Kingston upon Hull, usually called Hull, is a port city and unitary authority in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It stands where the River Hull meets the Humber Estuary.
Hull has a long maritime history, including medieval trade, docks, fishing, whaling, ferry routes, industry and later cultural regeneration. It was UK City of Culture in 2017.
Name and Location
The city developed around the River Hull and the Humber. The settlement was known as Wyke before King Edward I acquired it and granted a charter in 1299, after which it became King's town upon Hull, later Kingston upon Hull.
Hull's location gave it access to inland Yorkshire and North Sea trade. That position shaped its port, docks, warehouses and later industrial development.
Maritime History
Hull History Centre describes the River Hull changing course after a major flood in 1253, creating the course that became the Old Harbour. Maritime Hull notes that Hull's first dock opened in the 1770s and helped move maritime activity away from the congested river frontage.
The city's docks supported wool exports, fishing, whaling, timber, passenger traffic, ferries, industrial cargo and later renewable-energy supply chains.
Government and Economy
Hull is governed by Hull City Council as a unitary authority. It is closely connected with the surrounding East Riding through commuting, transport, services and the Humber economy.
Modern Hull includes port activity, manufacturing, healthcare, education, retail, public services, culture, tourism and renewable-energy industries. Siemens Gamesa's blade factory is one of the best-known modern industrial investments connected with the city.
Culture
Hull was UK City of Culture in 2017. The title helped bring attention to the city's museums, galleries, music, theatre, maritime history and public art.
Important cultural institutions include Hull Truck Theatre, Ferens Art Gallery, Hull Maritime Museum, Hull History Centre and the University of Hull. The poet Philip Larkin is strongly associated with the city through his work at the University of Hull library.
Sport
Hull is represented by several professional sports clubs, including Hull City in football and Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers in rugby league.
Rugby league is especially important to the city's sporting identity because the city has two major clubs with distinct histories and local followings.
See Also
References
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