St Nicholas, Kings Lynn

This is a building on a grand scale. The largest chapel in England, it is worth visiting not only for its wonderful architecture and fittings, but also for the human stories it tells. The building dates almost entirely from the 15th century, though the tower is earlier, and the spire was added by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1869. Before you go into the chapel itself, take time to admire the carvings decorating the outside of the majestic porch, as well as the vaulted ceiling inside. The huge west window fills the chapel with light, illuminating its many treasures. Perhaps the most spectacular is the wooden roof, each tie-beam decorated with angels with wings outspread, playing different musical instruments. There are other lovely carvings in the church, including some mediaeval pew ends, though the finest have been removed and can now be seen in the V & A Museum in London. There is a large and fascinating collection of monuments and memorials, all of which repay a close look. Among them is a marble urn designed by Robert Adam for Sir Benjamin Keene, a local man who became Britain’s ambassador to Spain in the 18th century. It has fine carving of a harbour scene, and bears a strong resemblance to another of Adam’s designs - for a wine cooler. Other memorials to seamen, merchants, mayors and shopkeepers illustrate Lynn’s long history as a busy commercial centre and port. At your feet are a fantastic collection of ledger stones including one to Robinson Cruso. The consistory court in the north-west corner of the chapel is a very rare survival. This dates from 1617 and was where the Archdeacon would judge cases involving church law including divorce and other matrimonial cases.

 The Church will be open every Tuesday and Saturday during the summer months.  It will also be open during the last 2 weeks in July for the King's Lynn Festival. [For all other opening times see below]