Friday 7 March 2014

Hidden Corners Of Old Lynn

King's Lynn in North Norfolk, or just plain Lynn to the locals who resolutely ignore the fact that it's been King's Lynn for over four-and-a-half centuries, is a town with a long and distinguished history. It had six monastic houses, it was once the third or forth largest sea port in England and had a large fishing fleet. Its former wealth is reflected in the many fine merchants' houses which have survived. Nowadays, despite being an important shopping centre serving a large area, it retains much of its medieval charm.


   Nelson Street and neighbouring Priory Lane
have many fine old houses.

Pilot Street (above) is nothing to do with airlines;
the pilot was the man who guided ships into the harbour.

'Tis spring!

One of many alleys leading between houses.
I couldn't resist poking my nose into them!

The Duke's Head Hotel on Tuesday Market Place,
one of two market places in the town.

An impressive, if somewhat battered and faded, sign above
Wenn's Hotel, parts of which date back to the 
early eighteenth century.

Part of a quadrangle named, rather grandly, Hampton Court.
Parts date back to the 1300s and contained
 a brewhouse and a bakery as well as a house.
By the 1950s it was deteriorating rapidly but 
has since been restored.

Another of those enticing alleys!

A crooked house on Pilot Street.

May Cottages stand along a very narrow
passageway leading from Nelson Street.

Beam ends exposed on an outside wall.
I saw several of these,
an unusual feature.

These old houses and warehouses have been
converted into art galleries and a restaurant.

Flowers in one of the parks.
King's Lynn has some fine open spaces and walks.

Well, there had to be at least one window photograph!

Built in 1605 and probably the last timber-framed house
to be built in Lynn.
It goes by the unusual name of
"The Greenland Fishery";
It was once a pub popular with men who fished those waters.

Another alley!

Ships' lanterns hang outside the
Crown & Mitre pub.
The 'S&P' on the sign probably refers to
Steward and Patteson's brewery,
though they went out of business back in the 1960s.

The entrance to Hampton Court (above).

But of the fishermen's cottages in Lynn's North End nothing remains
apart from these two which are now part of True's Yard Fisherfolk Museum.
Photography was not allowed inside but I spoke to a man
whose family had lived in the North End for 300 years.
He certainly knew his town and as well as suggesting other 
places to go he also was able to answer my questions about the place.
More next time!

Take care. 

12 comments:

  1. Lyn seems well taken care of, and yet still has retained its historical character. Restored rather than modernized. Looks like a fine place to visit, especially with all those intriguing alleys.

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  2. Gee - I have never heard of this town. It looks like a wonderful place to explore. Such a rich history. Cheers J.

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  3. Nice pictures of an old English town.

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  4. So anxious to come back. Really enjoyed this tour, John.

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  5. I'm sure Diagon Alley must be tucked in there somewhere. Great photos, John.

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  6. Like the beams and bricks and alley ways, great tour. Thank you.

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  7. a lovely variety here John, I liked the Hampton Court image, the crocuses (they appeared to be) around the tree, and the window shot especially.

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  8. Kings Lynn is one of my favourite places and love the different varieties of buildings especially near the river. I really enjoyed the museum the last time I was there with the amazing knowledge of the staff. I will have to have another trip soon as I have obviously missed some fantastic buildings! Thanks for the tour. xx

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  9. What a beautiful place! I love the cobblestone roads and gorgeous buildings. I would really enjoy a walk there.

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  10. Fantastic photos John. I love the curved streets and the cobblestones, old buildings, beautiful flowers. A wonderful post!

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  11. A fine tour. I find the variety of architecture interesting, but know I would find it difficult to live in houses so close together and near the street. That seems to be common in old English villages and cities.

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  12. Another visit for me to google maps--I am learning so much about the area. The alleys are fascinating. I love how trim and neat most things are---lovely. Your window photos are always favorites of mine.

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Thanks for taking the time to comment. I'll try to answer any questions via a comment or e-mail within the next day or two (no hard questions, please!).