The Dolphin and the King of France
The Dolphin, one of the oldest inns in Lincoln, stood at the corner of Eastgate and Priorygate. Alfred Shuttle-worth purchased it in about 1892 and had it demolished as it spoilt his view of the Cathedral from his home, Eastgate House, now the Lincoln Hotel. He also had the 16th century building on the left of the image, the Rest, restored in half-timbered style.
This is a modern copy of a notice once hung in the Dolphin:
It's a nice tale but is only loosely based on fact! Whilst the King of France, King John the Good, was held in captivity at Somerton Castle from 4th August 1359 to 21st March 1360, the son the King had with him was Philip, his fourth son, the Dauphin remained in France after his father was captured. The King was placed under the protection of William, Baron d'Eyncoiurt; Sir Saier de Rochford was not the owner of Somerton Castle but one of the knights entrusted with keeping the captives under the Baron. Furthermore, Easter was on 5th April 1360, King John was in London by this date,
Although the demolition of the Dolphin caused much distress among the people of Lincoln at the time, it is obvious that the north east view of the Cathedral was considerably improved. It also left room for the erection of Tennyson's statue in 1905.
Although the demolition of the Dolphin caused much distress among the people of Lincoln at the time, it is obvious that the north east view of the Cathedral was considerably improved. It also left room for the erection of Tennyson's statue in 1905.