King's Lynn
King's Lynn is a historic market town and port which is mentioned in the Domesday Book, where it is recorded as 'Lun' and 'Lenn'. Nowadays, locals refer to the town simply as 'Lynn'. This is partly laziness but also a remnant of its historical name. The name 'Lynn' is believed to derive from the Celtic word 'Llyn' meaning a lake and this would certainly fit with the landscape and body of water which once existed at the mouth of 'The Wash'.
The town originally developed on the south side of the mouth of the River Great Ouse. In 1101 Bishop Herbert Losinga developed the first mediaevel town by commissioning the building of St. Margaret's Church and authorising a market. For many years during the mediaeval period Lynn was named 'Bishop's Lynn' as it was under the juristiction of the Bishop of Norwich. Later, in 1537, King Henry VIII took control of the town and it was renamed 'Lynn Regis' or 'King's Lynn'.
The town originally developed on the south side of the mouth of the River Great Ouse. In 1101 Bishop Herbert Losinga developed the first mediaevel town by commissioning the building of St. Margaret's Church and authorising a market. For many years during the mediaeval period Lynn was named 'Bishop's Lynn' as it was under the juristiction of the Bishop of Norwich. Later, in 1537, King Henry VIII took control of the town and it was renamed 'Lynn Regis' or 'King's Lynn'.
The only surviving Hanseatic warehouse in England
During the 14th Century, Lynn was the thrid most important port in England, after Southampton and London. This was largely due to its links with German Hanseatic League, which ensured lucrative trading deals. King's Lynn is has the only surving Hanseatic warehouse building in England.
Download a self-guided King's Lynn tour The Hanseatic Trail
Download a self-guided King's Lynn tour The Hanseatic Trail
Captain George Vancouver
Lynn, a town in Massachusetts, U.S.A. was so named in 1637 to honour Samuel Whiting (its first official minister of religion) who arrived there from King's Lynn.
Captain George Vancouver, who founded the town of Vancouver in Canada, was born in King's Lynn in 1757. His statue can be seen overlooking the River Great Ouse near to the Customs House (now the Tourist Information Centre).
Watch a short video about King's Lynn by clicking on this link http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/norfolk/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8354000/8354798.stm
There is far more to learn about the history of King's Lynn than I could ever do justice to on this page. One of the most rewarding experiences of King's Lynn I ever had was participating in a Blue Badge guided walk of the town. Walking tours of historic King's Lynn and individually themed tours are available between May-October. Contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01553 763044 or [email protected]
Discover King's Lynn Map with hyperlinks
Discover King's Lynn Map with hyperlinks
You can learn more about King's Lynn via http://www.kingslynnonline.com
Click on this link to see a report about the King's Lynn Heritage Open Day 2011 www.kingslynnonline.com/2011/09/heritage-day-in-pictures