During the last week of June 2007, King’s Lynn really went to town to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the birth of George Vancouver, best known for his mapping of the coast of Northwest America 1791-95. In present day King’s Lynn, with the port now tucked away out of view, and with only a clutch of active fishing boats still venturing out into the Wash, it is perhaps hard to believe that it once ranked as the 3rd most important port in England, trading goods all over the world. It is equally surprising, perhaps, that such was the importance and accuracy of Captain Vancouver’s charts that they are still in use today!

 

There was plenty of reason, then, for rumbustious 18th century maritime festivities with a natural focus along the quayside. The heritage buildings, the Custom House, the Green Quay and the warehousing that are all a lasting testament to the wealth and reputation of the port and the river that has symbolised the life force of the town for centuries, were a perfect backdrop for themed activities to attract the whole family. 

 

The arrival of the tallship, The Earl of Pembroke, majestic as she came up river to her berth at The Boal Quay was a memorable highlight. Hundreds of people jostled to find a viewing point along Common Staithe Quay and the South Quay to greet her and nearly 5000 visitors took the rare opportunity to go on board during the long weekend. Such was the popularity that patience was required as the queues were at times lengthy, but the Dutch shanty-men, Armstrong Patent, saved the day by entertaining the crowds with some seafaring songs of the period.

 

On Friday 22 June 2007 a live phone link was established at the Green Quay with the Mayor of Vancouver, Sam Sullivan talking to the Leader, Councillor Nick Daubney and one of our official visitors from Vancouver, Councillor Elizabeth Ball, all wishing a ‘Happy Birthday’ to George, after which a huge birthday cake was unveiled and shared.

 

 

Generous Heritage Lottery Funding had been secured to set the scene (quite literally) for young children within the Arts Centre complex in King Street, which was transformed into Nootka Sound in 1792. Almost 1000 youngsters took the opportunity to meet up with Captain Vancouver and his crew on board the Discovery, visit the sea otter trader John Meares, meet Frances Barklay, the first European woman to set foot on land in Northwest America and be welcomed to a First Nations Big House by a member of the Heiltsuk tribe. 

 

An authentic costumed Georgian Playford Ball took place in the ideal setting of the Assembly rooms at the Town Hall, a Peoples’ Banquet in the Stone Hall, where the townsfolk could partake in authentic fare and were entertained by characters of the time. There was a sausage supper with readings by King’s Lynn literary figure, Fanny Burney and Captain Vancouver himself, lectures on Vancouver and 18th century fashion and an exhibition at the Custom House with some exciting loans from the British Museum.

 

As well as all this, there was street theatre, authentic crafts, food stalls, music from local bands on King Staithe Square and a lovely festive atmosphere by the riverside, temporarily closed to traffic, which made it all the more pleasant and relaxed. 

 

The event was a great success.