King's Lynn Docks
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2016}}
{{Infobox port
| name = King's Lynn Docks
Port of King's Lynn
| image = Kings Lynn Docks.jpg
| image_size =
| image_caption = Pilot Boat at the entrance to King's Lynn Dock
| pushpin_map = Norfolk
| pushpin_map_caption = King's Lynn Docks within Norfolk
| country = England
| location = King's Lynn, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk
| coordinates = {{coord|52.7608|0.3918|type:landmark_region:GB|display=inline,title}}
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| operated = Port of King's Lynn
| owner = ABP (Jersey) Ltd
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King's Lynn Docks are located to the north of the town of King's Lynn in the English county of Norfolk.OS Explorer Map 23” (Edition A 1997) – “Norfolk Coast West. {{ISBN|0-319-21725-6}}. They are on the River Great Ouse which provides access to the North Sea via the Lynn Channel and The Wash. They are located {{convert|39|mi|km}} north of Cambridge, {{convert|40|mi|km}} west of Norwich and {{convert|92|mi|km}} north of London on the A1078 Edward Benefer Way.
The docks are operated as the Port of King's Lynn by Associated British Ports. It handles around 400,000 tonnes of cargo per year, including forest products, agribulk and manufacturing and recycling materials.[https://www.abports.co.uk/locations/king-s-lynn/], Associated British ports. Retrieved 2014-03-29. Three docks, including the tidal Riverside Quay, can accommodate vessels up to {{convert|140|m|ft}} in length. The docks cover an area of {{convert|39|ha|acres}} and include the 25,000 tonne capacity Alexandra Grain Silo complex.
History
In the 13th century King's Lynn was one of England's most important ports. It attracted traders from the Hanseatic League trading for wool, cloth and salt.[https://archive.today/20140329211035/http://www.visiteastofengland.com/King's-Lynn-King's-Lynn-Hanseatic-Trail/details/?dms=3&venue=0284581 King's Lynn Haseatic Trail], Visit East Anglia. Retrieved 2014-03-29.
{{Infobox UK legislation
| short_title = King's Lynn Docks and Railway Act 1865
| type = Act
| parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom
| long_title = An Act to authorize the Construction of Docks at King's Lynn, and for other Purposes relating to that Undertaking.
| year = 1865
| citation = 28 & 29 Vict. c. lxxxviii
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| royal_assent = 19 June 1865
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| original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Vict/28-29/88/pdfs/ukla_18650088_en.pdf
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The port infrastructure developed in the 19th century following the formation of the {{visible anchor|King's Lynn Docks and Railway Company}} by the {{visible anchor|King's Lynn Docks and Railway Act 1865}} (28 & 29 Vict. c. lxxxviii). This built the Alexandra Dock which was completed in 1869 and linked by rail in 1870. By 1876 over 500 ships were using the new dock each year.[http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/view/NCC095941 The King's Lynn Docks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116023703/http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/view/NCC095941 |date=16 January 2014 }}, Norfolk Museum Service, Norfolk County Council. Retrieved 2014-03-29. The larger Bentinck Dock with a length of {{convert|800|m|ft}} was opened in 1883. The port has traditionally relied on exporting agricultural produce for the bulk of its traffic.
Transport links
The docks are on the A1078 road and linked via this and the A148 road through King's Lynn to the main A47 trunk road to the south of the town. This provides links to the A17 and A1 roads to the west. Other main roads connect the port to the M11 motorway and A14 trunk road at Cambridge, providing links to the UK motorway network.
The nearest railway station is King's Lynn railway station on the Fen Line which runs between King's Lynn, Ely and Cambridge and provides links to London King's Cross and London Liverpool Street stations. The port had a railway link to this line in the 19th century, the last elements of which were closed in the 1990s.[http://www.lynnnews.co.uk/news/business/business-news/comment-stuart-corrigan-says-lynn-to-norwich-line-should-be-reopened-1-5577792 Comment: Stuart Corrigan says Lynn to Norwich line should be reopened], Lynn News, 2013-10-13. Retrieved 2014-03-29.
Seafarers' welfare
The port now has a dedicated centre, set up by the [http://www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk/ Apostleship of the Sea], for visiting seafarers. The facility offers them a place to relax, and spend some quiet time, with free internet connection for them to use. It was opened on 17 November 2014 by Bishop Alan Hopes, Bishop of East Anglia. The centre is largely-funded by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and the site on which it was built was provided by Associated British Ports.
References
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External links
- [http://www.abports.co.uk/Our_Locations/Short_Sea_Ports/Kings_Lynn/ Port of King's Lynn] official website
{{Associated British Ports}}
Category:Ports and harbours of Norfolk
Category:Port cities and towns of the North Sea