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In 1642, the Norfolk Town of King’s Lynn was an important North Sea port. Protected by rivers on two sides, at the outbreak of the English Civil War, the town’s existing, largely medieval, defences were repaired, improved and re-armed. But in the late summer of 1643, following a naval blockade and a siege lasting several weeks, the town was captured by the forces of Parliament who immediately set about improving the town’s fortifications in line with current continental practice. In so doing, creating a system of defence which, in British terms, is quite possibly unique.
375 years on, the visages of King’s Lynn’s civil war still exist. In some places, they can easily be seen, whilst elsewhere they harder to find. But from a conflict archaeology perspective, where a siege leaves a far greater archaeological footprint than any battle, King’s Lynn offers considerable potential. King’s Lynn Under Siege is a long term community-based archaeological research project involving professionals, academics, students, volunteers and local communities that will deploy a full range of techniques and approaches to the understanding of the lived human experience of the English Civil Wars and its impact upon the people and fabric of King’s Lynn. View our latest newsletter |
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Kings Lynn South Gate
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Hollar's plan of Kings Lynn
