Maritime King’s Lynn

Situated on the banks of the River Great Ouse, King’s Lynn is overflowing with maritime history. Being the eleventh wealthiest town in England in 1334, King’s Lynn ranked as the third most important port in England during the 14th Century, behind Southampton and London.

The town was considered as important to England during mediaeval times as Liverpool was during the Industrial Revolution. Sea trade with Europe was dominated by the Hanseatic League of ports; the transatlantic trade and the rise of England’s western ports would not begin until the 17th century.

Why not take the Maritime Trail on foot, a wealth of maritime history to uncover as you explore the town with our self-guided leaflet, with every turn revealing a tale from the annals of maritime history – from the trading of the Hanseatic League to the building of the Custom House (an existing and important reminder of King’s Lynn’s maritime prosperity).

Though it may not be the great trading port today that it was in years gone by, Lynn’s marine links are still a defining feature of the town. King’s Lynn was home to Captain George Vancouver, who famously charted the north-west coast of North America, declaring the land British Columbia. The city of Vancouver was of course subsequently named after the great man himself. A commemorative statue of Captain George Vancouver can be found outside the Custom House.

Take a trip to the last remaining fishermen’s yard in King’s Lynn’s fishing quarter (the North End), at the True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum – now fully restored, with a museum, gift shop and tea room, with a new extension showcasing Lynn’s last surviving smokehouse and the fully restored and rigged 1904 Lynn fishing smack “Activity”. The new extension also accommodates Lynn’s first Sound Archive.

Explore Lynn’s rich maritime past in this warm and friendly museum, housed in two beautifully restored fisherman’s cottages, which are all that remains of Lynn’s North End fishing community. The museum captures the harsh realities of fishing life and the traditions and spirit of the close-knit community. The museum boasts two galleries showing a revolving programme of exhibitions, images and artifacts from the Victorian North End of Lynn, and a film show.

Another important historic maritime building, The Custom House, has overlooked the comings and goings of this busy port for over three hundred years. This magnificent building situated in the heart of Historic King’s Lynn has been a landmark since the late 17th century. Now currently home to the King’s Lynn Tourist Information Centre, why not visit the Custom House and discover elegant rooms housing fascinating displays on the merchants, customs men and smugglers of Lynn. Enjoy great views of the river and explore hands-on computer displays to find out about famous mariners of Lynn including Vancouver and Nelson (Lord Nelson’s birthplace being the coastal West Norfolk village of Burnham Thorpe).