Our first visit to the busy port and industrial city of Kingston upon Hull (often referred to just as 'Hull'). The city has a fascinating and
diverse history, dating back hundreds of years. Arguably its heyday was in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when it
became an important and hugely prosperous hub for various industries including fishing, manufacture and ship-building, as well as
having a port that was a northern gateway for imports and exports to and from around the world. The post-WW2 decline left a legacy
of disused dockyards, wharves, storehouse, tenement and factory buildings of various kinds, many of which are in the process of being
demolished as part of various ongoing regeneration and redevelopment projects within the city. This diverse architectural and
historical heritage makes Hull a treasure-trove for anyone interested in industrial or maritime history. The old buildings seem to
be fast disappearing, but one can still find numerous architectural gems, from taverns to warehouses, often now disused and derelict,
but still so evocative of Victorian times.
Our main objective was to see 'The Deep', Hull's aquarium, and the richness of the architectural heritage took us by surprise.
Unfortunately we could barely scratch the surface in just one afternoon's visit. But we really enjoyed our brief 'taster' of Hull and will definitely be going back.

All images copyright poochdad 2011 all rights reserved.