Hidden Hull

A group of History Club members were back on the road again this week!   Our planned trip to Hull had to be cancelled because of Covid restrictions in 2020 but we were picked up at Gringley by Unity Coaches and set off for Kingston Upon Hill.  Our guide was Mike Garrett and we all had a really wonderful and informative day. 

Mike is very knowledgeable and during the walk outlined the history of Hull through the ages which was fascinating, mainly focussing on the Old Town of Hull.  We walked through cobbled streets and saw beautiful buildings, some dating back to the 1500s.

At Hull Marina we had coffee (and a complementary shot glass of Maltesers which was lovely.)   Refreshments taken, we set off on our tour. 

At Hull Pier Mike gave an overview of Hull’s history which included Bronze age boat building, and Roman, Saxon and Viking settlements.  We learnt about Wyke upon Hull and the Normans, and the importance of Edward I and the new town of Kingston Upon Hull or ‘Kings Town Upon Hull’.

We then walked along the bank of the river and into the Museums Quarter where we visited the Street Life Museum of Transport and East Riding Museum.  This was a real treat and we were all suitably impressed, hugely recommended for anyone who has not stumbled across these museums before.  There is something here for both adults and children.

We walked on past the site of Suffolk Palace, home of the De La Pole family, and had a glimpse of the Hepworth Arcade.  We then stopped for a drink at Hull’s most historic pub, ‘Ye Olde White Harte’.  It was here in the Plotting Room that a decision was made to close the gates of Hull to King Charles I.  At that time Hull held a large arsenal – the King, determined to gain access, besieged the city for 3 weeks, the first major action of the English Civil War. 

We then walked through the Land of Green Ginger, past the site of Henry VIII’s Manor House, past Trinity House to Hull Minster which is located in the medieval market square and onwards to the Old Grammar School and along the walls of the old town to the new docks. 

The Old Grammar School

Hull was a treasure of history and architectural surprises.  The city was very badly damaged during the Second World War but thankfully many of its buildings remain unscathed to be enjoyed.  

There is so much to see we are already planning a date to return so that we can spend a little more time exploring the museums and also visit the Wilberforce Museum which was sadly closed for restoration when we visited.

All in all, a really fabulous day, Hull is indeed a hidden gem. Thanks Mike.

The garden at the Streetlife Museum

https://historicengland.org.uk/get-involved/visit/walking-tours/hull-old-town/