THE STORY OF THE LINCOLN IMP

The mascot of the city of Lincoln is an imp. The original can be seen sitting high on a column in the cathedral, on the north side of the choir, highlighted by a spotlight. He is a grotesque creature, 12in (30cm) tall, who grins as he rests a cloven foot across his hairy knee. Grotesque figures were popular in the art and architecture of the 13th century, but there are many stories surrounding the imp’s origins. A 14th century legend suggests that the Devil let two young demons out to make mischief. After they had stopped at the town of Chesterfield and twisted the spire of St Mary’s and All Saints Church, they proceeded to Lincoln. They smashed a stained glass window and knocked over the Dean before an angel appeared and said: “Wicked Imp, be turned to stone!” While one imp escaped, the other stayed behind to argue, and the angel carried out his threat. In the 1880s, a Lincoln jeweller and watchmaker, named James Ward Usher, popularised the imp legend, selling tie pins, jewelled brooches, spoons and beads in the creature’s likeness. The canny businessman patented the imp design, preventing any of his competitors from cashing in on the popularity of the character. James Usher’s impressive collection of clocks, watches and ceramics were left to the city along with a bequest to build an art gallery and museum after his death in 1921. The Usher Gallery in Danes Terrace, which opened in 1927, now houses these pieces, along with other prized artworks, including a painting of Lincoln by J M W Turner and artist L S Lowry’s portrayal of the city.

Next to the cathedral stands the 30ft (9m) tall Tree of Life; its branches bedecked with lights in memory of loved ones.

The Lincoln Imp sits wedged between arched stonework in the cathedral, smirking at the congregation below.