The Legend of the Lincoln Imp

A sprightly comic legend in verse follows a young demon released from the devil’s company to amuse himself in the world. After showing off his extraordinary powers—riding wind, handling lightning, and surviving fire—he arrives at old Lindum, eager to cause havoc in its church and prove that there is “the devil to pay.”

Inside Lincoln Cathedral, the boastful imp rampages through nave, transepts, choir, and aisles, disturbing sacred objects, mocking the clergy, and treating the furnishings as playthings. His irreverence finally brings him face to face with a tiny, dignified angel whose command has a memorable and lasting consequence.

Written with lively rhymes, playful wordplay, and a fond eye for local tradition, this short tale brings the famous stone imp of Lincoln to life. Along the way, it offers a humorous moral about mischief, overconfidence, respect for angels, and behaving properly when visiting the cathedral.