Historic Buildings in King's Lynn

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Captain George Vancouver

| Historic Buildings in King's Lynn|

King's Lynn & the modern Hanse

The Medieval Hanseatic League

A town steeped full of history and heritage

King's Lynn's history stretches back to the 12th century and beyond when it was one of England's most important ports. The town's rich past has left a magnificent heritage of buildings and stories to be discovered. A great place to start your visit is the iconic Custom House (see below), home to the Tourist Information Centre where you can also discover the story of King's Lynn's maritime history. Pick up a FREE copy of the Discover King's Lynn heritage trail, pilgrimage trail, Hanseatic trail and maritime trail leaflets.

To learn more about King's Lynn's historic buildings take a fascinating guided tour with the King's Lynn Town Guides.

St Margaret's Church

One of the largest town churches in the country. Founded in 1101 and partially rebuilt in 1741 after the spire collapsed onto the nave in the storm. Look out for the flood level markings by the west door. Open daily. More details

Tales of the Old Gaol House

Town Gaol House built in 1784 with original cells. More details

The Town Hall

The magnificent Trinity Guildhall dates back to the 1420s and is the centrepiece of the Town Hall complex. View it's impressive windows and distinctive flint chequer board patterned front. You can also view adjacent Jacobean porch and Victorian council chamber. More details

Town House Museum

A former Victorian town house now housing a delightful museum. More details

Thoresby College

A fine Tudor building, incorporating a beautiful courtyard. Thoresby College originally housed the priests of the Trinity Guild. The building is now home to Lynn's youth hostel. More details

Greenland Fishery

An early 17th century merchant's house, built by a local rope merchant. In the 18th century, as The Greenland Fishery, it was an inn used by Lynn's whaling fleet sailors. More details

Hampton Court

Built in the 14th century as a house and warehouse by a wealthy merchant. Later wings added in the 15th and 17th centuries. Now restored. More details

Hanse House

Hanseatic Warehouses dating from 1475. Built around a narrow court, these large warehouses were owned by Hanseatic League merchants until 1751. More details

Green Quay

A16th century warehouse, now home to The Green Quay Wash Discovery Centre. More details

Clifton House and Tower

Two medieval merchant's houses combined in a Tudor building and remodelled in the 18th century. Houses a 5-storey Elizabethan watchtower to rear. More details

The Custom House

An elegant classical building designed by Henry Bell. Built in 1683 and opened as a merchants exchange in 1685. More details

King's Lynn Arts Centre

Features St George's Guildhall, the largest surviving 15th century guildhall in England, restored in 1945-50. More details

The Corn Exchange

Corn market Hall built in 1854.View it's dramatic classical facade. The Corn Exchange was converted to a concert hall in 1996. More details

True's Yard

Two beautifully restored Victorian fisherman's cottages, now a museum. More details

St Nicholas' Chapel

England's largest surviving Parochial Chapel. 15th century wooden roof features a series of beautifully carved angels. Open July to Sept (Tuesdays & Saturdays, 10.30am to 4.30pm). Enquiries should be made via True's Yard at any other time. More Details

The Lynn Museum

Recently restored Victorian Union Baptist Chapel. More details

The Walks & Red Mount Chapel

An historic town park, with tree lined avenues, open daily More details

You will also find the unique 15th century Red Mount Chapel in the Walks, a grade 1 listed ancient scheduled monument.

The Library

An Edwardian public library funded and opened by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Open Monday to Saturday. More details

Greyfriars Tower

This 13th - 15th century tower of Lynn's Franciscan friary. More details

All Saints Church

The church's foundations date back to Saxon times but it was largely rebuilt in the 14th century, although the large transepts exist from the 13th century, with late perpendicular window insertions. The Nave retains the original massive tie beams and queen posts of the medieval church, together with other medieval architectural features. More details

South Gate

Imposing 15th century gateway, a grade 1 listed ancient scheduled monument. The last major piece of Lynn's fortifications. More details

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08 February 2010