KING`S LYNN.

King`s Lynn in England is often missed, as many pass by on their way to the Norfolk coast, Norwich or the Norfolk Broads. But to miss King`s Lynn is a big mistake, originally known as Lin. A first settlement was established and in 1101, Bishop Herbert Losinga (the same bishop that established Norwich Cathedral ) founded St Margaret`s Church and the town became known as Bishop Lin. Trade built up quickly around the waterways and a few years later a second settlement was established to the north. Lynn now consisted of two Medieval settlements, each with its own church and marketplace. In 1537 King Henry VIII decided he would take control of the town from the Bishop of Norwich and it became known as King`s Lynn and the town grew rich from the trade within Britain and abroad. By the Middle Ages, the town ranked as the third port of England and was considered as important as Liverpool. Although the town`s importance declined from this heyday, King`s Lynn today is still an important regional centre for a largely sparsely populated part of England.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE LOVELY OLD BUILDINGS IN KING`S LYNN.

CUSTOMS HOUSE

The King`s Lynn custom house is one of the towns most iconic landmarks. It was designed by architect Henry Bell and built by Sir John Turner in 1683. The building is now used to house the Tourist Information Centre. It is a grade 1 listed building. The architect Nikolaus Peusner once described it as one of the most perfect buildings ever built.

Figure of King Charles II over the entrance to the building.

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HAMPTON COURT.

Located not far from King`s Lynn Minster, Hampton court is a grade I listed group of buildings ( my photo only shows one side of the buildings ) forming a quadrangular shape which were built up over a period of 300 years. The south wing was constructed first, consisting mainly of 14th century merchants house and is thus the earliest surviving section. The west wing was constructed towards the end of the 15th century, probably as a warehouse. The east wing was also constructed at the end of the 15th century, initially used as shops. The east wing now has an arch that leads into the courtyard. The north wing completed the courtyard a century later. It is believed the building takes its name from John Hampton, a master baker who became a freeman in 1645. In 1962 Mrs Lane who had purchased the buildings, donated the entire buildings to the King`s Lynn Preservation Trust who converted them into 15 individual dwellings.

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HANSEATIC WAREHOUSE.

Located on St Margaret`s Lane, the Hanseatic Warehouse is the only surviving Hansa building in England. It was constructed in 1475, as part of the treaty of Utrecht allowing Hansa to establish a trading depot in Lynn for the first time. It was used as such until 1751, it was then sold to Lynn merchant Edward Everard for £800. He added the Georgian town house at the east side of the building which is now known as St Margaret`s House ( grade 1 listed ) after the nearby church. In 1971 it was renovated as part of a preservation project and converted into offices by the Norfolk County Council. It is currently used by the council for various functions, including weddings, as it houses Lynn`s Register Office.

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THE VALIANT SAILOR.

A 15th century building in Nelson Street. It probably became a public house in the late 1600`s but ceased to be licensed  in 1925. The well known artist Walter Dexter lived here until his tragic death in 1958.

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TOWN HALL and TRINITY GUILDHALL.

The town hall of King`s Lynn has existed since the early 15th century, between 1422 and 1428 when the Guildhall of the Holy Trinity was built. It is the most prominent feature of the town hall today with its steep arched roof, large window and chequered patterned exterior. The building was enlarged in 1624, when an extension with the same chequered style was added which now forms the main entrance to the town hall. The Guildhall is grade II listed. The arms of Elizabeth I can be seen above the main window on this building. They were removed from St James Church on 7th August 1624. The arms of Charles II are above them - they were added 40 years later. There was a further expansion added in 1895.

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