King's Lynn's medieval 'Red Register' recognised by UNESCO
King's Lynn's Red Register, thought to be one of the earliest surviving paper books in England, has been recognised as being of exceptional international importance.
This medieval record has been added to the prestigious UNESCO World Register - often referred to as 'world heritage status' for documents.
It now sits alongside iconic collections including the Domesday Book, Shakespeare's papers, and the archives of Charles Darwin and Sir Winston Churchill.
The Red Register of King's Lynn (c.1300-1395) offers a unique window into life in one of medieval England's most important port towns.
Held by the Norfolk Record Office, in partnership with the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, the register contains key records of the town's medieval government, including civic memoranda, wills and deeds.
Councillor Pat Gould, cabinet member for countryside, coast and culture at Norfolk County Council, said:
"The register paints a vivid picture of how the borough was run, how people lived and worked, and how trade connected King's Lynn to the wider world. The recognition highlights not only the historical importance of the Red Register, but also the important work taking place in Norfolk to preserve and make its heritage accessible for future generations."
Cllr Simon Ring, deputy leader and cabinet member for business at the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, said:
"This richly layered volume offers a fascinating window into 14th-century life, highlighting the significance of Bishop's Lynn - now King's Lynn - as a thriving trading centre with early access to innovations like paper.
"Our ambitious plans for regeneration in King's Lynn will leverage the town's rich history for economic and social benefit. We have architectural gems such as St George's Guildhall, where it is believed that Shakespeare performed, and now our Red Register has been officially recognised as an artefact of international significance to the historical record. These prove that we have the heritage assets to justify our plans."
As a major medieval port, King's Lynn played a crucial role in international trade, and the Red Register captures this period of prosperity and influence in extraordinary detail.
The Red Register is one of five collections newly added to the UK register this year. The others include records relating to the construction of the Iron Bridge in Shropshire, archives of the Birmingham Ladies' Negro's Friend Society, pioneering mental health records from the Crichton Royal Institution in Dumfries, and the 1495 foundation charter of the University of Aberdeen.
Rachel Hosker, Chair of the UK Memory of the World Committee, said:
"These five collections demonstrate the extraordinary richness and diversity of the United Kingdom's documentary heritage. From medieval civic life and the foundation of higher education in Aberdeen to industrial innovation, abolitionist campaigning and pioneering approaches to mental health care, each collection offers a unique insight into the people, ideas and movements that have shaped society.
