The changing face of Hull’s docks from 18th century

Throughout the 19th century, more docks opened in the city, including the Railway Dock. That opened for shipping in June 1846 and was in operation for more than 100 years before being closed and sold in the late 1960s.

Now, the dock forms part of Hull Marina, pictured here with a fleet of yachts moored within. The marina was opened in 1983, on the site of the former Railway Dock and Humber Dock.

The latter operated for slightly longer, opening in 1809 and closing permanently in 1969 after 16 decades. According to Hull History Centre, a partnership between Hull City Council and the University of Hull, many of the city’s docks closed in the second half of the 20th century.

Queen’s Dock had already closed a number of years earlier, as research by the history centre sets out: “It helped to facilitate a rapid expansion of trade. During the next 90 years, five larger docks were built that rendered the smaller ‘town docks system’ obsolete, restricting their use.

“The decision was made that Hull’s oldest dock was not worth maintaining and it was filled in and made into a green space in the 1930s. It has been the subject of redevelopment since and, in recent years, Queen’s Gardens has been host to popular events such as the Jazz and Freedom festivals, national play days, concerts and other such celebrations.”