Hull in the 1920s

To coincide with the release of the 1921 census here at the History Centre, we thought we’d take the opportunity to showcase some of our holdings relating to the 1920s, which was a period of great change in the social and political landscape of Hull as well as the rest of the country. 

Beginning of the decade

As the new decade ushered in, experiences of the Great War left a lasting impact across the whole of British Society. Some were too young to remember the Great War, whilst others simply wanted to escape the horrors of the conflict. As a result, many felt compelled to enjoy life to the full. 

Recreation and leisure

Although the origins of recreation and leisure have their roots in the 19th century for the working class, these activities gathered pace in the 1920s. In Hull cinemas began to pop up or be licensed, with theatres altered to accommodate the golden age of cinema. The Savoy on the corner of Holderness Road and Morrill Street opened in 1923. The Cecil, Carlton, Waterloo and Londesborough theatres became licensed theatres during the decade, while the Tivoli on Paragon Street became a cinema in 1929.

Hull born Dorothy Mackaill began her acting career from 1920. Born in Sculcoates in 1903, Dorothy Mackaill found her fame during the silent film era and featured in almost 50 films during the 1920s.

Dorothy Mackaill
[Ref: Lp.920 MACK/1]

Seaside getaways had been popular since the 17th century, though this was exclusively for the well to do, usually prescribed by a doctor or physician to take in the sea air, spars and cold waters of places like Scarborough and later Brighton.

In the 1920s commercial flights were in operation, yet for most families, particular the working classes, a trip to the seaside would have been their family holiday.  For those from Hull, Withernsea, Hornsea, Bridlington, Filey or perhaps Scarborough would have been the most common resorts visited.

Scarborough's South Bay from Smith's photograph album
[Ref: L.9.54/8]

1926 General Strike

The decade wasn’t without its challenges. Heavy domestic use of coal during the war had depleted Britain’s stocks, and the resulting cost of living had a profound affect. The 1926 Dock Strike in Hull affected around 8,000 of Hull’s dock workers. Further difficult economic conditions, particularly wage reductions led to the General Strike of 1926. Hull, like elsewhere around the country was affected. Heavy industry and transport went on strike, which led to many walking or community by bike. Trains ground to a halt. Cargo in the docks was affected, particularly fruit. While some managed to be transported via road, the bult remained at Hull docks to rot.

Social and political change    

The decade is known as the ‘roaring twenties’, a time of nightclubs, and jazz clubs when the Charleston and Lindy Hop developed. However, the 1920s were also a decade of huge social and political change.  

Families tended to be smaller compared to their Victorian counterparts, on average three to four children.

Edwardian family outside their property in Garden Village
[Ref: L RH/1/137]

Education was free and compulsory to those aged 5, regardless of social status. However, most left school aged 14. 

The Workers’ Education Association had been founded in 1903 with the aim of extending education to workers. The Hull branch was established in 1926. Such organisations allowed workers to attend classes, which prior to this, had not been possible.

The final years of the 1920s saw voting rights for women extended to those aged 21 and over, putting them on a level par with their male counterparts. It would however be another 40 years before the 1969 Representation of People Act reduced the voting age to 18 for both men and women.

For many women the war had provided employment in the factories giving them a wage, and with-it independence. Women became more confident and empowered, affording them a greater degree of freedom. New fashions developed. Hair and dresses were shorter. For women smoking became fashionable, as too did drinking. You could say ‘Girl Power’ had arrived long before the Spice Girls.

The 1920s saw comics becoming available to children. Hull’s most famous comic illustrator, Ern Shaw created several comic characters during his early career in the 1920s. These were the predecessors to his most famous comic characters, The Dingbats from the 1940s.  

Timeline

1920 - Several housing projects began during the decade, including along Holderness Road, the continuation of Lorraine Street and Preston Road

1921 - Hull’s population was 295,000

1923 – The first 200 properties completed on Preston Road 

1924 - First Hull Dock Strike

1925 – the Hull branch of The Cyclists’ Touring Club founded and Prime Minster Lloyd George visits Hull

1926 – Hull branch of the Workers’ Educational Association founded and second Hull Dock Strike

1927 – The Ferens Art Gallery opens, replacing St. John’s Church that stood on the site previously

1928 – Voting extended to all women aged 21 and over

1931 -  Hull’s population surpassed 309,000, its largest population to date

 Neil Chadwick, Librarian/Archivist