Faith
Lewis Carroll Letter Unearthed at Cathedral
Faith Facts
- Archivists at Lincoln Cathedral found a letter and documents from Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland.
- The letter invited Henry Ramsden Bramley, former Precentor of Lincoln, to a dinner and featured a Shakespeare quote on the seating plan.
- Connections to Carroll’s work and inspiration, including Oxford mathematicians and clergy, highlight the rich Christian and academic heritage.
The discovery of Lewis Carroll’s correspondence at Lincoln Cathedral reveals the close connections between Christian leaders, artists, and intellectuals in British history. The documents included a detailed dinner plan and menu for a gathering of influential figures of faith and scholarship.
The hand-drawn seating plan contained a quote from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, reflecting biblical themes of humility and the temporary nature of earthly achievements. Among those invited were Oxford mathematicians, with one inspiring the character of the Mad Hatter’s poem in Alice in Wonderland.
Chess motifs present in Carroll’s writing also connect to the faith-focused lives of his associates, showing the play between divine providence and life’s journey. Through these artifacts, we see a legacy where Christian tradition, intellectual pursuit, and literary excellence walk hand in hand for the betterment of society.
Fern Dawson, Curator at Lincoln Cathedral, said,
“This is an amazing find, which we are delighted to have in the collection here at the Cathedral, but it has raised more questions than answers.”
Moments like these remind us of the enduring impact Christian values and creative excellence have had—inspiring events such as this year’s festive performance of Alice in Wonderland at Lincoln Arts Centre. Let’s continue to celebrate and cherish the cultural heritage shaped by faith and freedom.