Celebrating 800 years of King’s Lynn                              

The civic year from May 2004 to May 2005 was designated by the Borough of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk for the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the signing the King John Charter on 14th September 1204. The charter granted Lynn Borough Status, making it a borough and giving it self governing powers & which all reflected the town’s importance as a key trading centre. 

This programme documents the year long celebrations that took place within King’s Lynn and the surrounding area. These events were arranged by community organizations and range from, the King’s Lynn Festival, the Emerich twinning club, the proclamation of The Mart and a visit by a traditional German Hansa Cog.

The highlight for the whole year was the Charter Carnival that took place in September on the walks. This official opening ceremony was led by the Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. The Charter Carnival takes us back through history to medieval times, where you can witness the skill and bravery of the grand medieval jousting tournament. The celebrations continued into the evening, when musical entertainment and one of West Norfolk’s largest firework displays took place. 

Celebrating 800 years of King’ Lynn is a celebration of King’s Lynn and the community that make up this towns rich history and heritage, its Golden Past as well as looking forward to its future. This programme will become a permanent record for this important mile stone in this town’s history.

The programme is narrated by Stephen Fry.