NOEFOLK. 219 



King* s Lynii is tlie principal town in that part of the county whicli is drained by 

 the river Ouse. In former times it was a place of considerable importance, and 

 carried on a great trade with Flanders, the Hanse Towns, and the Baltic ports ; 

 but its commerce fled when its harbour became silted up. Recently, however, 

 a navigable channel has been constructed through the mud and sand-banks 

 which intervene between the town and the "deeps" of the "Wash, and vessels 

 of 300 tons can now enter the Alexandra Docks with every high tide. Flax- 

 dressing and machine-making are carried on in the town, and sand, used in the 

 manufacture of glass, is enumerated amongst the articles of export. There are 

 several quaint old buildings, including a Guildhall, and a custom-house " that might 

 have been bodily imported from Flanders ; " and one of the ancient town gates 

 still remains. Sandringham, a country seat of the Prince of Wales, lies about 8 

 miles to the north of Lynn. Downhom Market, on the Ouse above Lynn, carries 

 on a brisk trade in butter. Swaffham, in the upland to the east of the Ouse, is a 

 well-built market town. Castle Acre, with the picturesque remains of a priory, 

 lies about 4 miles to the north of it. 



