The first time I saw Lincoln Cathedral, I was captivated by its grandeur and the weight of its rich history. In this illustration, I aimed to capture not only the stunningly intricate details of its exterior and interior architecture but also the cathedral’s storied past. Over the centuries, Lincoln Cathedral has been rebuilt and expanded multiple times, enduring natural disasters and other challenges. Remarkably, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world from 1311 until 1549, when a storm brought down its towering spire. To honor this history, I included a faint depiction of the spire at the cathedral’s summit, hinting at its lost majesty.

Additionally, I illustrated the solemn burial transfer ceremony of St. Hugh, attended by King Edward I and Queen Eleanor, a moment that underscores the cathedral’s spiritual and historical significance. To further symbolize its enduring spirit, I incorporated hummingbirds—symbols of life and transcendence—soaring gracefully from the cathedral, emphasizing its role as a beacon of faith and resilience through the ages.