Stanhoe news
All about Lynn
Stanhoe and Barwick WI members were very lucky to have Michael Aldis as their February speaker. Having been a King’s Lynn Town Guide for 22 years he had a wealth of knowledge to share with us, and a wide range of photographs to illustrate the places of interest, with fascinating background tales to go with them.
We started with a map of the area showing the town positioned at the mouth of the River Ouse and facing directly onto The Wash. We were told how important Lynn was in earlier times as it was the fourth-largest port in England, importing wine and timber and exporting grain and wool.
photo: Rosemary Brown
Michael Aldis, expert on the history of King’s Lynn
This was followed by a whistlestop tour of the buildings in the town. Firstly the Guildhall (now the Town Hall, and “The Stories Of Lynn” museum site), with its ancient plaque depicting the Pelican in Piety and three dragons with crosses on their heads, in reference to St Margaret of Antioch. This was followed by photographs of St Margaret’s Church (now The Minster), with its splendid interior and many artefacts such as the processional cross, the Tide Clock and the History Window.
Moving on we visited Marriott’s Warehouse, Thoresby College, Clifton House, Bank House, the Customs House, St George’s Guildhall, the Corn Exchange, and the Tuesday Market Place.
It was a fascinating tour, and members look forward to going on a follow-up walking tour of all these places later in 2023.