Skip to main content

The Lincoln Imp Legend

Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln, Lincolnshire Legend Medieval

Lincoln Cathedral, a majestic structure that dominates the city's skyline, is home to a rather mischievous legend. The story goes that a little creature, known as the Lincoln Imp, caused quite a stir within the cathedral's walls. This troublesome imp was said to have created chaos, but his antics were eventually brought to an end by a passing angel who transformed him into stone. Today, the Lincoln Imp sits quietly in his new stone form, high up within the cathedral, a popular attraction for visitors.

Historical records of the Lincoln Imp are scarce, but the legend has been a part of Lincolnshire folklore for centuries. The imp's transformation into stone is often seen as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil. While there's no concrete evidence to pinpoint the exact date or time of the incident, the Lincoln Imp remains a beloved and intriguing part of the cathedral's history. As a popular tourist destination, Lincoln Cathedral offers visitors a chance to glimpse the imp in his stone form, a reminder of the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

Historical Context

The Lincoln Imp legend dates back to the medieval period, when Lincoln Cathedral was a major centre of worship and pilgrimage.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Cathedral
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Legend
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
LN1

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0 mi

Lincoln Cathedral Ghosts

Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln

Lincoln Cathedral, a majestic structure that dominates the city's skyline, is said to be haunted by a multitude of ghostly entities. One of the most intriguing sightings is that of a seventeenth-century cleric, seen climbing the steps at the front of the cathedral, a chain hanging from his neck. This apparition has been reported by numerous witnesses over the years, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this ghostly figure. Adding to the mystique are reports of the cathedral's bells being pealed by an unseen hand, and a procession of praying monks said to haunt the cloisters.

Cathedral Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.1 mi

White Hart Hotel Haunting

White Hart Hotel, Lincoln

The White Hart Hotel in Lincoln is a hub of paranormal activity, with numerous reports of ghostly sightings and unexplained occurrences. A young man who took his own life in the building is said to be responsible for most of the hauntings. Guests and staff have reported a range of spooky phenomena, including a floating ball of light, a girl in a mop cap, the sound of a gunshot, and a faceless highwayman. The hotel's restaurant has also been the scene of strange happenings, with food reportedly jumping off plates.

Hotel Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.1 mi

Browns Pie Shop Ghost

Browns Pie Shop, Lincoln

Browns Pie Shop in Lincoln is home to a mischievous young phantom known as Humphrey. Staff have given him this nickname due to his fondness for running around the shop. It's not just Humphrey that haunts this location, as a young girl is also said to make appearances. The atmosphere is further filled with the unexplained sound of money being counted, adding to the shop's eerie charm.

Workplace Unknown
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 0.1 mi

Mischievous Castle Hill Poltergeist

Castle Hill Club, Lincoln

Castle Hill Club in Lincoln is home to a rather cheeky spirit known as the Bottom Pincher. This mischievous poltergeist has been reported to pinch the bottoms of unsuspecting visitors. The exact date of these incidents is unclear, but it's believed to have occurred sometime in the 2000s. While it may sound amusing, encountering a ghostly pinch can be quite startling. The Bottom Pincher is a poltergeist that seems to take pleasure in surprising people, but fortunately, it doesn't appear to cause any harm.

Nightclub Modern
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

The Lady in Black of Cobb Hall

Cobb Hall, Lincoln

Cobb Hall in Lincoln has a dark history that's said to be connected to a ghostly apparition known as the Lady in Black. This malevolent spirit reportedly once tried to push a young child down the staircase, but thankfully the child's father intervened just in time, saving them from a terrible fate. What's chilling is that the father then watched as the woman disappeared into thin air, leaving him shaken and confused.

Historic Building Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

Lincoln Castle Ghostly Apparition

Observatory Tower, Lincoln

Lincoln Castle's Observatory Tower stands tall, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of history. But for one family in April 2004, the tower held a chilling presence. As they climbed the stairs, a sudden cold feeling washed over them, leaving them with an unsettling sense of being watched. Their photograph of the building seemed to confirm their experience, revealing a strange figure that couldn't be explained. This wasn't an isolated incident; years earlier, another pair of witnesses reported seeing two figures in front of them, only to vanish when they reached the top of the staircase.

Castle Medieval
Read Full Story