Unveiling the Past: Lincoln Cathedral’s Ground-Penetrating Radar Survey
(Photo: Getty/iStock)
In an innovative exploration of its historic grounds, Lincoln Cathedral is undergoing the first complete ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey to delve into its hidden past.
This comprehensive survey marks a unique endeavor as no other cathedral in Britain has been fully examined using GPR technology before.
Over a span of two weeks, archaeologists utilized electromagnetic waves to meticulously map the subterranean layers beneath the cathedral, coordinating their work in the early hours to avoid disrupting visitors.
Initially, the cathedral authorities initiated this survey to inspect for underlying voids and verify the location of heating pipes and infrastructure, rather than for historical inquiry.
GPR was chosen as a more efficient and less invasive alternative to traditional excavation methods.
Dr. Jonathan Clark, the cathedral’s archaeologist, shared with the BBC, “We’ve got the better part of 2,000 years of history here that we’re unpeeling … we’re finding out a lot more about the early history of the cathedral.”
He likened the process to “slicing through a cake,” revealing multiple layers and periods.
The findings from the GPR survey remain uncertain, with results expected in the spring, but Dr. Clark is hopeful for intriguing discoveries.
He noted, “There are some very significant people buried in the cathedral and I suspect that there are quite a few people that we don’t know about yet, which could lead to some interesting surprises.”
The cathedral, significantly altered since its Norman construction in the late 11th century, was largely rebuilt after an earthquake in 1185, which left only its west front intact. It once held the title of the tallest building globally until the spire collapsed in 1549.
In a separate recent revelation, Lincoln Cathedral archivists uncovered previously unknown correspondence by Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland.
The letter, which included an invitation to a dinner party, highlighted several individuals who were partial inspirations for scenes in Carroll’s renowned book.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
