KLPT timeline
Our History
The Trust was founded in 1958 by residents who loved King’s Lynn and were alarmed at the post-war demolition of many of the town’s buildings.
The impetus for the establishment of a local preservation society came from members of the Civic Society, who had been offered the north and south ranges of Hampton Court to restore. They embarked upon a fund-raising campaign to set up a Trust to undertake the work.
The King’s Lynn Preservation Trust was formally launched on 24 October 1958 at a well-attended event at the Town Hall.
Eight members of the Civic Society formed the first management committee with Lady Evershed as the founding Chairman. She remained in this post until 1985.
1958
Hampton Court - The Trust's first project
The Trust embarked upon a restoration of the north and south wings of Hampton Court in Nelson Street, a building of particular architectural and historic importance.
The two wings were converted into flats. This was in keeping with the Trust’s initial aim of providing housing accommodation at reasonable rents. Find out more about Hampton Court
1963
Thoresby College Restored
This quadrangular building, built as a college to house chantry priests in the early 1500s, and named after its founder, Thomas Thoresby, was in a very poor state by 1960.
In 1963 the entire complex was bought by Ruth, Lady Fermoy and her daughter, Viscountess Althorpe (later, Mrs Shand-Kydd) and presented to the King’s Lynn Preservation Trust for restoration, with the request that the building be used for the benefit of the whole community. Restoration was completed in 1968. Find out more about Thorseby College
1971
77 London Road Saved
Situated at the north end of Buckingham Terrace, this large former house was saved from demolition and converted into six flats. Find out more about 77 London Road
1973
Radical Planes for Priory Lane
In 1972 the Trust purchased Priory Lane Cottages and an ambitious restoration project commenced, supported by grants, loans and public donations. The plans, drawn up by architect Michael Gooch, were quite radical. The archway was to be re-opened and the cottages ‘turned around’, with their former front doors closed up and new entrances inserted facing the churchyard. Find out more about Priory Lane Cottages
1975
28-32 King Street
The three tenements were acquired by the Trust in 1975 who promptly arranged for surveys and plans. Gales in January 1978 blew in the brickwork of the north gable of No 30 and restoration commenced before more damage was suffered. In May 1980, the restored shell was opened to public view. Investigations revealed a fascinating record of how the buildings have been modified over the centuries. Find out more about 28-32 King Street
1976
Cottages in Pilot Street
1979
South Lynn Street Scene Preserved
1986
23-25 King Street becomes Lady Evershed House
This important 17th century house, which had suffered from extensive neglect and vandalism, was sympathetically restored and renamed Lady Evershed House in memory of the Trust’s founder Chairman. Find out more about 23-25 King Street
1986
26 St Nicholas Street
Important to the street scene of Chapel Street and St Ann’s Street, this house and workshop was restored in 1986-7 with the grant aid from English Heritage. Find out more about 26 St Nicholas Street
1997
The Greenland Fishery
2002
Clifton House
2008
50th Anniversary 🎂
The Trust reached its 50th anniversary and was honoured by a visit from Her Majesty the Queen.
2010
90 London Road
2018
60th Anniversary 🎂
On Friday 16 November the King’s Lynn Preservation Trust celebrated its 60th anniversary at a special event hosted by the historian and writer, Simon Thurley, and Anna Keay, Director of the Landmark Trust, at their home – Clifton House, Queen Street, King’s Lynn – one of over a dozen properties in the town restored by us. Happy Anniversary!