Welcome to King’s Lynn Minster
The church was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich in 1101 as a Benedictine priory. Our church has been a place of welcome and prayer for n
early a thousand years.
The church was the spiritual home of Margery Kempe, the fifteenth-century spiritual mystic, European pilgrim and author of the first autobiography in the English language, ‘The Book of Margery Kempe’.
King’s Lynn was also a Hanseatic port. North European Hanseatic traders would have stayed at the Hanse trading house opposite the Minster. The Minster has had an international connection ever since, with visitors from around the world still coming through the doors today.
For connoisseurs of church buildings, the interior of the church includes much of exceptional note, notably the mediæval misericords, face carvings on the chancel arcades, the Snetzler organ case, the Hanseatic ‘Gdansk’ chest, a golden Bodley reredos, and two Flemish memorial brasses reputed to be the largest in England.
We are enriched by a choral tradition of wonderful music at many of our church services. Many regard the Minster as a haven for quiet contemplation from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Whatever your reason for visiting the Minster, you are warmly welcome.
The Rev’d Canon Dr Mark Dimond
Rector of King’s Lynn Minster
Safeguarding
The parish of King’s Lynn: St. Margaret w St. Nicholas (King’s Lynn Minster) is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer, or PSO.
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) at King’s Lynn Minster is Jill Hemmings and she can be contacted at the following email: safeguarding@stmargaretskingslynn.org.uk, or Tel:01553 767555.
The Diocese of Norwich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) (email: safeguarding@dioceseofnorwich.org, or Tel: 01603 882345), who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA, or if related to King’s Lynn Minster then the PSO contact, as detailed above.
If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone or someone is in immediate danger, please contact the police (Call 999).
For other information about Safeguarding or to raise any concerns, please follows this link: Safeguarding
The Minster is open for private prayer and visitors every day from: 8am – 6pm in the Summer & every Sunday through out the year then 8.00am – 4pm Monday – Saturday in the Winter.
Parish Eucharist takes place on Sundays at 10am followed by Choral Evensong at 5pm. Please see our Worship page for more details of our other Sunday and midweek services.
Our Morning Prayer is streamed on Facebook at the following times: Monday – Friday, 8:45am
Here at the Minster, there is lots to see and do.
Whether you’re hoping to get married, have your child baptised (christened), attend one of our concerts, visit us on a Sunday for the first time, light a candle or explore the heritage of our beautiful building, we hope to offer a warm welcome.
The Minster is situated in the historic surroundings of the Saturday Market Place in the heart of King’s Lynn. Founded by the first Bishop of Norwich, Herbert de Losinga, in 1101, the Minster has offered a welcome to pilgrims and visitors for over 900 years.
Visitors are welcome to join us for any service or just walk around and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic and Holy Church.
We’re located in the Diocese of Norwich, and are a part of the Church of England, which is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion.