The Old Town
The
”Old Town” is defined as the area bounded by the Humber Estuary, the River Hull
and the old medieval walls. It is steeped in history and people have been living
and working here for over 800 years. The walls were demolished during the 18th
and 19th centuries as the town prospered and expanded. They were sacrificed in
order to build the docks that once completely encircled the area with water.
These docks (The Town Docks) are no longer in comercial use. One has been
converted into a huge ornemental garden, another into a beautiful marina and the
third is home to a large shopping centre that appears to hover over the water on
stilts.
The historic High Street is the oldest street in Hull and through centuries,
would have been bustling with merchants, seamen and their families. It is now a
relatively quiet thoroughfare filled with small alleyways (staiths) that lead
down to the old harbour on the river Hull. This ancient cobbled street is home
to some of the old merchants houses. Most notably WILBERFORCE HOUSE, now a
museum dedicated to the anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, who was
born there.
Today the Old Town is a vibrant a mix of high street and independent shops,
fashionable bars and restaurants, atmospheric old pubs and is also home to the
renowned MUSEUMS QUARTER. There are no less than 5 musems within this area
alone, all with FREE entry.
Just a short stroll across the river footbridge, you will find THE DEEP one of
the most spectacular aquariums in the world. This award winning attraction is
home to 40 sharks and over 3,500 fish.
