A Light Hearted Whistle Stop Tour of the History of King's Lynn
The town of King's Lynn is the main town of west Norfolk. Originially known as, 'Lynn', a name which was derived from a celtic word for pool or lake. Lynn is first mentioned in 1086 in the Doomsday Book. This was an index of towns, villages and assets which, William the Conqueror, used to see how much money he could screw his subjects for. Thus giving future authorities of all shapes and sizes a ripping good idea! Lynn, was a major trading centre during the 12 th century. It was known as, 'the warehouse on the wash', and remained a prominent trading centre until the introduction of the railways in the 19 th century. Traders swopped alliegiance to the railways as being more convenient and able to reach a whole new customer base. King John's Charter in 1215 gave the town of, Lynn, borough status which endowed it with a level of self governing. Following the charter the town became known as Bishop's Lynn. (This may well have been an at...