The Day The City Split In Two / A River Full Of Stories
These photographs are by the late George Parkes and are held at Hull History Centre. The copyright belongs to the heirs of George Parkes. The restoration and re-processing of the original slides are by Richard Duffy-Howard and are licenced from, and with thanks to, Hull University Archives. If you have any information regarding George and … Continue reading George Parkes: Old Harbour Bridges and Barges
HHull's River Bridges: Angus Young - My Favourite BRIDge There’s something about a river and its bridges which fascinates me. Perhaps it’s because I grew up in Gateshead and would gaze in awe at the trendy Five Bridges Hotel every time we passed it on the bus heading for Newcastle on the other side of the … Continue reading 40 Angus Young – North Bridge
Hull's River Bridges: Ennerdale Link Photographs by Rich & Lou Duffy-Howard The most recent and northerly of Hull's (road) River Bridges opened on April 3rd 1997 aimed to ease traffic and improve access to the docks in the east of the city, the original idea being a tunnel under the river. The first plan in … Continue reading 1 Ennerdale Link
Welcome and thank you to everyone who has subscribed to Open Bridges new project 'Hull's River Bridges' this week. We are very pleased that it is part of the national Heritage Open Day festival 2025. Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture which runs from 12th - 21st September. Hull's River … Continue reading Thank You!
We took a trip over to Eastrington to meet up with Les Reid and Tony Carrigan. We recorded their conversations about the times spent working on the River Trent gravelling, the dangers of the Humber and 'Between Bridges', 'Up Harbour', on the River Hull. Les Reid of the Newark Heritage Barge 'Leicester Trader' and Tony … Continue reading Les Reid and Tony Carrigan Reminisce
Yesterday belied the thunderous downpour warnings as we ventured south to Newark to visit Les Reid, as part of our new Open Bridges Project for Heritage Open Days – Hull’s River Bridges. It turned out to be a glorious day as we met Les and jumped aboard Les’s workboat the Ruffian and headed down the … Continue reading Adventure on the Ruffian
Hull's Waterfront In the late Fifties We came across the work of Frank Drasdo when we were working on the book ‘A River Full of Stories’. Frank’s work features extensively in the book and we are indebted to Frank’s nephew, photographer Dave Drasdo, for permission to publish them there and in this new gallery of … Continue reading Frank Drasdo
We came across this fascinating message on the back of a Half Penny Packet Post Panoramic Card of Victoria Pier sent in 1905 to May Brewin in Burnley from her friend, W, who was having a great time in Hull. I've carefully restored the photographs below the letter from the original glass plate negatives. All … Continue reading Victoria Pier and a Postcard from 1905
Wawne and Stoneferry Wawne This magic lantern slide of the ferry at Wawne on the River Hull was taken at some point in the late 1890s. By the time I came across it, it had gathered about 125 years’ worth of dirt and dust. However, after a few days of careful restoration this remarkable image … Continue reading Ferry Part 4
We had another great day out in Newark visiting Les Reid of the Newark Heritage Barge 'Leicester Trader'. Les showed us a remarkable rare cine film of a working barge trip with Alec Carrigan on the barge Girton showing a run from Hull to Girton Gravel Pit and back circa 1965. We filmed Les's commentary … Continue reading Working Barge Trip Video Circa 1965 Hull to Girton with Commentary by Les Reid
Here are the photographs from the second day of our trip from Hull to York with John Dean on the barge George Dyson making a working trip from Hull's Albert Dock to York city centre, stopping overnight in Goole along the way. Thank you to John Dean for inviting us on the journey, which was … Continue reading Hull to York on the Barge George Dyson – Day 2
On January 24th and 25th 2020 the Dean's Marine barge George Dyson made a working trip from Hull's Albert Dock to York city centre, stopping overnight in Goole along the way. Thank you to John Dean for inviting us on the journey, which was a truly amazing experience. We took this gallery of photographs. They … Continue reading Hull to York on the Barge George Dyson – Day 1
We are very grateful to the anonymous contributor who sent us these photographs for sharing on the website. They were taken with the glorious - and much missed - Kodak colour transparency film - Kodachrome 64. I've digitised and restored the slides and they look as good as the day they were taken. At the … Continue reading Hull Docks 1965 – 1973
1940 - 1981 There are many photographs, postcards and fond memories of the Humber Ferries running between Hull's Corporation Pier to New Holland Pier, which connected communities, north and south of the estuary, before the Humber Bridge opened to connect counties. The photographs in the gallery below are previously unpublished and I've reprocessed and restored … Continue reading Ferry Part 3
The railway swing-bridge over the River Ouse at Goole was designed by Sir William Armstrong and opened in 1869. It's Grade II listed and has a couple of different names: Hook Bridge (if you come from Hook) and the Skelton Viaduct (if you live in Skelton) but if you're on a train it's more than … Continue reading Railway Swing Bridge over the Ouse at Goole 2023
The railway swing-bridge over the River Ouse at Goole was designed by Sir William Armstrong and opened in 1869. Its Grade II listed and has a couple of different names: Hook Bridge (if you come from Hook) and the Skelton Viaduct (if you live in Skelton) but if you're on a train it's more than … Continue reading Railway Swing Bridge over the Ouse at Goole 2023 – the Engine Room
Goole by Train My husband and fellow band partner Rich and I were invited, as part of our Open Bridges project, to produce photographs and art content about the renovation of the railway swing bridge over the Ouse at Goole. With this in mind we travelled both to and from Saltmarshe to Thorne, either side … Continue reading Goole By Train
Syd Young, Ferry Memories My mum had an Auntie who owned the Welbeck Guest House in Cleethorpes. In the 1960s and early 70s, we'd go and stay occasionally on a weekend when there were no guests. Her husband, "Uncle George", was a retired sailor and made wooden model boats, some of which he gave to … Continue reading Ferry Part 2 by Syd Young
It’s seven years today since Open Bridges night! We chose the autumn equinox for the event, to draw attention to, and celebrate the lifeblood of the city, the River Hull, by separating the city east and west, raising or closing all the bridges over the river simultaneously with priority to river vessels. The equinox is … Continue reading Open Bridges 7th Anniversary
It was great to return and meet up again with Les Reid on the Heritage Barge, the Leicester Trader. He has fascinating stories about sailing barges to tell. You can hear about it in the film below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjvjoE8I78Q Newark's unique Heritage Barge 'Leicester Trader' is the last Trent size cargo barge built to fit the old … Continue reading Les Reid and the Leicester Trader
Phil McNally My father Philip McNally worked for James W Cooks Tankers, with offices in Bowlalley lane in Hull. The manager was called Mr Cobby. The firm’s main operations were shipbuilding and lighterage at Wivenhoe in Essex. They established the oil tanker barges side of the business at Hull many years ago. All of their … Continue reading This Barging Life – George ‘Mac’ McNally
Sunday was a glorious summer's day in Newark-on-Trent. We paid a visit to the the Newark heritage barge, Leicester Trader to meet up with Les Reid. The dumb barge and Les's service vessel Ruffian are moored on the Trent in the lee of the imposing 900 year old castle ruins. Les has got a wealth … Continue reading The Leicester Trader
We have linked up with artist Jack Pell, whose first institutional solo exhibition 'Byland's Super Saga' (currently at Humber Street Gallery, Hull) is a fascinating and magical multi media exploration of Hull and surrounding areas' waterways, bridges, myths, legends, and history reimagined. You are invited to join us in conversation with artist Jack Pell, as we explore … Continue reading Byland’s Super Saga – Jack Pell
Barges, Tugs and Blue Star Line This is the second set of images taken one grey day in May in 1961, by an unknown photographer. The cleaning and restoration took me days, but I think it was definitely worth the effort. The second seven show more of the tugs and barges and I've cropped some … Continue reading King George Dock, May 1961 Part 2
Blue Star Line This set of images were taken one day in May in 1961, the photographer unknown. The cleaning and restoration took me days. The first seven are mainly of the Blue Star Line, which looks like the main subject and what the photographer was specifically focussing on. However, a closer look reveals the … Continue reading King George Dock, May 1961 Part 1
Our friend Andy Hazell contributed a chapter to our book 'A River Full of Stories', with some evocative photographs from Grosvenor Mill, and the Old Harbour and dry docks at night. Here Andy revisits his time living at the mill overshadowing Scott Street Bridge, with a great view from above, of the bridge and traffic, … Continue reading From Grosvenor Mill – Andy Hazell
These photographs were taken from the same vantage point at the same time from the fourth (or fifth) floor of a Wincolmlee Warehouse at some point before 1979. Before '79 presumably because there's still steam emanating from the Sculcoates power station cooling tower, in the distance behind Scott Street Bridge. It's great to see the … Continue reading From a Wincolmlee Warehouse
The original bridge linking west and east Hull at Drypool was also known as Salthouse Lane Bridge. The article below, along with the engravings, is the original report as it was published in the Engineer, in London on the evening of Friday 3rd January 1890. The map of the bridge site prior to its development … Continue reading Drypool Bridge – The Engineer
We would like to thank everyone who came to, and contributed to, Goole by Barge at Goole Museum and helped to make it happen. We are really pleased that 2200 people visited the exhibition and we had a lovely response. We both had a great time working with the Goole Museum team, Alex Ombler, Richard … Continue reading Goole by Barge – Thankyous
There are only a few days left to go to see the Goole by Barge exhibition at Goole Museum and Gallery, the last day is Saturday 13th April. Opening times are under the poster below. We are delighted that there have been over 1700 visitors so far. Thank you to everyone who’s left a comment … Continue reading Goole by Barge Last Few Days
Ex-Commercial Barge Get-together We've just got back from a great afternoon at Rawcliffe Bridge, and the ex-commercial barge get together, sharing a pint and stories at Dean's Marina and the Anchorage Inn. The barges moored for the weekend so far included Hargreaves' No.10, Harkers ex-tankers the Freda Carless and Londsdale, Hogson's Sectan, the Maureen Eva, … Continue reading Dean’s Marina Open Weekend, Rawcliffe Bridge
Current and Permanent Exhibitions Thanks very much to everyone who's visited our Goole by Barge exhibition so far and left some lovely comments in the vistor's book. The exhibition runs until April 13th, so there's still plenty of time if you're planning to go. There is more than Goole by Barge to be seen if … Continue reading Goole by Barge and Reuben Chappell
John Harker's Shipyard, Knottingley, 10.09.1964 Built at the John Harker shipyard in Knottingley, the George Dyson was launched on 10th September 1964. From the Pontefract & Castleford Express 17th September 1964 page 6: "BARGE LAUNCHED Mrs. F.S. Poole, wife of the Chairman of Laporte Acids, launched an all welded general cargo barge for G.D. Holmes … Continue reading The Launch of the George Dyson
Immingham September 2017 In September 2017 we were deep into organising the original Open Bridges event. These photographs were taken two weeks before the event. Svitzer, along with SMS Towage, had agreed to provide Tugs and water cannon at the mouth of the River Hull following the opening of the bridges and splitting the city … Continue reading Svitzer – Revisited
Coming Soon - Build own George Dyson! Our friend at the museum, Syd Young, is currently working on a build your own Deans Marine Services barge George Dyson. His next job is to create an instruction sheet that's easy to follow for the fiddly bits. We'll let you know when they're available from Goole Museum. … Continue reading Build Your Own George Dyson
Yesterday, and a flooded wharf and tow path at Beverley. A lovely bright morning and a swollen River Hull, drifting lazily by. The second gallery of photographs were taken on a hot midsummers day in 2015. Photo's by Richard Duffy-Howard Rich and Lou Duffy-Howard If you've enjoyed the post, we'd be grateful if you'd subscribe … Continue reading Beverley’s Historic Shipyard
Our exhibition of photos and videos of a two day working barge journey 'Goole by Barge' is now open at Goole Museum and Gallery. If you get to see it, we hope you enjoy it. Thanks to everyone who came to the launch, and to Sydpix for the photos.
We've spent the day hanging the 'Goole by Barge' exhibition ready for tomorrow night's opening. Excited to see it in situ! The exhibition is at Goole Museum until April 13th. It's free entry and there's a big free car park behind the museum. As well as 60 of Rich's photos there are three of my … Continue reading ‘Goole By Barge’ Exhibition opens tomorrow
We recently caught up with John Dean about our upcoming exhibition Goole by Barge at Goole Museum and Gallery and he told us about developments over at Rawcliffe Bridge. It was great to meet Sarah behind the bar and Capt. Cod (at the bar) at Dean's Marina at Rawcliffe Bridge and hear about their recent … Continue reading Rawcliffe Bridge
We’ve come across a number of maps and plans whilst preparing articles for Open Bridges / A River Full of Stories and more recently ‘What Makes the Humber’. The River Humber chart below was first printed in 1693 and published until 1792, by Freeman Collins in London and is ‘dedicated and presented to the Worshipful … Continue reading Maps and Plans
By Richard Lewis The Copenhagen Connection In 1947 and 1948, 17 Open Barges built in Hull by Tarran Industries between 1944 and 1945 were sold to a Danish towage company, Det Forenede Bugserselskab A/S. of Copenhagen. Once in their ownership, they were confusingly prefixed F.B., which denoted ‘Forenede Bugserselskab’, but with new numbers. When built … Continue reading Hull’s World War II Concrete Barges Part 3
Steven Oakden contacted us last year with his own personal story about the river. His story evocatively captures the last movements of the motor barge Swinderby in 2022. Part 4 is the final part of his story. All text and photographs copyright Steven Oakden. DEcember 5, 2022 A cold and dull day as I ventured … Continue reading Chasing the Swinderby by Steven Oakden – Part 4
Steven Oakden contacted us last year with his own personal story about the river. His story evocatively captures the last movements of the motor barge Swinderby in 2022. This is the third of four parts. All text and photographs copyright Steven Oakden. River Hull visit - November 16, 2022 A glorious sunny autumn day with … Continue reading Chasing the Swinderby by Steven Oakden – Part 3
Steven Oakden contacted us last year with his own personal story about the river. His story evocatively captures the last movements of the motor barge Swinderby in 2022. This is the second of four parts. All text and photographs copyright Steven Oakden. About Swinderby Built in 1974 by the New Holland Ship Yard for the … Continue reading Chasing the Swinderby by Steven Oakden – Part 2
Steven Oakden contacted us last year with his own personal story about the river. His story evocatively captures the last movements of the motor barge Swinderby in 2022. This is the first of four parts. All text and photographs copyright Steven Oakden. Urban Exploration My first sighting of the River Hull was on a very … Continue reading Chasing the Swinderby by Steven Oakden – Part 1
We first met David Hamilton of Brigham Sailing Club sailing at Emmotland on the River Hull, on the footbridge above West Beck at the confluence with Frodingham Beck that makes the River Hull. It was 2018 and we were in the midst of a heatwave wandering up the river on the Rotsea side. David owns … Continue reading Racing on the River Hull with Brigham Sailing Club 1960s
The caption to the photograph above by Bernard Sharp reads: Humber Estuary, 1985. Visible at low tide at Marfleet Growths, the wreck of the concrete-hulled 'Crete Street' was built circa 1915. In the background is the Salt End jetty. We forwarded the image and caption to Richard Lewis at http://www.thecretefleet.com who sent us the following … Continue reading Cretestreet By Richard Lewis
We recieved this wonderful poem from Roy this week. Roy told us he served in the Merchant Navy for a seven year span, from 1959 – 1966, sailing on Wilson Line vessels Borodino, Cattaro, Trentino and Rialto and Port Line’s Port Brisbane and Port Halifax along with United Baltic Corporation’s Baltic Importer. Roy’s a full … Continue reading Roy Bainton – The Silent River
We recently visited the incredidble Old Hall at Gainsborough, built in the 15th Century on the east bank of the River Trent. Gainsborough developed into a thriving port in the 18th Century which rivalled Hull in trade and was granted official port status in the 19th. We continued exploring the west bank of the Trent … Continue reading The Comrade at Keadby
1982 - 1984 Bernard’s black and white photographs are all taken between 1982 and 1984 apart from the first photo in the gallery - a 1975 image taken with a Brownie. Along with the River in Colour posts Bernard’s documenting of the River Hull covers almost 50 years capturing the changing landscape with fantastic images … Continue reading The River in Black & White by Bernard Sharp