More information : The Mediaeval and Elizabethan boundaries and defences of King's Lynn are not precisely known, either in extent or dating, because there has been no excavation of them, and no documentary evidence exists earlier than the end of the 13th century (authy 3, p.139). In general, the tripartite town was defended on the west by the Ouse, which, north of Fisher Fleet, was considerably more to the east than it is now; on the SW by Friars Fleet/R Nar; on the SE and the S part of the E side by an earthen bank and ditch, probably palisaded; on the N part of the E side by a stone wall and ditch; and on the N by either Fisher Fleet or an earthwork called The Loke north of it. On the S and E sides there were two main gateways and two posterns, and on the N side one, or possibly two, more postern(s). Elizabethan defences were added in 1587, but the authorities are vague about them. The town was further fortified in the Civil War - See TF62SW56. See annexed map diagram and TF62SW76-94. (1-8)
Lynn was first fortified in the 13th century. It was protected on the West by the Ouse, on the South by the Nar, and the Fisher Fleet barred entry from the North. The earliest defences consisted of a wall running from the Fisher Fleet southwards, with a single tower. Thence an earthen bank topped by a palisade ran to the Nar. The two principal entrances on the South and East sides were defended by stone gatehouses, and there were three posterns. Although plans were made to strengthen Lynns defences in Henry VIIIs reign, nothing was in fact done.
In 1570, a small fort , St Ann's Fort, was built at the North-West corner where the Fisher Fleet joined the Ouse. despit intentions to fortifythe town during the invasion scare of 1588, nothing further was done to srengthen the defences until 1626 when fresh guns were supplied to St Anns Fort. The next major modification was undertaken in the Civil War, (see FF62SW56). (9) |