The Knight of the Minster Returns Home

One of the “stars” of this Summer’s hugely popular Lincoln Knights Trail has been returned to his “rightful” home!

The Knight of the Minster, which was bought by Investors in Lincoln (IIL) and Lincolnshire Economic Action Partnership (LEAP) is now proudly guarding Lincoln Cathedral cloister.

And he is being enjoyed by visitors, including first-time tourists to the city, who are keen to explore what has been voted the UK’s top Cathedral. Lincoln Christmas Market visitors were among the first to catch a glimpse of the Knight, which is now on display in the iconic building.

Investors in Lincoln Chief Executive David Rossington said: “IIL was delighted to sponsor the Guardian of The Forest knight, but saddened to hear that the artist Emma McKinlay who painted it had then passed away. LEAP was equally happy to sponsor the Lincoln Greene Knight.

“When it came to the grand auction of the sculptures in the Cathedral, those two Knights were quickly snapped-up, but IIL and LEAP were eager to enter the fray so we set our sights on getting the Knight of the Minister.

“We were attracted to that Knight because it had been sponsored by the Cathedral.  During the trail it was also “on duty” at Brayford Pool. Both of these are jewels in Lincoln’s crown.

“Finally, when a rival bidder reached their maximum bid and dropped out, we were thrilled to get the Knight for £6,000.”

Then came a big decision, what should we do with the knight?  We decided it might be a good idea to ask the Cathedral Dean, The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, if she would like it in the Minster. The answer was a resounding “Yes.”

So David picked-up the Knight from Denby Transport, where the sculptures were stored, and popped it in the Investors in Lincoln office at Lincoln Managed Workspace, off Greetwell Road, while Lindum joiners created a new plinth for its new plaque.

“It nearly gave one my colleagues a heart attack when he came into the dark office to be faced with a Knight in armour on horseback.  So we are really pleased that it has now “gone home!,” said David.

The Dean, the Very Reverend Christine Wilson said: “We thank Investors in Lincoln and LEAP for their generosity in allowing the Knight to take pride of place in the Cloister of the Cathedral.  It feels something of a homecoming.”

For further information, please contact David Rossington on 07763 130818.

The attached photograph shows (l-r) Chapter Clerk & Administrator Will Harrison, Nomad Trust Community Engagement Manager Rachael Baxter, Investors in Lincoln Chief Executive David Rossington, The Knight of the Minster, Investors in Lincoln and LEAP Chairman Keith Darwin (OBE) and Lincoln Cathedral Dean The Very Reverend Christine Wilson.