An pleasurable excursion to Kings Lynn

Mrs T, Miss T and I set off by Rail from Waterbeach station to distant Kings Lynn for a days outing. The 39 minute journey was a refreshing change to the drive by car and deposited us at the terminus station just off the Town Centre.

Miss T garnered a guide of walks through Kings Lynn and we set of at a measured pace in the occasional sunshine. The photoalbum with some of the sights that attracted my interest can be found here https://picasaweb.google.com/miltoncontact/ExcursionToKingsLynn# .

In the more modern shopping centre of Broad Street, I learnt how the Fent shop that the ladies dived into to view fabrics and related craft materials derived its name. Fent used to be a term for fabric remnants and was applied to the original market stall that then developed into the current well situated and stocked shop now present on the street.

We wandered into increasingly picturesque parts of the town, with the Pilots Lane and the St Nicholas' Chapel affording some considerable interest. One of the houses (a licenced premises till 1906) was named Pilots Hoy. The term hoy used to apply to a small sloop-rigged coasting ship or a freight barge and perhaps gave the feeling of a land based home from the sea to the busy mariner.

St Nicholas' Chapel is currently being lovingly restored with the help of its friends and the Churches Conservation Trust. Once the country's largest chapel, the south porch was well decorated externally. Inside, the beamed ceiling was adorned with an impressive array of large wooden angels and two other figures, very reminiscent of the All Saints Church at Landbeach. I spent some time photographing the 19th century stained glass windows in detail, with the possibility of a separate article again as for Hereford Cathedral – if I find the time.

We progressed to the Quays, and it was there that I learnt about the strong connection of Kings Lynn with the Hanseatic league, something still recognised by the German Government. Indeed, the Hanseatic league of cities has undergone a revitalisation. The old “Hanse”existed to promote trade between cities and also protect their shipping from piracy though mutual protection. The modern Hanse again has trade and cultural links at its centre.

Purfleet Quay had a derelict looking building that caught my eye, because all the windows had been painted with scenes by local artists. Apparently this was to draw attention to the fact that redevelopment was needed.

The occasional heavy showers were fortunately avoided by lunch and afternoon tea on our circuit of the town. Our last stop was the Red Chapel in the Gardens before we boarded the train back home.