Online-Card - King's Lynn

King's Lynn, originally known as `Lin', is thought to have derived its name from the Celtic word for a lake or pool. It is recorded that a large tidal lake originally covered this area.

In 1101 Bishop Herbert de Losinga of Thetford began the first medieval town between the Purfleet River and MillfleetRiver, by building St Margaret's Church and authorising a market. Quite quickly a small prosperous town grew up and in 1204, following a charter from Bishop John de Grey of Norwich; the town became Bishop's Lynn (Lenne Episcopi).

Trade built up along the waterways that stretched inland from Lynn, and the town expanded and quickly filled the space between the two rivers, Millfleet to the south and Purfleet to the north.

By the late 12th century, a further period of expansion began, more deliberately planned than the first, with wider straighter streets and a much larger market place - this is the second Medieval town between the Purfleet and Gaywood River or Fisher Fleet.

Bishop's Lynn grew rich on trade both within Britain and overseas. The legacy of trade can be found in the many merchant houses and other fascinating buildings in this medieval port. After the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, Lynn changed its name to Lynn Regis - subsequently King's Lynn.

In the 13th century, King’s Lynn was the third most important port in England and part of the Hanseatic league. Today, the town is still an active port and retains the last remaining Hanseatic warehouse in England.

The town's past wealth and development is closely associated with maritime trading links. The South Quay area of King's Lynn bears testament to the rich merchants who gave the town so many of the impressive buildings which can still be seen today. A famous landmark and monument to the town’s maritime prosperity, is the splendid Custom House. Built by Henry Bell in 1683, it is open to the public as the town's Tourist Information Centre with a special display of the maritime history of King's Lynn. Close to the Custom House, a statue commemorates one of King’s Lynn’s famous sons, Captain George Vancouver, famous explorer and navigator who was born in 1757. A short stroll along the South Quay is the Green Quay Discovery Centre. Housed in the 16th century Marriott's Warehouse, the exhibition highlights the unique wildlife of the Wash. Today there is renewed emphasis on the waterfront as the town looks to develop a new marina with links to both the sea and the inland waterways.

One of the best ways to appreciate the historic waterfront is to take the passenger ferry across the River Great Ouse to West Lynn. The view back across the river captures the maritime heritage of the town.

A further tribute to the town’s trading history are two magnificent Guildhalls, the chequered-fronted Trinity Guildhall, home to the town’s splendid regalia and historic King John Cup and St Georges Guildhall now a thriving Arts centre. In addition to the magnificent buildings King's Lynn has an impressive range of visitor attractions which tell the town's fascinating and often colourful past. The Lynn Museum, Town House Museum of Lynn Life, True’s Yard Fishing Heritage Museum and Tales of the Old Gaol House all tell parts of the town’s history. Another special landmark is Greyfriars Tower, a fine example of a Franciscan Tower which has recently benefited from an extensive restoration programme.

Two magnificent market places play host to regular markets. The larger ‘Tuesday Market Place’ is also home to the King's Lynn Mart. The rights to hold the fair, which takes place each February, were originally granted by Henry VIII back in 1537. In July each year the market place also hosts one of Europe’s biggest free festivals - Festival Too. This is followed by the renowned King's Lynn Festival which takes place at numerous venues throughout the town. With two main venues – The Corn Exchange in Tuesday Market Place and nearby King's Lynn Arts Centre, the town offers a fantastic programme of theatre, music, dance and comedy throughout the year.

In addition to its rich history, King’s Lynn has a diverse economy. The town has a strong manufacturing base. Originally built around agriculture and food processing, it has long since diversified into precision and advanced engineering, specialist manufacturing as well as chemical and pharmaceutical development and production. A significant number of international and world leading companies are based in King’s Lynn; it is the UK home of Campbell’s world famous soups; Mars Corporation, manufacturer of Uncle Ben rice products and Dolmio sauces; Bespak, world leader in specialist pharmaceutical and medical devices; Cooper Roller Bearings at the forefront of split roller bearing technology since 1894; and Foster Refrigerator and Williams Refrigeration - two of the world’s leading commercial refrigeration companies.

The Port of King’s Lynn handles a wide range of commodities including cereals and pulses, animal feed, fertilisers, timber, bulk liquid products and steel.

In association with the Regional College of West Anglia, the Anglia Ruskin University is embarking on the development a University Campus in the town. King’s Lynn also benefits from its close proximity to the University Cities of Norwich and Cambridge (both 45 minutes away) with their world renowned Academic and Research institutions.

Significant growth in the retail centre, including the new Vancouver Shopping Centre, means the town is now a major shopping centre for the area. With a wide range of places to eat and drink from traditional pubs and lively bistros to quality restaurants, the town provides good facilities for both local residents and increasing numbers of visitors.