Founded around 1140, the chapel was re-built in the 14th and early 15th centuries from new wealth which came to the town from the Baltic maritime trade. As a key player in the Hanseatic League, King’s Lynn was once one of the most important ports in the country, trading the Baltic, northern Europe and beyond.

The reopening – made possible by The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) - marks the latest chapter in the building’s 715 year history. It follows a £2.7m restoration project, funded with a £2.3m Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant plus contributions raised by the Friends of St Nicholas’ Chapel. The CCT hopes the restored chapel will encourage people to engage with King’s Lynn’s unique history, including the significant Eastern European community based in the town.

Crispin Truman, Chief Executive of The Churches Conservation Trust, said: “I couldn’t be more proud of the partnership between the people of King’s Lynn and The Churches Conservation Trust which has made the rescue of this internationally important building possible.”

Sara Croft, Head of Historic Environment at HLF, added: “St Nicholas’ Chapel is one of Norfolk’s best-loved and most beautiful buildings. Witness to over 600 years of history, it’s now set to once more take its place as a key tourist attraction in King’s Lynn. One of the project’s strengths has been the involvement of the local community and that commitment will ensure the chapel’s survival well into the future. We’re proud to have supported this complex and inspiring restoration work with a £2.3m investment and couldn’t have done it without the help of National Lottery players across the UK.”