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The Built Environment 1100-1700 : |
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Why did so much of the historic town survive? Lynn suffered only limited and spasmodic bombing (1939-1945). Though it began a century of relative decline from the 1840s when the railways robbed it of much river and sea traffic, there followed significant industrialisation which rescued the town from stagnation. This was promoted by the new docks and railways which together revived the Port of Lynn (coal, corn, timber, fertilisers) together with firms in agricultural engineering. But this economic development encircled the old town in an arc from north to south with the Ouse to the west, thus preserving it from destruction. |
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 Despite
the fortunate character of town expansion in the period 1870-1914, by 1945
many historic buildings in Lynn were in a state of disrepair. Resources
for restoration were scarce. The Corporation was looking for ways to regenerate
the town's economy and new wealth would help to preserve its architectural
heritage. An agreement with the GLC in 1962 did bring new industry and population
but also the redevelopment of a large slice of the town centre. This resulted
in the demolition of historic buildings and streets. The Making of
King's Lynn (1971) by Vanessa Parker is a detailed study of secular
buildings 1100-1700. But various buildings discussed in the book were either
being demolished or "recently" had been demolished as she wrote!
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Thankfully, since the 1960s, the creation of the Lynn conservation area in 1974 and the work of private owners and the Preservation Trust as well as the Council have saved much of the historic town.
My talk on 28 March 2001 focuses on both existing and "lost" buildings (1100-1700). How much has survived? It also takes Marriott's warehouse (home of the Green Quay) as a case study of a warehouse in this "Warehouse on the Wash". Here is an exciting illustration of how a Tudor warehouse can be restored/refurbished using the new to advantage whilst celebrating the old. It is part of Lynn's successful Millennium Project called "North Sea Haven", completed in October 2000. |
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The
SPAB Report includes a full list of historic buildings in Lynn with some
emphasis on the number and quality of the medieval churches, guildhalls,
and houses. A notable feature was "the splendid series" of merchant houses
and warehouses in the riverside streets providing "striking evidence"
of maritime-derived wealth. Though the 1945 Report highlights the town's
best-known buildings, it makes strong reference to a number of others
of "outstanding" historical interest to be found around Lynn.