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A brief history of Kingston Upon Hull

Kingston upon Hill is located at the mouth of the River Hull and on the Humber Estuary’s north bank. This place has long been inhabited due to its location that provides people with access to lands and nearby rivers. However, there is no fresh water around it and is too remote.

Hull is initially an outlying part of Wyke, Myton’s hamlet. Either one of the words Saxon Wic or Vik are said to be where the name Hull originated. These words mean inlet and dwelling place/refuge, respectively.

Located at a strategic place, the River Hull was a great spot for businesses and transactions that have something to do with shipping. Edward I acquired Wyke the town in 1293. He later on named this town Kingston upon Hull or King's town upon Hull. Edward I also acquired a port which played a big role during World War I. It served as a base and later on became England’s east coast’s foremost port.

William de la Pole is an important name in Hull’s history. He was a rich merchant and was also the first mayor of the town. Hull as a town prospered during the 16th to early-17th century. When the English Civil War came, Hull was still considered important due to the large arsenal in the area. During the early part of the war, Charles I was denied access to the town, so the town was besieged by Charles I.

Additionally, the town was enormously impacted and destroyed during World War II. Hull was even considered the most relentlessly bombed British city. Around 1,200 people died during this time, leaving more than 3,000 people injured.

Recently, in 2017, the title “City of Culture” was awarded to Hull. To celebrate the award, several festivals were held all around the city. Along with this, new buildings and structures were constructed to entice more visitors and tourists. Today, Hull is still known as an important port city and one of the region’s busy commercial centres.