Old town, new beginning.
History
1293
Edward 1st
Edward 1st purchased Wyke-upon-Hull, from the Monks of Meaux & renamed the port: Kings Town upon Hull. At that time, what we now know as Whitefriargate would be called Aldgate.
1320
The Carmelite Monks
The Carmelite Monks, who wore white robes, established a Friary on the south side of Aldgate.
1321
Construction of Beverley Gate
A principal entrance to Hull called ‘Beverley Gate’ was constructed in the brick defensive walls. Inside, it met what was to become ‘Whitefriargate’.
1350
The birth of Whitefriargate
Aldgate was referred to as ‘Whitefriargate’ in recognition of the Carmelite Friary.
1450
Life in early Whitefriargate
The Sherriff’s Court records fining a Whitefriargate bawdy-house keeper (Joan Frensshewomen) & an occupant.
1536 – 1541
Dissolution of the monasteries
Henry VIII carried out the dissolution of the monasteries which included the Whitefriargate Friary.
1594
Whitefriargate in Elizabethan England
The Charity Hall workhouse established near to what is now Parliament Street.
1620
Legacy of Thomas Ferres
Alderman Thomas Ferres, who had been born into extreme poverty in Glaisdale, North Yorkshire, having acquired the site of the Whitefriargate Friary, gave the land to Hull Trinity House to be used for the relief of the poor of the House
Known as the Ferres Estate, Hull Trinity House continue to own the entire southern length of Whitefriargate. The rental income derived from this property helps support the aims of the Hull Trinity House Charity.
1621
Keeping Whitefriargate bright
By this year Whitefriargate was lit by candle lanterns, later to be replaced by oil. Gas lanterns from 1820 with electric arriving in 1882.
1631
The plague arrives to Hull
A house on Whitefriargate had to be shut up & quarantined, when a visitor from Nottingham had arrived secretly with the plague. It caused Hull Fair to be cancelled that year.
1642
Outbreak of the English Civil War
23rd April – King Charles 1st refused entry into the town by the Governor, Sir John Hotham, at the Beverley Gate. Considered the first overt act of the English Civil War.
1694
The great fire of Whitefriargate
An extensive fire in the street was caused by dressing flax under candlelight.
1700’s
First pub built
The original Alehouse with many names, was built at No 37 on the north side of Whitefriargate. In its time it has been known as Cross Keys, Turks Head, Old Andrew Marvel, York Tavern, Wilberforce Wine Vaults & Monument Tavern before shutting in the 1960’s.
1796
Construction of Parliament Street
The slums around Mughouse Entry off Whitefriargate were cut through to become what is now one of Hull’s best preserved Georgian streets, Parliament Street. It required an act of Parliament to construct it, in whose honour the street was named. Originally residential, by the mid 1800’s it had become the offices of attorneys, notaries, registrars, accountants & law stationers.
1797
Rise and fall of The Neptune Inn
Hull Trinity House completed building the town’s first luxury hotel using architect George Pycock. The Neptune Inn served the passenger trade which used the recently built ‘The Dock (now Queens Gardens). Never a financial success, it was leased to HM Customs from 1815. In 1930 Boots the Chemist took over until 2019.
1800’s
The ‘Cock & Lion Entry’ origins
The current ‘Cock & Lion Entry’, a passageway leading through to Zebedee’s Yard was named after an alehouse built on the site during this time.
1843
England’s oldest Post Office
Constructed next to Neptune Inn; built originally as a Post Office under architect William Foale (surveyor to Hull Trinity House). It is England’s oldest surviving purpose-built Post Office building.
From 1877 it became the Conservancy Commissioners offices & board room. Responsible for navigation & pilotage on the Humber Estuary.
1843
Zebedee’s Yard’s
The Hull Trinity Navigation School (established 1787), moved into expanded buildings off Whitefriargate, at what is now called Zebedee’s Yard. Named after a former headmaster Zebedee Scaping, who served a remarkable 55 years in office.
1854
Queen Victoria visits Hull
Queen Victoria & Prince Albert visited Hull for the one & only time. A temporary triumphal arch was constructed at the west end of Whitefriargate to honour their visit.
1856
Local pharmacist to a global company
T.J.Smith, the founder of the global medical company Smith & Nephew, opened his first chemist shop at the east end of Whitefriargate.
1856
The Bank of England comes to Whitefriargate
The Bank of England established a new build Hull branch on the north side of Whitefriargate. Built on the site of the former workhouse which was purchased for £4,800.00. It closed in 1939.
1859
Charles Dickens visit
Charles Dickens bought six pairs of silk stockings from Henry Dixon’s, silk mercer & draper, on Whitefriargate. Purchased for his mistress Ellen Ternon. He was appearing at the Assembly Rooms (now New Theatre), giving readings from his works.
1877
First tramway built
A horse drawn tramway was established down Whitefriargate, it’s terminus was Victoria Pier. Unlike other routes, it was never electrified & closed in 1899.
1936
The Burtons Building constructed
Burtons Building opened for Montague Burton. Built on the site of a former brewery, in the art deco style. Undergoing a major regeneration by Wykeland.
2015
Zebedee’s Yard in current times
Zebedee’s Yard opens as a shopper’s car park. The Yard is also used as one of Hull’s premier events spaces. Hosting live concerts, graduation days, food nights, Freedom & Hull Council events to name but a few.
At Present
Whitefriargate’s future
Wykeland Group Limited, Hull’s premier property regeneration specialist commenced acquiring Whitefriargate’s units. It is committed, along with Hull Trinity House, to restoring the fortunes of Hull’s original shopping street.
