Christmas Carols through the Ages

“Illuminated Hymns, selected from various works and attributed to Michael Charles Peck”- unpublished bound manuscript, c.1853 – L.001 PEC

When this amazing volume was earmarked for a Christmas blog at the beginning of the year, no one could have predicted the events that unfolded in 2020.  With the feeling of renewed hope and with a Christmas like no other approaching, it felt more adapt and fitting to highlight this illuminated Hymnal which has some Christmas Carols contained within the volume.

The beautifully illustrated title page

Carols were first sung in Europe thousands of years ago. They were pagan songs, sung at the Winter Solstice celebrations as people danced round stone circles. The word Carol means dance or a song of praise and joy. Carols used to be written and sung during all four seasons, but only the tradition of singing them at Christmas has really survived.

Early Christians took over the pagan solstice celebrations for Christmas and so Christian songs were sung instead of pagan ones. The early carols were all written and sung in Latin which most people could not understand which lead to the tradition largely disappearing.

Then in 1223, St Francis of Assisi started his Nativity Play in Italy.  This proved popular since they were mainly performed in the language of the people who watched the play.  These new carols, written in the languages of the individual countries, spread across Europe.

The Carol 'While Shepherds watch their flocks by night'

When the Puritan came to power in England in 1640s, Christmas and the singing of carols were banned.  The carols survived since people still sang them in secret.  Carol singing had a revival in the Victorian era largely due to the efforts of William Sandy and Davis Gilbert.  They collected and collated the old Christmas music from villages across England.

One of the Christmas Carols within this volume, “While Shepherds watched their flocks by night” [see photograph] shows the incredible detailing within each illustration contained in the book whilst the fly-leaf page had the beautifully illustrated “Illuminated Hymns” [see photograph].

Happy Christmas to you all.

Caoimhe West, Reader Assistant, Unlocking the Treasures Project

Remembering those that fought and died in the Great War

To commemorate the Armistice and Remembrance Sunday, the Unlocking the Treasures team wanted to take the opportunity to highlight a really interesting volume held within the Local Studies collection. Home Fires: the magazine of the Park Street Unitarian Church [Ref: L.288 PAR] gives an insight to the Great War through the eyes of those men that fought in the conflict.

Front page of Home Fires, March 1917

Home Fires was the magazine of the Park Street Unitarian Church in Hull. The Local Studies Library has a single volume covering August 1916 to July 1919. The servicemen, many of whom were ex-pupils of its school, were sent copies of the magazine, much to their delight. Sergeant Gilbert Coles in his letter to the magazine expressed his thanks and looked forward to his copy in anticipation. The magazine not only provided the opportunity to turn their thoughts away from the war with news of home, Park Street Church also provided parcels for servicemen, particularly at Christmas. Private Frank Rusholme wrote to thank the ladies of Park Street [Unitarian Church] for the ‘splendid parcel’, in which contained basic commodities such as soap and towels which were difficult to obtain. He also received a photograph of the Park Street Church, which Private Rusholme recalled ‘carried him right out of this land of mud and water’.

The darker side of the War also comes out. Private Rusholme’s letter expresses the kind sympathy for the loss of his brothers and sister. Unfortunately we do not know how his siblings died. This may have been as a result of zeppelin raids on Hull, or for his brothers the added possibility of being killed on the front-line.

Letters from the servicemen give an insight into conditions and devastation the war inflicted. Gunner A.M. Hill describes a scene of a village as a confusion of bricks, planks and plaster. No roof or wall was left standing and every scene was one of awful desolation, all due to the all-devastating fire by artillery from both sides.

The all too familiar story, however, is one of death. Private W. J. Jackson wrote to the church magazine in 1916. In one letter he recalled how he crawled between his blankets wishing for something to read while his feet thawed. Private Jackson goes on to recall the dangers of shells falling from German Artillery and the constant threat of German snipers. In November that same year, Private Jackson was killed in action, by a sniper. Those that knew him remembered his spirit and devotion to defend the honour and safety of Britain. Before the war Private Jackson was a teacher at St. George’s Road School.

Servicemen described a mutual respect between those who fought on both sides. Private Jackson, before his death revealed that German prisoners were brought down into the trenches, and only pity was expressed. He added that as prisoners passed, they were greeted with a nod and a smile as though they were comrades. German heroism was not a theme for any sort of address, including in Hull, but in a published article from the Home Fires, some were reminded that even in this bitter war there was a common bond between England and Germany, and that is the desire to sacrifice for the cause, for which both sides think is right, that our men should fight.

An interesting issue that comes from the letters of servicemen is the ruinous effects drink was having on some. Private H. Machin recalls how he could almost write a book on the evils of drink in the army. The problems were such that the French abolished the sale of absinthe. However, this was just one of the many drinks for sale in France at the time. Private Machin goes on to add that many in the army are being ruined by body and soul through drink. He, like others felt if soldiers were prevented from drinking it would do more good than people at home realise. Private Frank Rusholme agreed that preventing drink was a good proposal, but he declared that retaining this privilege meant the men were more likely to commit under the worst conditions, than if drink were taken away.

A lot of focus during the First World War concentrates on the campaigns in Europe. We tend to overlook the campaigns fought elsewhere. Private Wilfred Dennis writes of his experiences in fighting in the defence of the Suez Canal. At the time of writing Private Dennis was recovering from dysentery, south of Cairo. He recalls his unit, the Imperial Camel Corps came under an inferno of fire. For the next three hours they were pinned down, only to be saved by sunset. Surprisingly there was not a single causality. The next morning German snipers were up early. A signaller was hit, but this was just a flesh wound Private Dennis recalled. Fighting was carried out in 135 degree heat. Thirst among the soldiers was a common theme. Several men from the East Yorkshire Regiment were hit in this particular conflict, one died while been carried back to safety. Those that were injured had to make the journey of 12 miles on camel back. Private Dennis and the Camel Corps had emerged from the battle a ragged crowd, some without boots, and some without shirts, soap or tobacco.

Roll of Honour taken from Home Fires, 1916

As the war drew to a close and ceased, the Home Fires magazine provides some interesting detail of what was happening locally. For example, over 100,000 Belgians and Dutch embarked for home from Hull’s King George Dock, as too did several thousand Germans who passed through the City. Rations were reported to be improving. More sugar became available, while tea, lard, bacon and margarine became unrestricted. Meat also become cheaper. We also find reference to Dull Hull? The answer to this was ‘it will not be dull when the suggested improvements are completed to the Boulevards and boating lakes’. It was even proposed that Hull was to have its own airport and had a promising future in aviation!

Overall the Homes Fires magazine helped morale among the servicemen from this area. It offered an opportunity to help pass time, but also tells the stories and issues that affected them, some of which is somewhat overlooked. Perhaps the importance of this magazine to those that fought in the Great War can be summed up by Private Wilfred Dennis:

‘Home Fires seems to bring things at home much near to one, and as I read the chatty little letters of old friends I forget the burning sun, the hot sand, and the terrible loneliness, and think of the green fields of Ferriby Sluice and the muddy old Humber, the happy times I’ve had crossing it and the laughter and romping there when we got to the other side’.

‘Lest we forget’

Neil Chadwick, Project Officer, Unlocking the Treasures

 

The North Sea Incident or Russian Outrage

Just before midnight on 21st October 1904, Russian warships were sailing across the North Sea from their base at Libau in the Baltic Sea. These warships were on an 18,000-mile voyage to engage the Japanese. At the time, Russia and Japan were locked in a struggle to establish and exert their imperial power in the Far East. The incident that occurred late on the night of 21st October caused shock, horror and outrage, not only in Hull, but across the country, leading to escalating tension between Britain and Russia, and a real possibility of military conflict between the two. This blog recalls the North Sea Incident, known to some as the Russian Outrage. 

As the Russian fleet made its way across the North Sea, south of the Dogger Bank was the Gamecock fleet of steam-trawlers. The Gamecock fishing fleet, around forty in total, was one of the largest and sailed out of Hull. They operated as a fleet, often staying at sea for months at a time. Trawlers would catch the fish before transferring the catch to faster steam cutters, which would land the fish at places such as Billingsgate in London. 

The night of the incident was misty and drizzly. The trawlers were spread over some miles. The fleet itself was positioned south east of the Dogger Bank, around 200 miles off Spurn Point. To help with navigation the fleet used rockets and coloured lights to signal which direction they were to sail. Through the mist and rain several vessels appeared. Some of the crews were aware the Russian fleet had left the Baltic and would be heading towards the English Channel. At the time some fishermen believed these to be British warships on maneuvers. 

To identify themselves, the trawlers used flares and lights. Upon seeing the trawlers, the Russians used their powerful search lights, illuminating the trawlers. No sooner had the Russians illuminated the trawlers, they started firing. Initially, some believed it to be blank shot, but very quickly the trawlermen were all too aware they were under attack. Shells, the size of cucumbers embedded themselves within some of the trawlers. One fisherman is alleged to have held two fish aloft, indicating to the Russians that they were fishermen. One trawler skipper recalled how they could see the faces of the Russian sailors and that they must have realised those they were shooting were trawlers. 

Some trawlers were in the process of hauling up their nets, but in desperation to escape, cut their nets. Some extinguished their lights to avoid being seen. The firing continued and lasted for around half an hour. After the firing had ceased, several trawlers were damaged. One, the Crane, sank shortly afterwards, not before the crew and the bodies of its dead skipper and Third Mate were recovered from the deck. The Russian fleet then continued in its progress towards the English Channel. News of the incident was made public on the evening of 23rd October. Initial reports were sketchy, but as men and trawlers returned home, the picture of the attack became clearer. The Mino had taken significant damage, its crew struggled to keep the vessel afloat. However, it was the Crane that bore the brunt of the attack, sinking shortly afterwards. The two crew that lost their lives were George Smith and William Leggott. Smith's son was aboard the Crane. Aged fifteen, this was his first time at sea. Miraculously he was uninjured and survived along with the remaining crew. Altogether one trawler was lost and five more damaged. 

Depiction of the North Sea Incident from the Illustrated London News Supplement, 1904 [Ref: L.639.22]

In the aftermath there was huge public anger. None more so than in Hull were the Mayor of Hull condemned the act, referring to it as the ‘Russian Outrage’. Elsewhere there were noisy protests outside the Russian Embassy in London and the incident led to a serious diplomatic conflict between Russia and Britain. With tensions increasing, the British Government put its Mediterranean, Channel and Home fleets in a state of readiness. The British demanded an inquiry to ascertain the facts and to gain compensation for those that had suffered.

The funerals of George Smith and William Leggott took place on Thursday 27th October. From Park Street to the cemetery at Spring Bank, people lined the streets. Smith's coffin was brought out of his house on Ribble Street and put into a horse drawn hearse. The procession was led by the Chief Constable of Hull and the Salvation Army. The hearse followed, as too did the mourners and men of the Gamecock fleet, which included owners and directors. This was followed by the coffin of William Leggott, the Crane's Third Mate.

Funeral of George Smith and William Leggott, 27 October 1904 [Ref: L RH/1/206]

A public relief fund was setup and donations reached the city from wealthy individuals. Queen Alexandra contributed £100, while the King gave 200 guineas. By the 5th November a total of nearly £1000 had been raised. 

The Russians, however, were reluctant to accept responsibility. The version of events given by the Russian Admiral was that the fleet was provoked by two torpedo-boats, which had advanced to attack the Russian fleet. The Russian Admiral went on to claim they endeavoured to spare the fishing boats as a result. He also accused the fishing vessels of conspiring with the Japanese torpedo-boats and went on to say no warship could have acted otherwise and expressed his sincere regret for the unfortunate victims. 

On 15th November the Board of Trade inquiry commenced at Hull. It took place in the Assembly Rooms. A series of eyewitness descriptions were provided by the fishermen involved. The testimonies all agreed the vessels had their regulation lights on. However, visibility prevented seeing any ships at a distance on that night. The fishermen reported seeing the lights of several vessels approaching from a north east direction. It was claimed the Russians observed the trawlers, but in groups the Russian ships began to fire. In an attempt to stop the Russians from continuing to fire, some of the vessels launched rockets into the air, which were used by the fleet to navigate. The Russians, however, continued to fire. It was reported the attack lasted between 10-30 minutes, but no less than 10 minutes. The inquest also established that no torpedo-boats were present among the trawlers and that no crew or members had being in the service of the Japanese Navy.

It was also determined that search lights from the Russian vessels must have seen the lettering and numbering on the vessels to indicate that they were in fact trawlers. The firing, however, continued and the only projectiles found aboard the trawlers were ones from the Russian Navy.

A case of mistaken identity was one thing but what happened in the aftermath was determined to have been an act of belligerent behaviour by the Russian Navy. At about 7am the next morning, another trawler, Kennet, was fired upon by a Russian warship. The warship stopped for three to four minutes before then steaming away. 

The inquest found the trawlers of the Gamecock Fleet were fired upon without warning or provocation, by several warships of the Russian Navy, and that the firing continued for at least 10 minutes. The Russian search lights should have established that these were in fact trawlers, not torpedo-boats belonging to the Japanese Navy as it was claimed. The firing continued deliberately, without reason or justification and the Russian vessels failed to render any assistance or ascertain the condition of the craft or crews. In the end, the Russians were found liable for compensation, which was distributed to the fishermen and the vessels owners to pay for damage and loss of income. 

The inquiry into the deaths of George Smith and Henry Leggott concluded that both died in the company of about forty to fifty vessels of the Hull fishing fleet. Although regulation lights were used to indicate they in fact were fishing vessels, both were killed by shots fired without warning or provocation, from Russian war vessels at about a distance of quarter of a mile. 

Tensions and anger eventually subsided. In Hull bitterness remained. Charles Henry Wilson was one of those who had a vested interest in the Wilson Line’s Baltic trade routes. Wilson knew too well the position of his of his vessels and crew when visiting Russian ports, and this could be jeopardised should there be any political fallout from the incident. Wilson stated it was simply a case of mistaken identity. Wilson, however, was heavily criticised for his comments. 

Today the Russian Incident is all but forgotten outside of Hull. A reminder of the incident stands on Hessle Road, erected in memory of the two fishermen who lost their lives on 21st October 1904. A third fishermen, Walter Whelpton, skipper of the Mino, died in May the following year, as a result of shock.

Plaque commemorating George Smith and William Leggott [Ref: L RH/1/224]

If you wish to explore the event in more detail, the Local Studies Library at the Hull History Centre has several books available to read. These include Arthur Credland's ‘North Sea Incident: 21-22 October 1904’ [Ref: L.639.22]. Also available are a number of postcard images depicting the incident, which are held within the Local Studies Renton Heathcote collection at the Hull History Centre [Ref: L RH/1/203-224].

Neil Chadwick, Project Officer, Unlocking the Treasures

Thoughts by the Wayside, and Fancies by the Fireside

Thoughts by the Wayside, and Fancies by the Fireside [Fruit of the Hours of Idlesse during a Decade of Years, Act 15 to 25] [Ref: L.822]

This book is a prime example of “Unlocking a Treasure” - everything about the book is a feast for the eyes – from the embossed gold-leafed pages, to the amazing hand written pages [about 170 in total] and the incredible hand coloured illustrations.

Unfortunately, we don’t know the author’s name since the volume is not signed. The book includes original material by the author as well as pieces from other sources.

For instance, the section entitled “Gems Gathered from Classic Shores” [see photo] contains the works of Ovid, Horace, Cicero, Plato, Tibullus and others. Although the writer is not known to us, you can gain an insight into their life by reading through the poems, essays and musings. Given the nature of the book, it has a very intimate feel - there is a page entitled “In Memoriam – Topsoe – Obitt Nov X 1855” where the Author has a written a three page poem on the loss of the family cat. The illustrations are all works of art in themselves and some of the pages still have the original tissue paper over them to protect them. My favourites are “Mohammed”[see photo], “A Valentine” and “A Winter Walk”.

This volume acts as a time capsule into Victorian England. It is hard to imagine many people, myself included, having the time, the inclination, and in my case, the ability to devote to such a work of art.

Caoimhe West, Reader Assistant, Unlocking the Treasures Project

Recycling Archives

Every year all kinds of individuals and organisations offer us material for the archives. We accept many of these offers gratefully and happily accession the proffered material to the collections; but have you ever wondered what happens to the stuff we do not want? 

Now, this is a controversial topic in some quarters. As an archivist, the minute you say ‘can we dispose of this if we don’t want it, or would you like it returned’ to a depositor, we invite accusations to the effect that we are failing to preserve vital pieces of the nation’s history. What we are actually talking about in these instances are the multiple copies of a particular council report of which we only need one; draft and copy deeds where we have the official signed deed; or the editions of published works which are already on deposit in various libraries, and which do not constitute archival material. Once we explain this, fears are allayed and depositors go away reassured that we are not in fact throwing away unique medieval deeds!

So what do we do with the stuff we do not want? Quite mundanely, we recycle it using confidential waste bags and an external recycling company. How boring.

Me recycling things!

Now, before lockdown, I was working on a very large collection in which I found huge numbers of duplicate pamphlets and reports. Some of the pamphlets were bright and attractive looking. Of course, these all went the journey into recycling bags. But, with 20-27 September being designated ‘Recycle Week’ in the UK this year and September as a whole being dedicated to lifelong learning, it has got me thinking about whether or not there is something more interesting we could be doing; perhaps we could use the items we would usually recycle in the pursuit of learning a new hobby.

We have a fair number of creative types at Hull History Centre so I put this question to them, and I received the following suggestions:

• Origami flowers, animals, envelopes, butterflies, baskets and boxes (for the fun of it)
• Collage crafts with children (inspired by a lockdown entertaining young children)
• Hanging decorations (for the new parent wanting to decorate a baby's room perhaps)
• Paper snowflakes for Christmas (inspired by someone who loves Christmas too much)
• Eco-friendly wrapping paper (through in some linen tape for the full archival theme)
• Eco-friendly drainage lining for plant pots (inspired by Gardener’s World)
• Parchment deed lampshades (bit gruesome when you think about what parchment is)
• Looms and pompom makers made from old record boxes (just like grandma taught us)
• Papier mache balloon masks (as Halloween isn't too far away)

As you can see, origami ideas were abundant!

The upshot of this is that I’m going to challenge my colleagues to make something creative out of the next item they are about to recycle. We will be posting our creations on Twitter @Hullhistorynews as and when they come into being; look out for #recycling!

So I now put the question to you: What interesting and creative things have you done with unwanted paper items? Let us know on Twitter @Hullhistorynews. 

Claire, Archivist (Hull University Archives)

Heritage Open Days 2020 – Join us in the virtual archival garden…

With so many places struggling to maintain safe operations at this time, ourselves included, you might think that the Heritage Open Days programme would have to be cancelled this year. However, the organisers have urged heritage venues up and down the country to be inventive and to do as much as possible online. To co-ordinate this new approach, the local organisers for Hull and Beverley have created a website where you can find out more: hullandbeverleyheritagecollection.co.uk. For our part, whilst the History Centre cannot run our usual talks and tours programme, we can use the magic of social media to share the beautiful collections in our care. 

This year’s Heritage Open Days theme is ‘Hidden Nature’, and what more appropriate a theme could there be after 6 months of being cooped up in our homes? 

Archival collections themselves might be considered as ‘hidden things’; closed off, safely stored away in little boxes, behind the steel doors and concrete walls of the strongroom. Without knowing the reasons for this, you can easily be forgiven for thinking that archivists, the people who look after these collections, are mean, possessive and controlling individuals who do not want anyone to use ‘their’ collections.

However, archives do not belong to anyone set of individuals; they belong to society. Archives are a unique and significant record of our shared history; they record the events and issues that have affected us and shaped our identities and actions. Archivists are responsible for ensuring that this record is not lost or damaged. We seek to provide physical access to archives in reading rooms, and we are always looking for novel ways to share the collections with as wide an audience as possible. We do this whilst still trying to preserve the collections so that future generations have the same opportunities to access and benefit from them. 

At a time when society is grappling with questions of inclusion, redressing imbalances, and coming to terms with how we treat different groups of people, these same questions have pervaded the archives sector. Issues exist around limited access and poor rates of inclusion and engagement with non-traditional archives users. A virtual HODS 2020, therefore, gives us a fantastic opportunity to democratize the archive in a small way, to share our collections with a far wider audience than we could ever hope to in person.

So take your laptop, tablet or phone out into the garden, listen to the birds and be at one with nature, as we take you on a tour through the secret garden of the archives.

To start us off, this photograph of an enticing footpath leading through a gloriously flowery garden comes from the U DX336 collection, a lovely little treasure trove of 1920s photographs documenting various places in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

[Reference No. U DX336/80/41]

Here we have what must be one of the biggest hedgehogs I’ve ever seen. A regular visitor to the garden of noted poet and amateur photographer, Philip Larkin, this little guy is thought to have inspired one of his most famous poems.

[Reference No. U DLV/3/222/11]

Victor Weisz, better known as ‘Vicky’, was a well-known political cartoonist. He wrote many notes and letters to his wife, Inge, and illustrated each one of them in some way. In this example, we see Vicky and Inge sitting in a garden enjoying nature the naturist’s way!

[Reference No. U DX165/7]

What a surprise we had when, opening a notebook recording genealogical notes, we found this adorable and strange little creature lurking between the pages. Apparently, it is a Brazilian porcupine. 

[Reference No. U DKY]

Another contribution from the Larkin photograph collection captures the lesser-spotted shoulder bear, thought to be resident in the grounds of large Pearson Park houses, it has only been caught on film this one time. 

[Reference No. U DLV/3/19/1]

We can’t do a blog about hidden nature without including a feature of East Park that has so delighted children and adults across the decades; the folly and rockery have long since been a great place for hide and seek games.

[Reference No. U DX336/35/8]

Hidden by time and redevelopment, West Park was once as beautiful as East Park and featured an ornate bandstand nestled on the banks of a small lake.

[Reference No. U DX336/33/9]

The usually green and verdant grounds of the University campus are here hidden in snow during the cold winter of 1963. But the next few posts will reveal the brighter side of campus life…

[Reference No. U PHO/A275-3]

Some of our University of Hull students seem to have found a novel way of bringing nature to them in order to brighten up the boring walls of their student accommodation.

[Reference No. U PHO/A2151]

Once part of the University of Hull, used for accommodating students, Thwaite Hall is a hidden gem in Cottingham. Imagine looking out on those grounds whilst working on your essays.

[Reference No. U PHO/Album/Thwaite]

Needler Hall was another accommodation building used by the University of Hull. This beautifully laid out hidden garden must have provided some much-needed serenity for many a student during exam term.

[Reference No. U PHO/Album/Needler]

And finally, in a variation on our theme, this time we see nature doing the hiding, with the brutalist buildings of the University’s ‘Lawns’ accommodation being hidden from view by huge trees.

[Reference No. U PHO/Album/Lawns]

We will be posting these images on our Twitter and Facebook accounts over the course of the next 10 days, so keep an eye out and let us know which is your favourite!

Claire, Archivist (Hull University Archives)

Michael de la Pole, 1st Earl of Suffolk

Whilst we saw in an earlier blog that the 21st of June marked the anniversary of the death of William de la Pole, the 8th of September marks the death of his son, Michael de la Pole. Michael, the eldest son of William de la Pole and Katherine, rose to become the 1st Earl of Suffolk. Through his marriage to Catherine Wingfield he inherited lands in Norfolk. Unlike his father, Michael did not follow a mercantile career. He followed a military career fighting in the Hundred Years war alongside Edward, the Black Prince, and John of Gaunt. Politically he surpassed his father, rising to the position of Chancellor under Richard II. However, like his father before him, Michael also fell afoul of the Crown. Michael never recovered from this and eventually died in exile in 1389. At the height of his power, Michael never forgot his roots in Hull and was responsible for founding the Carthusian Priory, better known today as the Charterhouse. This is the story of Michael de la Pole, 1st Earl of Suffolk.

Illustration of a statue of Sir Michael de la Pole which can be seen at the Guildhall, taken from Wildridge’s Hull’s honour roll... [Ref L.923.5]

Michael de la Pole was born c.1330. By 1352 he had set out to forge a military career, and was knighted. His marriage to Catherine in 1358 brought him several estates in East Anglia, and in 1385, the title 1st Earl of Norfolk was bestowed on him.

Michael's military career first brought him to notice. He fought alongside Henry, Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt during the Hundred Years War with France. He was present at the siege of Limoges alongside Edward, the Black Prince, and remained in Gascony with John of Gaunt. Probably as a reward for his service with Gaunt, Michael was appointed Admiral North of the Thames. His military career was not without incident. He was twice captured and presumably ransomed. But this did little to hinder his rise to prominence under Richard II, probably as a result of his connections with the Black Prince and John of Gaunt.

Under Richard II he took a role as an ambassador to negotiate the marriage of Richard in 1379. And it was upon his return that Michael's career began to really take off. Along with the Earl of Arundel, de la Pole became advisor to Richard II in 1381. And in 1383 he was appointed Chancellor.

Michael continued to serve in a military capacity, but by the standards of the day he was in the later years of his life. In 1385, de la Pole went on expedition to Scotland and in that same year he was given the title 1st Earl of Suffolk. Things were therefore going rather well for Michael. He had ascended to the rank of Earl, the first de la Pole to do so. Politically he had surpassed his father becoming Chancellor. However, the good times were not to last for Michael; Medieval politics was a dangerous game.

Michael was probably feeling somewhat confident having found royal favour under Richard II. With Richard's approval he sought peace with France. This policy, however, signalled the beginning of the end for de la Pole, as many felt the terms of peace which he had negotiated deprived England of better terms. Added to this, a deepening financial crisis created unrest and resentment which was aimed towards Michael from the wider political circle.

Parliament now moved against Michael. They demanded his dismissal and impeachment. The King refused at first. However, increasing pressure eventually brought about Michael's removal from office and charges of impeachment were brought against him.

The impeachment charges were connected to his failings as Chancellor. He was accused of failing to provide relief for the Garrison at Ghent. However, Michael argued this was not solely his responsibility. The charges of gaining from his time in office, such as the purchase of lands for less than they were worth, were true, but de la Pole argued this time his gains from office were minimal. However, Michael was found guilty of misusing his position as Chancellor. His sentence was the forfeiture of all his lands he had received by royal grant. However, he retained his title of Earl of Suffolk. He was also fined 20,000 marks and spent a short time in prison before joining the King at Windsor, who by now had the fine remitted.

Tensions between the King and his opponents left Michael vulnerable. An appeal of treason was published in which Michael was accused of using his influence over the King to further his own ends. As pressure mounted against him, Michael fled overseas. His first stop was Calais where his brother Edmund was Captain of the Castle. To avoid detection, it is reputed Michael shaved off his hair and beard. His brother, however, spotted him and refused to admit him. Detained, Michael was returned to London. The King allowed Michael to return to Hull. A royal sergeant was sent to arrest him, but it was too late, Michael had already left Hull for the Netherlands. From there Michael went to Paris. 

In his absence, Michael was convicted of treason and sentenced to death. He was stripped of all his lands and earldom of Suffolk. Michael did not survive his exile long. He died in Paris on 5 September 1389. This was a sad end to what was a rise of political importance for de la Pole and the family. However, fourteenth century politics was a dangerous game, something Michael bared witness to. Perhaps it was Michael's origins that stuck in the throat of some of his contemporaries. The son of a merchant, Michael had risen to one of the highest offices in the land. This, as well as his close connection with the King, was perhaps a step too far by those in some circles.

Michael, however, never forgot his connection with Hull. He retained Suffolk Palace on the corner of Hull's Lowgate, the mansion house acquired by his father when he became mayor of Hull. He established the Carthusian Priory in 1377, replacing his father’s earlier founding. It is here that Michael's mother and wife were interred. Michael himself was eventually interred here too when his body was brought back from Paris in the 1390.

Rebuilt in 1780, the Charterhouse, founded by Michael de la Pole was built on the same site between 1377-1383, replacing his father’s earlier foundation [Ref: C]

His son, also Michael, successfully petitioned Henry IV to have his father’s judgement reversed. The Suffolk title was restored together with some estates, but not all his father’s previous holdings were forthcoming. The restoration of his father's estates would allude Michael the younger until his death in 1415.  

The de la Pole family continued to have influence and power. For example, in 1484 William de la Pole's great-grandson, John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln was informally recognised by his uncle, Richard III as heir to the throne. Had Richard III won at Bosworth in 1485, history would perhaps be very different. The de la Pole connection with Hull had however largely ceased on the death of Michael de la Pole in 1389. Suffolk Palace remained but was largely neglected his descendants. Now gone, all that is left to remind us of this once powerful and influential family is the statue of William de la Pole which now stands on Nelson Street, near Hull's pier and the Charterhouse.

Neil, Project Officer

North Bridge: Hull's oldest bridge?

 A bridge crossing the River Hull has existed in the vicinity of today’s North Bridge since the 16th century. Originally built to access the castle and blockhouses, North Bridge, as it is known today has played a vital role in Hull's historical and geographical development. It was the town's only physical crossing over the River Hull until the 19th century. For centuries it has allowed the movement of people and goods into the east of the city and beyond. Today it is a major arterial route between east and west. But how many of us have stopped to pause and give a thought to its history? If you haven’t, here is an account.

Prior to the construction of a bridge over the River Hull in 1541, a ferry provided access to and from the east bank. From the late 12th century, Sayer, Lord of Sutton, had a ferry on the east bank at Drypool. Eventually, this was replaced by a ferry provided by the burgesses of Hull, which was free from tolls and was sited just south of today’s North Bridge. Wenceslaus Hollar's 1640 plan marks the area with the letter 'A', but by the time of the map’s publication the ferry had already ceased to run 30 years ago. Other ferries served as a means of crossing the up and down the River Hull. One such was located at Stoneferry and had existed since the 14thcentury, it is possible the name comes from the ferry having had a stone-paved ford that was accessible at low tide.

After Henry VIII ordered the construction of new fortifications on the river’s east bank, it was decided that a bridge was needed to improve access. The bridge was built just beyond the Northgate of the town, and provided access to the new castle and blockhouses. Hollar's 1640 map includes a view of Kingston-upon-Hull and shows the bridge for the first time around 100 years after it was first built. The bridge can be seen to have six arches, was built largely of wood, and had iron fittings. It would have had a lifting span across the middle to allow vessels clearance to sail upstream, however, this is not shown in Hollar's illustration.

Section from Wenceslaus Hollar's plan of Kingston-upon-Hull, 1640 showing North Bridge and the letter ‘A’ indicating the site of an earlier ferry crossing provide by the Corporation of Hull

Over the next two centuries the bridge underwent development, Repairs were carried out during the 17th and 18th centuries. Merchants and shipowners petitioned the corporation to widen the bridge's arches so that vessels could be maintained beyond without blocking the south end of the river, then the location of the river’s only harbour. Brickwork was added in 1738 to secure the ends, while a lane for cattle was added to allow for easier crossing. 

In 1775, plans were devised for altering or rebuilding the bridge. The Corporation consulted with civil engineer John Smeaton on a new bridge. Smeaton, responsible for Spurn's high lighthouse, recommended John Gwyn to supervise its construction. Gwyn, who had served under Smeaton for 24 years, was appointed by the Corporation and recommended that the bridge be built largely of stone or brick, except for a draw-bridge section. In late 1784, several designs were submitted before the Corporation decided on a stone construction.

Constructing the bridge wasn't without its challenges. The varying water level in the channel caused problems for the installation of founding piers to support a heavier masonry bridge. A similar size bridge to that required at Hull had already been built in Holland, and it was suggested that men should be sent to Holland to see the drawbridge in operation before construction at Hull began. It was also recommended that the old bridge remain open to allow traffic to cross whilst the new bridge was under construction. Repairs were carried out to the existing bridge to allow carriages to cross and work then began on the new bridge in 1785.

The piles for the main pier were in place by the end of June 1786, and their installation had pierced part of the foundations of the old bridge (an old boat full of bricks). Progress was somewhat slow, being held up by infrequent deliveries of stone needed to undertake the bridge’s stone work. By May 1787 the bridge was almost finished, except for the section of draw-bridge which caused some issues. The new bridge was eventually opened in September 1787 and was, at that time, the largest drawbridge in Britain. The new bridge was in operation largely without issue until 1832 when some alterations and repairs were undertaken.

North Bridge, c.1803 [L.624]

Social and economic developments of the 19th century caused the bridge to become inadequate for the town’s growing needs. Hull's expanding population and development meant greater access was required to town’s east side. A second bridge across the River Hull was constructed in 1865. This new bridge provided a crossing from Humber Street to Garrison Side and allowed access to a new system of docks under development to the east. However, this second bridge later proved to be inadequate and was subsequently replaced with Drypool Bridge in 1889, which itself was rebuilt in 1961.

In 1870, the outdated North Bridge underwent further alterations. However, the introduction of motorised transport and an expanding population, together with the construction of new docks and industry on the River Hull’s east bank, brought the need for a new bridge altogether. This new North Bridge opened on 10th August 1931 and is the bridge we see today. Like its predecessors, it was designed to allow for the movement of river traffic, which was still substantial at the time. It was estimated that a total of 4,000 vessels a month would pass under the bridge, or about 58,000 a year, at the height of the port’s 20th century activity. 

The Old North Bridge in the foreground. Its roadway dates from 1870 and sits on the original stone arches built by John Gwyn in 1785-7. The New North Bridge can be seen with its roadway open to river traffic (opened 10 Aug 1931) [L.624]

Designed by the City Engineer, Mr. T. Thomas, the new North Bridge had an opening span of just over 88ft; the roadway measured 38ft; whilst the footpaths were 12ft wide. Traffic flow was controlled by chains rather than the automatic barriers we see today. A surviving example can be seen on Sculcoates bridge which still has its bollards and loop that were used to hold the chains across the road section. The machinery which raises North Bridge is housed above the footways. A complete opening and closing sequence take one-and-three-quarter minutes, but in strong winds this is extended to two-and-a-half-minutes. Some clever features were added at the time of its construction: To prevent the movement of trams when the bridge was being raised, the power was automatically cut within fifty feet of the bridge; and if there were to be a complete power failure, the bridge could be raised or lowered by eight men in around 80 minutes. The total estimated cost of its construction is £258,500.

Today a total of 13 bridges provide crossings into the city, the most recent being the footbridge between Scale Lane and Drypool. As a physical construction, North Bridge is not the oldest standing bridge. This honour goes to the swing bridge at Wilmington, built in 1853. However, in terms of heritage no other bridge in Hull has a history spanning more than four centuries.

From its beginnings in providing access to Henry VIII’s newly constructed fortifications, North Bridge has responded to the changing needs of Hull and its people. Today we take North Bridge and Hull's other bridges for granted. However, at the time, when bridging the River Hull tested the greatest engineers and builders of the day, these impressive and vital connections are deserving of recognition as important pieces of engineering. North Bridge continues to play a pivotal role for the people of Hull. It is a major arterial route into the city with thousands of vehicles and pedestrians crossing its span each and every week. So next time you cross North Bridge remember that people have been using a crossing here for over 400 years and probably will continue to do so for the next 400 years.

Neil Chadwick, Project Officer (Unlocking the Treasures)

James Hall, the Hull Explorer

Last July we recalled the account of Hull explorer, Captain Luke Fox. This fascinating account, written by Fox himself, recalled his quest in the search for the North-West Passage in 1631. Unfortunately, Fox never found the elusive North-West Passage. 

However, Fox was not Hull's only early explorer. James Hall, an earlier explorer from Hull, went on to pilot four expeditions to Greenland in the early years of the seventeenth century. Although little is known about his personal life, his impact on the development of Arctic and Greenland exploration was significant.

James Hall was born in Hull around 1560. Little is known of his early life. It has been suggested he was the son of Christopher Hall of Hull, who himself served as a master in a voyage to Greenland with Martin Frobisher. Perhaps it was he that told James accounts of his voyages prompting James to follow in his father's footsteps.

In 1587, James had participated in a voyage to Greenland under John Davis, and it was during this voyage that James became familiar with the waters of the Arctic. James was recommended by Charles I to Christian VI of Denmark to pilot an expedition to Greenland. Hull mariners appear to have had somewhat of a reputation for exploration in this period. After recommending James to Christian IV, Charles I went on to finance Luke Fox's voyage to seek out the North-West Passage in 1631.

Greenland had been settled by Vikings in the tenth century. By the fifteenth century, however, contact with the colony had been lost. It was the presence of English and Dutch ships in Arctic waters which prompted Christian IV of Denmark to reassert Danish claims to Greenland.

The first voyage left Copenhagen in May 1605. James, responsible for navigation, piloted the expedition but no trace of the colonists was found. Agreeing to temporarily leave the main expedition, James sailed north naming areas after Christian IV as he went. Upon his return to the main expedition the whole party returned to Denmark. 

A year later he returned to Greenland. In the 1605 expedition James had discovered ore, which he believed contained silver. He now gathered samples but they proved to be worthless. During the expedition, four Inuit people were captured and brought back to Denmark, this inexcusable action serves as a reminder of the human impact of European exploration in the Early Modern period, and was to eventually prove fatal for James.

In 1607, James once again sailed to Greenland to seek out the Viking colonists. However, bad weather prevented them from landing, which resulted in the expedition returning home in the June of that same year.

John Speed’s plan of Hull (1610). James Hall set off from Hull in 1612 on his final voyage to Greenland just two years after Speed made this plan of Hull. This was to be James Hall’s final visit to his home town.

James made what would be his final visit to Greenland in 1612. On this occasion he managed to convince four London merchants to largely finance the expedition. The expedition set sail from Hull in two vessels, the Patience and the Heartease. James still pursued the belief that the ore he had found contained silver. Once again he went to investigate and once again the ore proved worthless. During the expedition, James returned to the place where the earlier expedition had taken four Inuit people. Recognised by the local Inuit population, he was singled out in an attack and was fatally injured by an Inuit spear. He died the next day on 22nd July 1612 and was buried on a nearby island, but the exact location is not known.

An account of the voyages of James Hall were published in 1625. Much of his own text was heavily edited and his maps were largely omitted. However, a manuscript copy of Hall's 1605 expedition report, along with four of his maps, were later discovered in the British Library. 

Whilst the treatment of indigenous people in such a way as occurred during these expeditions is a terrible and shameful part of our past, the remaining evidence serves to illustrate the contribution that explorers like James Hall made to the expansion of safe navigation around Greenland and the Arctic seas. We do not present these navigational achievements as a way of justifying the historical actions that led to their development, rather we do so to expose some of the ethical dilemmas inherent in the history of European scientific discovery.

Neil Chadwick, Project Officer

Hull History Centre joins Google Arts and Culture!

Queen Victoria Square, 1920s (U DX336/32/9)

Throughout lockdown a small group of History Centre staff have been working to launch our Google Arts and Culture site. It went live in mid-June to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our official opening, and we're excited to be able to share some of our digitised content with you!

Initially we have about 170 images of items in our collections, which you can browse through. They mainly relate to Hull from the 1920s to the 1950s, and give a fascinating insight into how our city has changed.

Google Arts and Culture also allows us to curate stories using our content, and incorporating other features from Google such as Streetview scenes. We launched with 3 stories:

Monument Bridge, 1920s (U DX336/32/11)

Hull in the 1920s, where you can explore Hull through the lens of photographer Claude William Jamson

Petrol ration coupon (C DMX/337/18)

Transition from War to Peace, where you can find out what Hull was like following the end of the Second World War

Drawing of proposed Shopping Centre (L 711A)

and A Plan for the City, where you can discover how Hull was rebuilt after the war.

We're planning to add more content regularly so keep checking our site, or follow us on Twitter to keep up to date.

William de la Pole

June 21st marks the death of William de la Pole 654 years ago. William rose to prominence, particularly during the reign of Edward III. Using Hull as his base he became an influential and wealthy merchant by importing wine and exporting wool and corn. William's newly acquired wealth enabled him to provide financial assistance to Edward III to help fund wars with France and Scotland. A significant royal money lender, William also gained political influence and he became Hull's first mayor in 1331. William also found himself in the service of Edward III, in the office of the exchequer and although William found himself in hot water with Edward III, he did manage to come away largely unscathed, laying the foundations for the de la Pole family dynasty. 

Portrait of William de la Pole, believed to be by T. Tindall Wildridge

Tradition has it that William and his brother, Richard, came from Ravenser on the Spurn Point peninsula. Between the ports of Hull and Ravenser it was the latter that was initially of more importance. However, Edward I acquired Hull as a forward supply base for his campaigns against Scotland and this, together with Ravenser's demise and eventual loss by the mid-fourteenth century, saw Hull emerge as the principal port.

At the time of their arrival in Hull business was often a joint venture between the brothers. They imported wine from Gascony, while wool and corn were exported. Both brothers held office as chamberlains of Hull. Being leading merchants and political figures, it is not surprising that William and Richard became connected with central government. Richard, for example, became the king's chief butler, while William would later become Baron of the Exchequer.

Both brothers played a significant role in Hull's early development. The trade in wine, wool and corn brought prosperity and with it the town grew in size and influence. William acquired the manor of Myton. He also acquired land in Hessle, including property at Hesslewood and the quarry at Hessle. Cottingham was temporarily under control of both William and Richard. William also had estates further afield at Foston-on-the-Wolds and Nafferton.

To protect the town against Scottish incursions into Northern England William and Richard financed the early building of the town’s walls. The death of the last royal bailiff in 1333 led to William inheriting property in Hull including the great mansion house, which was later known as Suffolk Palace. It remained a residence for William and his decedents, as lords of Kingston upon Hull, until the 16th century. The site once occupied by Suffolk Palace is now occupied by Hull's former central post office, currently situate on the corner of Lowgate and Alfred Gelder Street.

Hull's General Post Office building, on the site of Suffolk Palace at the corner of Lowgate and Alfred Gelder Street

The opportunity to lend to the crown arose when Edward III's usual source of money lending, Florentine bankers, fell into temporary difficulties and William and Richard stepped into the breach. Eventually however William and Richard's partnership ceased in 1331. Richard began to spend more time in London and at the time of his death in 1345 he was described as a citizen of London. William had now emerged as Hull's most important citizen. He represented Hull in Parliament. He became Hull's first mayor in 1331, involving himself in town politics such as the dispute to determine Sir John de Sutton's claim of exclusive rights of passage over the River Hull at Drypool. His ongoing mercantile activities in the export of wool, for example, made William a wealthy merchant in his own right.

Using Hull as his main base William could now provide loans to the crown independently from his brother Richard. William became looked upon favourably by Edward III and It was under Edward that William increased his portfolio of estates in Ripon and Norfolk. He also became Baron of the Exchequer (1339-1340) the position a gift from the king. William was also knighted.

William now found himself increasingly acting on behalf of the crown. He spent time in London and abroad in protracted negotiations. He was particularly influential in negotiations with Flanders, firstly to encourage Flemish weavers to settle in England. Beverley's Flemingate is named after those Flemish weavers who settled in the town, and secondly to allow Edward III to land his army at Antwerp.

He made important contributions to the war against Scotland, not only through loans but also supplies. Hull was used to supply the army and provide ships and men for the campaign. The war with France created further opportunities for William. By now he had monopolised exports of wool which allowed him to help finance the war with France. However, the finance collapsed. William was largely unscathed and continued to provide loans to the crown. In return he acquired the royal manor of Burstwick in Holderness, at the time the most valuable of all the royal estates, much to the frustration to Edward III.

However, things soon turned sour for William. In 1340, furious at his inability to finance his French campaign, Edward III took his frustration out on those financiers he felt responsible, including William de la Pole. William found himself imprisoned in the Tower of London, before spending the next six months in Fleet Prison. Prosecution was brought against William and much of his land was seized, including Burstwick. Proceedings, however, were annulled as Edward once again required financial assistance and William provided the funds. William also took advantage of Edward's partial bankruptcy, which enabled William to recover some of the debts still owed to him.

By 1345 William appears to have somewhat reduced his role in providing loans to Edward by withdrawing from one of his financing operations. To further compound Edward's woes, the Black Death (1347-8) ruined many English financiers including those who had financed the Crecy campaign and siege of Calais. William avoided responsibility for their debts. However, he was not out of the woods yet. Some of his former associates continued to hold William responsible. In the meantime, Edward managed to shake off his reliance on royal financiers and turned against William. The charges of wool smuggling threatened William with ruin. William escaped trial by remitting all outstanding royal debts and renouncing his claim to Burtswick which Edward had earlier confiscated. William, however, still retained a considerable fortune.

In his later years William founded a hospital for poor persons, which would be succeed by the Carthusian Priory, established by his son in 1377, better known today as the Charterhouse. Today the building dates from 1780 but its initial concept was very much the brain child of William de la Pole.

William de la Pole died on 21 June 1366. A statue of William de la Pole by Hull's pier commemorates his legacy and importance to the early development of Hull. The town familiar to William has changed over the centuries. However, many of the Old Town's streets follow the original medieval layout of the late 13th and 14th centuries. Some street names have since changed. For example, in William's day, Whitefriargate was known as Aldgate; and High Street was previously Hull Street. The only buildings familiar to William today would be Holy Trinity and possibly St. Mary's church.

Unveiling of the statue of William de la Pole, originally situate on Prospect Street, before being relocated to Nelson Street by the pier [C DI]

William's importance to Hull cannot be under estimated. Edward I may have realised Hull's strategic importance, but William certainly helped exploit its economic development. William also laid the foundations for power and prosperity for the de la Pole family over the next two hundred years. His son Michael, for example, would surpass his father in the political arena rising to position of Chancellor. But unlike his father, Michael forged a military career, serving under Edward, the Black Prince and John of Gaunt in the wars against France. But that is another story....

Neil Chadwick, Project Officer