King's Lynn Docks

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. The port infrastructure developed in the 19th century following the formation of the ' by the ' (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. The larger Bentinck Dock with a length of 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. ==Seafarers' welfare==

The port now has a dedicated centre, set up by the 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==