Video: Tribute to port city’s charitable adventurer

Thomas Ferres (1568/9-1631) served in a number of positions at Trinity House, which started out as a religious guild in the 14th century, providing support and almshouses for the needy.

The city’s Sheriff in 1614, Alderman in 1618, and Mayor in 1620, Ferres often represented Hull when its trading interests were threatened by third parties.

As well as founding an almshouse for “10 poor widows” in the city, he is said to have built the stone bridge, known as Beggar’s Bridge, which crosses the river at his birthplace Glaisdale, in North Yorkshire.

Captain Philip Watts, a member of the Trinity House Brethren, who performed the unveiling yesterday along with former Lord Mayor Coun Mary Glew, said: “Thomas Ferres’s generosity played a great part in his lasting legacy and he never forgot his humble beginnings, always seeking to support people who were worse off than himself.”