In Lincoln, you don’t have to wait long to hear cathedral bells. They ring every day from 7am to 11pm and once you notice them, you realise they are not just background sound. They are part of a rhythm that’s been echoing here for centuries.
The bells of Lincoln Cathedral are living history, and one tradition in particular feels both charming and poignant, the Curfew Bell.
The Curfew Bell, an old tradition that still sounds today
The word curfew comes from the Norman French couvre-feu, meaning “cover fire”. After 1066, the curfew bell was introduced as a practical nightly reminder to extinguish open flames and candles in towns where fire was a constant risk.
In Lincoln, that idea has lasted far beyond its original purpose. Today the Curfew Bell marks the cathedral’s closing for the night, and it is one of those small details that makes the city feel deeply rooted in its past.
What makes Lincoln’s Curfew Bell especially memorable is the ritual itself. The bells in St Mary’s Tower always strike a total of 101 times. First, one bell tolls 101 minus the day of the month. Then the second bell tolls the remaining number so that, together, they reach 101.
On 11 January, for example, you will hear 90 strokes followed by 11. It is a simple piece of living arithmetic, repeated night after night.
The time you hear the Curfew Bell depends on the season, because it aligns with the cathedral’s closing hours. In winter it is typically rung at 6:00 pm. In summer it is typically rung at 8:00 pm, often during July, August, and school holiday periods. If there is a special after-hours event at the cathedral, the bell may not be rung, so it is worth checking the cathedral’s events calendar if you are visiting on a specific date.
Great Tom and the everyday bells
Alongside the Curfew Bell tradition, Lincoln Cathedral keeps time in its wonderfully musical way. The quarter-hour bells ring every 15 minutes and Great Tom strikes the full hour accordingly.
When the bells sound different
If you hear something more elaborate than the regular chimes, you are likely catching the cathedral in one of its “big bell” moments. On Sundays, you may hear ringing connected to services such as Evensong. On Thursdays, you may hear evening practice sessions, typically from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, when the Companie of Ringers keeps the craft of change ringing alive. Then there are the celebratory days: Christmas, Ascension Day, New Year’s Eve, weddings, and other joyful occasions.
A small Lincoln moment to listen for
If you are visiting Lincoln, listen out for the Curfew Bell at least once. It is one of those quiet experiences that makes a city break feel richer, like you have stepped into local custom rather than simply passing through.
And if you are staying with us at The Lincoln House, you may catch the bells during many moments - as part of your morning coffee on the patio, or as you venture out into the Cathedral Quarter for an evening meal perhaps.
Lincoln does not need to shout to impress you. Sometimes it just rings.