TALK 2: The History of Hessle and its Foreshore

The Humber estuary is recognised as being the second most dangerous estuary in the world. Despite this for around three thousand years it has been a major route way between the North Sea and Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the North Midlands areas of England. It has been the essential link in the communications system for the economy of the region. In the Bronze Age sailors of North Ferriby sailed their craft along and across the river whilst the Romans, Saxons and Vikings all used it as a means of getting into the hinterland for both military and trading purposes.

The Humber bank between Hull and Brough became an important aspect of the estuary and Hessle Foreshore played a significant role in this area. Here we had a ferry to Barton which was operating long before the Domesday Survey took place and from Saxon times formed the essential link on the route between Lincoln and Beverley. It lasted until the 1870s. Here too was a footpath along the Humber bank from Hull with Hessle and was used as a corpse road in the early years of Hull’s history when bodies had to be taken to Hessle for burial. Then the railways came along and chose a route along the Humber Bank for the main line into Hull.

Timings & Tours

Friday 06 September:

1115

Location & directions

Wrecking Ball Music and Books, 15 Whitefriargate, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU1 2ER

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The lecture room is on the first floor,accessible by a flight of stairs

Additional information

Please note that access to the lecture room is via a flight of stairs.

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