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| posted on 20th March 2025

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Lincolnshire Imp

The Lincolnshire Imp, rooted in local folklore, has its origin story in the architectural history of Lincoln Cathedral.

The legend of the Lincolnshire Imp

The best known version of the legend centers around a mischievous little demon or imp, that is said to have plagued the cathedral during its rebuild in the 12th century. According to the legend, the imp made it difficult for the builders, causing havoc and disruption.

The imp’s pranks were said to be relentless, ranging from annoying the builders to damaging the cathedral's structure. One version suggests that it would disturb the workers by distracting them during important tasks.

Some tellings say the imp would physically damage the construction, knock things over, and even disrupt religious services with its behaviour. The imp was not a powerful demon, but it was small, elusive, and capable of causing harm.

Turned to stone

Eventually, the imp’s troublemaking reached a breaking point. In some versions of the tale, Saint Hugh of Lincoln, a revered bishop, was believed to have seen the imp’s behaviour and decided to put an end to it. The imp, having committed such mischief in the holy cathedral, was not simply punished by the builders but instead cursed by divine power.

The popular version of the legend tells that the imp was struck by an angel’s power and turned to stone, forever frozen in a position of shame. The stone statue that now sits in Lincoln Cathedral is believed to represent the imp’s transformation, caught forever as a small, mischievous stone figure perched on a ledge. In another version, the imp is said to have been transformed by a divine curse, unable to continue its evil ways, and left as a reminder of its transgressions.

The imp’s punishment, turning to stone, became a symbolic representation of how mischief and disorder would not be tolerated in a holy place.

The carving in the cathedral

The carving be found on the exterior of the cathedral and has intrigued visitors for centuries.

Often referred to as The Lincoln Imp, the carving has become a significant part of the cathedral’s identity. The stone figure is often linked to the myth, although it’s unclear whether the carving itself directly reflects the legend or is simply an example of medieval decorative art. It sits high up on the building, making it somewhat hard to spot, but visitors to Lincoln Cathedral are often guided to it.

The exact date of the carving is difficult to pinpoint, but it is thought to have been placed on the cathedral during its major renovations in the 14th century, centuries after the original legend would have taken place. The architectural design of the cathedral includes a range of smaller figures and carvings, which were a popular feature in medieval cathedrals. The imp carving might have been part of this decorative style, or it may have been specifically added due to its connection to local folklore.

Variations of the legend

Like most folklore, the Lincolnshire Imp story has multiple versions. Some versions involve the imp being mischievous but ultimately harmless, while others describe it as a more sinister creature whose actions posed a real threat to the cathedral’s construction. Here are some variations:

Saint Hugh’s Intervention - In some stories, it is not the builders but the saintly figures of Lincoln, like Saint Hugh, who punish the imp. Saint Hugh, a beloved bishop of Lincoln, was said to have been particularly righteous, and he decided to punish the imp for its interference with the holy work.

The Angel’s Curse - Some tellings have the imp being cursed directly by an angel or divine being, turning the imp to stone as a punishment for its mischief.

The Devil’s Role: Another version of the tale is that the imp was sent by the Devil to cause problems in the cathedral, and once the imp was caught, the Devil was angered and caused the imp to be cursed.

The legacy of the Lincolnshire Imp

Over time, the Lincolnshire Imp has become more than just a local myth. It’s seen as part of the cultural heritage of Lincolnshire and its cathedral. The image of the imp is used in various forms of local art, souvenirs, and storytelling, further embedding the creature in the identity of the region.

Today, the Lincoln Imp is not only part of the cathedral's architecture but also features in other forms of local history and culture. There are statues, souvenirs, and even a pub named after the imp as well as football club Lincoln FC being nicknamed 'The Imps'.

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