I start my walk around Lincoln Lower Town at Brayford Pool, originally an inland river port utilised fully by the Romans but first recognised by earlier Britons in Lincoln’s original name of Lindum (the hill fort by the pool). The "pool" has been neglected over the years but has recently been restored as a leisure port for Lincoln and a magnificent foreground for the grand new building of Lincoln University.
Heading east from the Pool, I reach the High Street. Lower Lincoln isn’t renowned for its high-class shops, but a short walk through the city centre will take me past some interesting buildings. Furthest south, near the train station, is St Mary Le Wigford. This church was originally erected soon after the Norman Conquest and dates back to 1563. As you walk north up the High Street, keep your eyes above shop-front level, as there are several original facades to be seen. The present TSB Bank has an interesting engraving above its door, and next door is the war memorial and St. Benedict’s Church.
Take a detour off the High Street and explore Lincoln’s market. This is housed in the Victorian Corn Exchange Building of 1879 (an impressive utilitarian building of its day). If you fancy the local fish and chips, I would heartily recommend The Sign of The Fish. No airs and graces here, but good quality food served with bread and butter and a hot mug of tea.
You’ll now be approaching the river, and I’d recommend that you cross the small hump back bridge before turning left, back to the High Street. What a view of Lincoln’s historic buildings! Due north, you’ll see the spire of St Swithin’s, and to the east, The Witch and the Wardrobe (this was a chip shop in my day!) and the Green Dragon Pub. To the west, the river will be full of swans (popular folklore says that if the swans ever leave Lincoln, the cathedral will disappear into its own foundations), and you will see the huge, modern "Empowerment" statue, reaching out across the river, and the black-and-white building of the High Bridge Café. This sophisticated Café was formed in 1902 and has been the purveyor of fine coffee ever since. To the left of the café is a very narrow, steeply stair-cased alleyway. This leads to the historic Glory Hole, said to be the oldest bridge in the country with buildings still standing on it.
Back to the High Street and head north, and you’ll see the Stonebow. This was built at the southern gateway to the Roman town and was completed in 1520. The Mote Bell, dated 1371 (the oldest in Britain), is still rung to announce council meetings. Note the outward-leaning two towers. In this building, you’ll find the Mayor’s Parlour, the city’s Civic Insignia, and what was until 1809 the city prison, described as "a loathsome place, the worst in the Kingdom".
Now try Steep Hill!