| Kings Lynn & West Norfolk |
|
From as early as the 12th century, King’s Lynn was one of England’s most important ports.
Home to medieval markets and fairs, centre for religion and learning, and trading partner to the Hanseatic merchants of northern Germany and the Baltic, Lynn’s wealth came mostly from trade through the years in salt, grain, wool, wine and coal.
"Beautiful, well built and well situated". Daniel Defoe on King’s Lynn Today fine old merchants’ houses stretch down to the river between cobbled lanes and the elegant Custom House overlooks the original medieval harbour. King’s Lynn’s rich past has left an astonishing legacy of buildings and stories that are told well in the town’s museums. The Lynn Museum provides an excellent introduction to the town and the local area, handsomely and playfully presented, while True’s Yard captures life in Lynn’s once vibrant north end fishing community. The excellent Pilgrimage Trail takes in key medieval sites, linking them together with a series of specially-commissioned plaques by Ely artist Lyndall Phelps, inspired by the medieval pilgrim badges in Lynn Museum. Any visit to the town should include a walk on the historic waterfront. The Green Quay in the Tudor Marriot’s Warehouse is a great place to find out about the wildlife of The Wash, and the elegant Customs House has fascinating displays about King’s Lynn’s maritime and trading past as well as the town's Tourist Information Centre. |
