically Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire have an impact on birth of the Pilgrim fathers too but that’s another story, my recent visit to Boston enlightened me there)

I will post more photographs of both Nottingham, Lincoln and other towns along with some snippets of history for you to enjoy

[tamnat.livejournal.com]

Dear melodysparks, my heartfelt thanks for shedding light on the history of your homeland which has always stirred up my interest. Your sharing made me feel like re-reading some pages from the book "England. The Autography", the chapter where William of Poitiers (William the Conqueror's chaplain) gives an account of the Battle of Hastings. The invader himself couldn't but admit the valiancy of the English warriors. "Indeed this was a battle of a new type: one side vigorously attacking; the other resisting as if rooted to teh ground"...

My city is just 118 years ...young, can't say old :):):) and I love it, I'm keen on its history too; but I'm always in awe of places of living history like yours. I admire your ancient castles, magnificent cathedrals and your reverent attitude to the heritage.

I will look forward to enjoying your new photos and stories you can share.

[melodysparks.livejournal.com]

I am fascinated with history so I find it all very interesting.

The English at Hastings were fierce warriors but they had also recently fought two other major battles, at Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge, less than three weeks before the Battle of Hastings had marched nearly 200 miles after preventing and attempted invasion from a Harald Hardråda's Viking army attempting to invade in north eastern England.

The most formidable defence of the English was the shield wall, where all the men on the front ranks locked their shields together. The entire army mostly infantry (while the Franks were made up of nobel knights, meercenaries and cavalry all heavily armoured), took up position along the ridge line in ranks facing the Franks and as soldiers fell in the front the rear ranks moved forward to replace them. The shield wall eventually failed to hold back the Franks after fierce fighting.

One of William The Conqueror's favourites and rumoured to be his son eventually governed Nottingham and he built the original Nottingham Castle and the one named after him; William Peverel.

This website might interest you as it has information relating to The Battle of Hastings.

http://battle1066.com/intro.shtml

[tamnat.livejournal.com]

I read about the manner in which the English army fought the Normans. Their ranks were so closely massed togethet that even the dead had no space to fall.

I'm a teacher of English who has never been to England but who loves both the language and the culture of your country passionately. The latter is closely connected with history.

Thank you Christina ( right?) for the link. It's wonderful and informative.

[melodysparks.livejournal.com]

No problem at all I can include history and stories as part of my journal entries. he research is just as much fun as the photography.

Its Christine actually but Christina is close enough I dont mind being called that.