KING’S LYNN: Map collection given to archive
Hundreds of historic maps showing the changing ways in which Lynn and its surroundings were recorded has been donated to Norfolk county archivists.
The collection of more than 120 maps, which cover a period of almost 300 years between them, was presented to the county’s record office on Tuesday afternoon.
And managers of the archive believe the donation will become an invaluable source for researchers.
The maps have been collected by former Norfolk County Council chairman Raymond Frostick, who is a leading expert and author on the subject.
The series will be housed at the county’s record office in Norwich as the Raymond Frostick Map Collection.
Mr Frostick said: “I am very pleased that my collection of printed maps will find a good home at the Record Office, where they will be well maintained, and available if future for all who way wish to study them.”
The important collection, which is now available for the public to view, contains maps dating from between 1574 and 1840.
Different spellings of Lynn, such as Linn, Lin and Lyn, are shown in the maps.
And many of them also show what we now know as the North Sea off West Norfolk’s coast as the German Ocean.
The term was used until World War I.
Some particularly rare items, including maps from the late 17th and early 18th centuries, which were made in the form of playing cards, are also included in the collection.
Archive officials say the collection also reveals changes in the shape of the county’s coast, which they believe were caused by changes in surveying techniques.
Dr Christopher Kemp, chairman of the Norfolk Records Committee, was delighted with the donation.
He said: “Maps and plans are an important source of information for the local historian and we are delighted to receive this outstanding archive, which will be a major resource for all who study the history of our county.
“The historical importance of this collection cannot be overstated and the use which will be made of it for the purposes of research.
“The Norfolk Record Office is extremely grateful to Mr Frostick for his generosity in donating this collection, thereby ensuring its preservation and making it accessible to a wide audience.”
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Weather for King's Lynn
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 13 C
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Temperature: 6 C to 18 C
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