HISTORY OF HULL

Hull has played its part in some of the biggest stories in history. Hull has an unbelievable story. Let’s go back to the start.

Kingston-upon-Hull (otherwise known as ‘ull) is a city founded in the late 12th century. It sits by the River Hull at its junction with the Humber estuary in the drop-dead-gorgeous East Riding of Yorkshire.

In 1293 the port was bought by King Edward I for use as a supply base for his military campaigns in Scotland. Then in 1299, the King founded the borough of Kingston-upon-Hull on the site and the name stuck. Kingston-upon-Hull is technically our proper (fancy) name, but we don’t use it that often.

Hull’s position on the Humber estuary has made it one of the UK’s most important ports, opening up routes from Britain to Northern Europe. This was big business in the Middle Ages, as the city became a major port for exporting lead, grain and wool. The De la Pole family from Hull were big names around this time, becoming amazingly wealthy as wool traders in the city and entering the highest echelons of 15th century society. Not bad ey?

Things got a little bit more complicated in the 17th century though. In April 1642 King Charles I attempted to take control of the arsenal at Hull, but was turned away from the gates by the Governor of the city (and all-round hero) Sir John Hotham. This act of defiance is thought to have sparked the entire English Civil War. Beverley Gate, where Hotham made his stand, is still an important feature of the city centre today and will be revitalised ahead of 2017. Despite the King’s town name, the people of Hull supported the Roundheads during the Civil War and, as a result, were besieged by the royalist Cavaliers during 1643.

By the 18th century things were looking up for Hull, as the first dock opened in the city in 1778. This helped brand new industries like corn milling and seed crushing to flourish, alongside shipbuilding. The infamous HMS Bounty was built in Hull in 1784, at Blaydes shipyard. The ever-popular Hullensian William Wilberforce was elected as MP for the town in 1780, with his Christian faith having a huge impact on his political life. He worked hard as part of the movement to abolish the slave trade in Britain and was well known for his charm and wit.

By the early 19th century Hull was recognised throughout the world as a busy fishing and whaling city. Fishermen from Hull were familiar faces in the North Sea and in waters around Iceland, bringing prosperity to the city in their nets. Shipbuilding was booming in Hull in this century too, thanks in particular to Earle’s Shipbuilding and the Wilson family shipping company.

Although the fishing industry began to decline in the 1920s and 30s, other improvements began to be made across Hull. New housing estates and major urban redevelopments changed the face of the city, and the University of Hull was founded in 1927. Philip Larkin, one of the most important English poets of the 20thcentury, worked as librarian there from 1955 until his death in 1985. The university is now one of the leading research universities in the UK.

As one of England’s most important port cities, Hull suffered heavy bombing during WWII. Hull was the most heavily bombed UK city after London, with Luftwaffe planes often dropping bombs on the city on their way home after attacking other targets.

After a slow start, Hull began to get back on its feet in the 50s and 60s. Approval was given in 1959 to build a new suspension bridge across the River Humber, which was formally opened by the Queen in 1981. The Queen Elizabeth Dock also opened in 1969, extending the existing port and helping the city to handle container ships. The Port of Hull continues to buzz today, with some of the largest super ferries in the world operating from Hull.

In 2001 an aquarium, The Deep, opened in Hull – the world’s only submarium. The beginning of the 21st century saw several other parts of Hull regenerated too. The St Stephen’s Shopping Centre opened in 2007, as well as new developments like the Humber Quays business district and C4DI, a centre for digital innovation in the north.

The arts and cultural sector is now going from strength to strength in the city, with events like the Freedom Festival thrilling audiences each year with an incredible programme of theatre, music, comedy and poetry. The city’s two theatres, Hull Truck Theatre and Hull New Theatre, present new productions and touring work from around the country. The Ferens Art Gallery is the region’s leading visual art space, and will be home to the Turner Prize in 2017.

We’re proud of Hull’s history, but can’t wait to see where the city goes next. 2017 is just the start of the journey. Want to come along for the ride?