Visitors have the chance to see a stunning document showing the seismic role the city played in shaping the course of English history.
Matthew Paris’s Chronica Majora is one of medieval England’s most important documents and transports us back more than 800 years to the French invasion of 1216 - a time of rebellion and civil war, legendary knights and remarkable heroines.
Now, thanks to a historic loan agreement with Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, the document will be shown at the castle for the first time, alongside Magna Carta, until 25 May 2026.
The precious manuscript contains the most famous and earliest known illustration of the 1217 Battle of Lincoln – a showdown that turned the tide of the war against the invaders and defined England’s future.
Paris’ illustration captures one of the defining moments of the battle. In it an archer’s arrows reign down on fleeing French Knights. A figure, thought to be the commander of the invading army, lies slain at the foot of the battlements.
Inspired by the great knight, William Marshall, the Royalists had scored a stunning victory, and the weakened French forces were defeated later that summer.
“A remarkable manuscript telling a remarkable story”
Professor Philippa Hoskin, Director of The Parker Library, Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, said: "The Chronica Majora is a remarkable manuscript telling a remarkable story. Matthew Paris was unique amongst monastic chroniclers in being a talented and spirited artist as well as a writer, and his image of the Battle of Lincoln vividly depicts the tension and urgency of events. We are thrilled that this incredible document is being displayed in historic Lincoln and reaching a wider audience.”
Matthew Paris' illustration of The Battle of Lincoln in The Chronica Majora ©Parker Library, Corpus Christi College, Cambridge
Cllr Natalie Oliver, Executive Councillor for Culture at Lincolnshire County Council, added: “Magna Carta and the Chronica Majora are two of the most important documents in English history and to showcase them side by side for the first time at our incredible castle is an absolute privilege.
“It’s amazing to think that the famous scene depicted in the Chronica Majora happened just a few steps from the Magna Carta Vault some 809 years ago. This is a must-see document, which so vividly captures Lincoln and its castle’s important role in our national story."
The Chronica Majora is on display until 25 May 2026 in the David P J Ross Magna Carta Vault.
Entry to the vault is included as part of a Lincoln Castle day ticket or annual pass, which also lets you explore the Victorian Prison. Book your tickets now at www.lincolncastle.com.
This exhibition has been made possible as a result of the Government Indemnity Scheme. Lincoln Castle would like to thank HM Government for providing Government Indemnity and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England for arranging the indemnity.