The Streets of Hull: their names and history, part 1

Ever wondered how a street got its name? In this first of a two-part blog, the Unlocking the Treasures team look at the history of some of Hull’s streets, some well-known, others perhaps no so, and how they acquired their names. We have used a number of sources to track down this information to reveal their history, all of which is accessible in Hull’s Local Studies Library at the Hull History Centre. These include maps, photographs and notably John Markham’s Streets of Hull: A history of their names [Ref: L.9.7] and J Richardson’s, History of the streets of Hull [Ref: L9.7]. In this first part we look at streets A-K.

Air Street, Sculcoates

Dating from the late 18th century, this street, in the parish of Sculcoates took its name from its open airy (or rural) location, which as the time was still a rural parish, yet to be swallowed up by Hull.

Air Street and Sculcoates Lane from Goodwill & Lawson’s plan of Hull (1869). Note its rural-ness with a distinct lack of development compared with today 

Blackfriargate, Hull’s Old Town

Its name derives from the Augustinian Friary which was founded at the beginning of the 14th century, whose members wore black habits. Prior to this it was known as Monkgate.

Illustration of east view of St. Augustine’s monastery, Blackfriargate (1789) [Ref: Lp.271.2/3] 

Brook Street

Its name possibly derives from a brook that was once in the area, fed by the Spring Dyke which once flowed along Prospect Street. Brook Street was the birth place of Sir John Hall (c.1824) who went on to become Prime Minister of New Zealand (1879-1882).

Carr Lane

Today Carr Lane is home to shops and business. But going back to the mid-18th century it was a very different picture. A painting once hung on the wall of the White Horse public house presents us a rural view, on which an earlier public house once stood on the same site as the present. Carr lane gets its name as it led to the carr lands to the west of Hull. This wet and boggy area was common in this low-lying area which suffered from repeated flooding. Carr derives from Old Norse which means ‘marsh’.

Castle Street

Many of us have escaped improvements being made to Castle Street. However, it was not always known by this name. Its current name is taken from George Castle, a 19th century builder. It was originally Burford Street, after the Earl of Burford, a M.P. for Hull (1790-6).

Carr Lane (top left) and Burford Street (below Carr Lane) from Hargrave’s 1791 plan of Hull

Division Road

An important historical dividing line, Division Road gets its name dividing the western boundary of the Manor of Myton and the eastern boundary of Wold Ings.

 

Today Division Road follows the boundary line shown on this map from Anlaby Toll Bar to Dairy Coates Toll Bar (left)

Eggington Street

A development of Hull’s Georgian suburbs, which was outside the boundaries of the then town. It was built on the site of Richardson’s Gardens and named after the Eggington family, who were prominent Hull merchants, involved in the whaling and seed crushing industries.

Fountain Road

Named after Alderman John Fountain who was a prominent member of Hull’s Town Council in the 19^th century. He was also governor of the poor for the parishes of St. Mary’s and Holy Trinity. His grave in Spring Bank cemetery is surrounded by those that he spent much of his life helping.  

Great Union Street

An early 19^th century street named ‘Great’ to distinguish it from other ‘Union’ streets, the road follows the line called the ‘Causeway’ which led from the North Blockhouse to the Garrison.

Great Union Street follows the line from the North Blockhouse to the Hamlet of Dyrpool as shown here on Hollar’s Plan of Hull (1640)

High Street (Old Town)

Hull’s most historic street was originally ‘Hull Street’ which developed alongside the River Hull. Archaeological evidence suggests High Street much closer the river due to land on the east side of High Street being reclaimed from what was then, a much wider river course. Today Alfred Gelder Street intersects its north end, splitting High Street effectively in two (the north side of High Street is unofficially known as Little High Street). For centuries High Street was very much the central hub of Hull’s economy. Grand houses and warehouse aligned the street. Wilberforce House, Bladyes House and Maister House can still be seen today. The former Pease warehouse is now residential apartments. Alongside this wealth were some of Hull’s poorest. Places like Bluebell Entry on its south side saw families live in cramped, unsanitary and poor housing, which existed from the late 18th century through to the 1930s. 

Drawing by T.T. Wildridge (1884) of High Street showing the George & Dragon Inn (left) and de la Pole House [Ref: Lp.728.8 DEL/3] 

Inglemire Lane

Inglemire Lane in old English means ‘leech-pool lane’, and over time the spelling of the name has altered to what see today, with the use of Ingle for a ‘nook’.

Jameson Street & King Edward Street

Named after Robert Jameson at the beginning of the 20th century. Jameson was a major figure in developing Hull’s town centre. It was initially proposed be called ‘Jameson Avenue’.

Cutting through Jameson Street is King Edward Street, which along with Jameson Street was developed at the beginning of the 20th century. The street bares it name from King Edward VII whose reign coincided with its development. 

Jameson Street c.1930s from the Renton Heathcote collection [Ref: L RH/1/182]

King Edward Street (c.1930) from the Renton Heathcote collection [Ref: L RH/1/184]

Kingston Square

Based on the London style square, Kingston Square was laid out in the early 19th century. Its garden, now a place for relaxation for many that live and work close by was originally known as Jarratt Square, after the Rev. Robert Jarratt. Its present name is presumably taken from Hull’s full title ‘Kingston upon Hull’. In Victorian and Edwardian Hull the square was a fashionable address. The premises of Madame Clapham was situated here, while the Assembly Rooms (now the site of Hull new Theatre) was at one point the centre of social life in Hull.

Watch out for part two which will look at streets L-Z.

Neil Chadwick, Project Officer, (Unlocking the Treasures)