Which English cathedral once had the tallest spire in the world?

Lincoln Cathedral once had the tallest spire in the world.

A central tower was raised between 1307 and 1311, and a tall, lead-covered wooden spire was added above it. The combined height was traditionally estimated at about 525 feet, or 160 metres, making Lincoln the world’s tallest structure. The claim is sometimes qualified because the exact height is uncertain, but Lincoln is the accepted quiz answer.

The spire lasted until 1548, when a storm blew it down. The cathedral’s central tower still stands at about 271 feet, but it no longer carries the medieval spire. Lincoln’s achievement followed several major rebuilding campaigns, including work after an earthquake severely damaged the earlier cathedral in 1185.

A common mix-up is Salisbury Cathedral, whose surviving spire is the tallest in Britain and one of the tallest medieval spires still standing. St Paul’s Cathedral is associated with London’s skyline and its great dome, not with the medieval world record. Lincoln Cathedral also preserves major examples of Early English, Decorated and Perpendicular Gothic architecture.