Lincoln Cathedral Fabric Fund
The Lincoln Cathedral Fabric Fund exists to support the continuous programme of conservation and repair that is required to sustain the Cathedral building, both for us today, as well as those future generations who we hope will also be able to visit and be inspired.
Patron of the Lincoln Cathedral Fabric Fund:
His Majesty, King Charles III
Introduction
The Fabric Fund is responsible for the Cathedral building including the cloisters and Library. The Fabric Fund is also responsible for the upkeep of the Cathedral’s inventory – this includes things like the collection of historic treasures, artworks, furniture and organs (including the Father Willis).
A Royal Patron
His Majesty King Charles III is well known to have a passion for heritage and the craft skills needed to sustain a heritage building such as Lincoln Cathedral. The Dean and Chapter are incredibly honoured that since July 2012, then as Prince of Wales, and continuing now as king, to have His Majesty as patron of the Lincoln Cathedral Fabric Fund.
All at the Lincoln Cathedral Fabric Fund are thankful for the work His Majesty does to promote the value of heritage, as well as sustainability around the world.
Official portrait taken at Windsor Castle in 2023, by photographer Hugo Burnand.
Why support heritage?
Heritage and heritage skills are the life blood of the Fabric Fund. Heritage connects us to all those who have been before, and speaks volumes about our past, as well as beyond us and into the future. So important is heritage that UNESCO describe it as follows:
Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and
what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and
natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.
At Lincoln Cathedral, arguably one of the most recognisable heritage sites in the country, we have a duty to ensure that the incredible built heritage we have received from those who went before us, is maintained and conserved so that it can be handed on to the next generation, at least in as good as, but preferably in better condition that we received it.
If you love history, heritage and heritage skills, join us and together we can ensure that others can love Lincoln Cathedral in the future.
Did you know?
As far as possible, all our craftspeople are true to the traditional processes that the original medieval craftsmen would have used in the construction of the Cathedral, although they do have the benefit of some more modern machinery and techniques to help them in the task. Wherever possible, they always try to ensure that the existing fabric is retained and only when the structural role of a stone, carving, joist, lead roof or section of glass can no longer be performed, will it be replaced with new.
Current Projects
There are currently three main projects underway that are financed by the Fabric Fund:
Chapter House
circa £1.6m
The Chapter House is the largest of the current Fabric Fund projects. This project is approaching the end of phase one, and phase two will launch from autumn 2024.
Wren Library
circa £450k
The Wren Library is currently undergoing extensive repairs to the ceiling of the library, whilst further exploratory work is looking to define the full extent of this unscheduled project.
Medieval Lancet Windows
More information on this is coming, so check back soon!
Supporting the Fabric Fund
There are many ways you can support the work of the Fabric Fund at Lincoln Cathedral:
- Spread the word – the more people who engage with the Historic Fabric, the better the chance of securing it.
- Regular giving – be that by card, direct debit or standing order
- Fundraising Schemes – sponsoring a stonemason or a carving, adopting a stone or section of glass
- Leave a gift in your Will to the Lincoln Cathedral Fabric Fund
- Bespoke giving
Find out more about all the different ways you can help support the Fabric Fund below:
Regular Giving
Regular giving is an important donation income stream for the Fabric Fund, as it allows the Cathedral to plan ahead with an increased degree of certainty. Regular giving can be set up to suit you, be that monthly, quarterly or annually, and by either Direct Debit, ongoing charge to a debit or credit card. Click the button below to set up your regular donation by Direct Debit or card.
Standing Order
If you would prefer to give by standing order, the account details for the Fabric Fund can be found below:
Account Name: The Corporate Body of Lincoln Cathedral – Fabric Fund
Sort Code: 60-13-15
Account Number: 0081 1599
Reference: (Your Name)
Please do let us know you are giving by standing order so we can thank you for your support. To do this, contact the Fundraising Officer, Amber Hardy by email to: amber.hardy@lincolncathedral.com with your name, and address.
If you are able to apply Gift Aid to your standing order, please sign up by completing your declaration here.
Sponsor a Stonemason
From creating the many ashlars (regular rectangular blocks) that are needed to form the majority of the Cathedral stonework, to shaped stones as well as intricately detailed carvings, our team of stonemasons are highly skilled, and we think they’re the best around.
Starting at just £10 for 20 minutes, sponsoring a stonemason is a great way to support the heritage skills that sustain the Cathedral building.
Stone and Glass Adoptions
Stone – Lincoln Cathedral was built to inspire. Adopting a stone is a lovely way of helping to maintain the building as well as keeping heritage skills alive for the future. Whether it’s for yourself, or a gift for that someone who ‘has everything’, a stone adoption is always a rock solid choice.
Glass – Lincoln Cathedral is home to 140 unique stained glass windows, ranging from rare medieval glass from the 13th century to more modern work. As sunlight streams into the Cathedral building the floor and pillars are awash with colour which is a delight to see. Each window tells it’s own story and our skilled glaziers work sensitively, painstakingly and with great skill to ensure the colour and stories are kept alive.
Fabric Fund 200 Club
The Fabric Fund 200 Club is a fun way to support the ongoing work of conserving the fabric of Lincoln Cathedral. Each year, Lincoln Cathedral has to undertake significant conservation and repair work to ensure that this amazing piece of heritage is sustained for the future.
Leaving a gift in your Will
For many people, leaving a gift in their Will is the ideal way for them to show their support for causes that have meaning for them after providing for family and friends. By leaving a gift in your Will to the Lincoln Cathedral Fabric Fund, you too could help future generations be inspired by Lincoln Cathedral.
Bespoke Giving
If you are looking to support the Lincoln Cathedral Fabric Fund with a large donation, pledge, or grant, we can happily discuss your requirements and match you to the right project, as well as discuss appropriate acknowledgement.
Your personal contact for Bespoke Giving is Matthew Tarling, Fundraising Manager. He can be contacted direct by email to matthew.tarling@lincolncathedral.com, or by calling 01522 561614.
Thank you for your support!