In 1101 Bishop Herbert de Losinga of Thetford began the first Medieval town between the Purfleet and Mill Fleet by building St Margaret's Church and authorising a market. Quite quickly a small prosperous town grew up and in 1204, following a charter from Bishop John de Grey of Norwich, the town became Bishop's Lynn (Lenne Episcopi).

Trade built up along the waterways that stretched inland from Lynn, and the town expanded and quickly filled the space between the two rivers, Millfleet to the south and Purfleet to the north.

By the late 12th century, a further period of expansion began, more deliberately planned than the first, with wider straighter streets and a much larger market place - this is the second Medieval town between the Purfleet and Gaywood River or Fisher Fleet.

Bishop's Lynn grew rich on trade both within Britain and abroad. The Hanseatic League, a powerful German trading organisation made up of merchants from North Germany and neighbouring countries around the Baltic Sea contributed greatly to this prosperity. The legacy of trade can be found in the many merchants houses and other fascinating buildings in this medieval port.

 

After the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, Lynn changed it name to Lynn Regis - subsequently King's Lynn - remaining an active port to this day.

 

The town has so many fascinating secrets to discover – the Robinson Cruso family have a ledger stone in St. Nicholas Chapel, which is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays in the summer. The unique tide clock on St Margaret's Church, and the opportunity to see three different 'clocks' on the Saturday Market Place. The carving of the 'witches heart' on one of the buildings in the magnificent Georgian Tuesday Market Place. Uncover a medieval loo seat in the Town House Museum.

 

 

As well as the buildings themselves – highlights include the 17th century Custom House overlooking the River Great Ouse, and no less than two Guildhalls, a tribute to the town's maritime prosperity – there's also an impressive range of visitor attractions to bring the history of King's Lynn to life.

 

 

The chequered-fronted Trinity Guildhall is the home of 'Tales of the Old Gaol House'. Here, in the original cells of the town's Gaol, a personal stereo guide takes visitors through the 1930s police station and beyond. Experience the sights and sounds (and smells!) of the town's criminal past, with stories of highwaymen, witches and murders on a journey through time. Here too is the town's Regalia collection, including the stunningly beautiful (and priceless!) King John Cup. In contrast, the South Quay area of King's Lynn bears testament to the rich merchants who gave the town so many of the impressive buildings we can still see today. Recently restored, the South Quay and Purfleet form an attractive space for walks, picnics and outdoor entertainment and events. There's a ferry across to the west bank, where visitors can enjoy an outstanding view of King's Lynn's townscape.

You can see England's only surviving Hanseatic Warehouse and the most famous monument to maritime prosperity, the Custom House. Built by Henry Bell in 1683, this splendid building which is open to the public as the town's Tourist Information Centre with a special display of the maritime history of King's Lynn. A short stroll along the quay is the Green Quay Discovery Centre. Housed in a 16th warehouse, the exhibition highlights the unique wildlife of the Wash. Graphic panels, models and interactive displays explain the forces that created the Wash, and explore the pressures that may bring change in the future.

 

Much of King's Lynn's rich history is still in evidence today. In addition to the built heritage are the 3 market days the oldest of which dates back to the 12th Century and the King's Lynn Mart, a fair that takes place each February with the rights to hold it originally granted by Henry VIII in 1537.

 

King's Lynn's most famous son, George Vancouver, born in the town on 22nd June 1757, best known for his mapping of the coast of Northwest America 1791-95.  The importance and accuracy of Captain Vancouver’s charts is evident as they are still used today! 

There are lots of things to see and places to visit whist in King's Lynn.  To find out more about King's Lynn visit the King's Lynn Town Centre information page alternatively, contact the King's Lynn Tourist Information Centre for further information.