King’s Lynn, the major town in west Norfolk, is rich in heritage and maritime history. The town recently celebrated the 800th anniversary of the signing of the King John Charter. This Charter granted King’s Lynn is borough status and reflected its importance as a key trading centre. The town was one of England’s foremost ports as early as the 12th century. It maintained its prominence as a port until the mid-19th century when railways took away much of its strategic business.

Our visit will begin with a tour of Clifton House, by its owner Simon Thurley, former Chief Executive of English Heritage. Clifton House, arguably the most important house in this historic town, is a Grade I-listed merchant’s house that retains an amazing series of historic interiors dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Features of interest include: two tiled floors from the later 13th century (the largest in-situ tiled floors in any secular building in Britain); a 14th-century vaulted undercroft; a five-storey Elizabethan tower; and a series of rooms created by the architect Henry Bell in 1700.

Our tour guide is the distinguished architectural historian and writer Simon Thurley, who lives at Clifton House with his wife, Dr Anna Keay (Director of the Landmark Trust), and their family. After a tour and coffee, we will adjourn for lunch in Bank House, a Grade II*-listed Georgian townhouse, now a hotel, along the quayside. After lunch, we will embark on a walking tour of the historic town led by architectural historian Dr Paul Richards.

Attendees will meet at 11am at Clifton House, making their own way to King’s Lynn. The visit will finish in the late afternoon, around 5pm. The cost per person is £55 members, £50 YIG members, or £60 non-members. Please note that the number of tickets available to non-members is limited. The cost includes a tour of Clifton House, coffee/tea in Clifton House, the town walking tour and a two-course lunch. Price excludes transport to and from King’s Lynn and drinks at lunchtime.

For further information, please contact the event organiser:

Stuart Blakley - stuart.blakley@taylorwimpey.com

(Image from www.docbrown.info)

Simon Thurley's Home and Walking Tour, King's Lynn