Plaque marking Imps' connection to be unveiled at cathedral

On Friday August 22, a red sign celebrating the origin of the club’s nickname – The Imps – will be unveiled. It has been created by the Red Imps Community Trust (RICT) as part of its commitment to celebrating the heritage of Lincoln City Football Club.

The iconic Imp carving, which is found in the Angel Choir in Lincoln Cathedral, has a rich history of myth and legend and has become synonymous with the city of Lincoln over the years - especially the football club, which is known far and wide as The Imps.

The Lincoln City mascot, Poacher the Imp, is a six-foot incarnation of the Lincoln Imp and can be seen weekly at matches entertaining the fans visiting the LNER Stadium, who are also treated to a stunning view of the cathedral as a backdrop to the game.

Ben Webb, commercial director at Lincoln Cathedral, said that the plaque was a great way of marking the longstanding relationship between the football club and the Cathedral.

He said: “While a cathedral and a football club might seem very different, there are many similarities: both are symbols of a vibrant community where people of all different backgrounds can come together with a common interest.

“We’re delighted to be building on our longstanding partnerships with both Lincoln City Football Club and the Red Imps Community Trust, as we all celebrate the city and the passionate people that support the football club, the cathedral, and the community.”

Other plaques erected in the city by RICT to mark iconic locations in the football club’s history include at 251 High Street: the site of the former Monson Arms Public House where in 1884 three local businessmen brought about the birth of Lincoln City Football Club. Another is to the rear of St Mary’s Guildhall on the site of John O’Gaunt’s field – Lincoln City’s first home ground from 1884 until 1895 when they moved to Sincil Bank.

Rob Bradley, chair of RICT said: “Our Red Imps Community Trust remit of recognising the history of Lincoln City Football Club from a modest start a few years ago has grown into something we are now very proud of.

"There is much more to a football club than results on the pitch. Year after year the lives of people are enhanced by the camaraderie within a club and the friendships we form across the city.

“To recognise the Imp connection between Lincoln City and our amazing Cathedral this way is fantastic. We hope people from both home and away enjoy how jointly we are acknowledging the story of this fascinating link between us.”

The plaque will be unveiling will mark the culmination of the LCFC Heritage exhibition which is currently running in the Chapter House at the cathedral, closing on Sunday, August 24

Entrance to the exhibition is included with cathedral admission.