Please note that the postcard from series
ended in 2004 and that descriptions of shops and services were correct at
time of going to press
Where is it?
From Norwich head west on the A47 and keep going until you reach
the Hardwick roundabout – you can’t miss it –
it’s the one with a baffling lane system and half-built flyover
in the middle. Then follow the signs for the town centre.
Best known landmarks?
The afore mentioned Hardwick roundabout probably comes pretty high
on the list as does the soon to be demolished Vancouver Shopping
Centre. Much easier on the eye is St Margaret’s Church in
Saturday Market Place. As is the town’s answer to the Leaning
Tower of Pisa, Greyfriars Tower, a former Franciscan Friary in Tower
Gardens, with dates back to 1230. The Custom House, which overlooks
the River Great Ouse, dates back to the 17th century.
Greyfriars Tower in Kings Lynn
Tell me a bit of Lynn’s history:
It was originally known as Lin and is thought to have derived its
name from the Celtic word for pool. In 1101 Bishop Herbert de Losinga
of Thetford began the first medieval town between the Purfleet and
Mill Fleet by building St Margaret’s Church and quickly prospered
as trade built up along the waterways. It became known as Lynn Regis
– and subsequently King’s Lynn – following the
dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII.
Any famous residents?
Medieval mystic and pilgrim Margery Kempe. Her literary effort
The Book of Margery Kempe, dictated by her in the 1430s, is the
oldest autobiography in the English language. Seafarer Captain George
Vancouver was born in Lynn. He twice sailed with Captain Cook and
later charted 4000 miles of north west America from California to
Alaska and the city of Vancouver in Canada is named after him.
Must see?
The market places. On Tuesdays and Fridays, Tuesday Market Place
is bustling with shoppers keen to snap up a bargain. On Saturdays
a smaller selection of stalls stands in Saturday Market Place. Take
a leisurely stroll round the old town and the recently revamped
waterfront. And the True’s Yard museum provides a fascinating
insight into the town’s fishing communities.
True’s Yard museum
the gates to the Outer Purfleet
alongside the Custom House
Any retail therapy opportunities?
The revamp of Lynn’s town centre is imminent, which should
turn it in to one of East Anglia’s premiere shopping venues.
You’ll find brands like Debenhams, Topshop and HMV on the
High Street.
Where should I eat?
An array of eateries in the centre to suit any price range –
from fast food staples like McDonalds to upmarket restaurants like
the Art House Café in Saturday Market Place. There are Indian
and Chinese restaurants and Italy is represented by Antonio’s
and Pizza Express. And two Thai restaurants have popped up –
The Thai Orchid in St James Street, and the Thai Kingdom on Railway
Road.
After dark?
Catch a show at the Corn Exchange – one of the main venues
in East Anglia which attracts a host of household names –
or the Arts Centre. The Majestic is a truly independent cinema which
has just celebrated its 75th anniversary.
Why not visit The Walks whilst you're there...