Hull celebrates its new listed structures

The city of Hull is full of famous structures – and now nine of them have been recognised by the government, taking the city’s total to 479. Listed status, given to buildings and places that are considered to be among Britain’s most important, has been bestowed on structures large and small.

Humber Bridge

There’s no argument about the winner of the “large” crown – that goes to the mighty Humber Bridge. Still one of the world’s ten longest single-span suspension bridges at 1,410 metres, it has been one of the city’s most recognisable symbols since it was opened by the Queen in 1981. It has been given the highest listing status of Grade I in recognition of its international importance.

The more common Grade II listing has been awarded to an eclectic selection of structures. Among the most unusual is the art nouveau toilet block in Nelson Street, which dates from the mid-1920s but whose design harks back to the elegance of the Edwardian era. Also in Nelson Street and newly listed is the statue of William de-la-Pole, the 15th century Lord High Admiral who is buried in the city.

Moving back to more modern times, the Pearson Park flat once occupied by Hull’s most famous poet, Philip Larkin, has also been listed. He produced many of his memorable works, including “Toads Revisited”, while gazing out from his window across the nearby park. Another great figure of the arts, J Arthur Rank, lived in Holderness Road and his home has been listed too.

Other listings

Other new listings give protection to the city’s 1970s Tidal Surge Barrier where the Rivers Hull and Humber join, Church of St Michael and All Angels in Orchard Road and the Victorian warehouses of Standidge Buildings in Chapel Lane. The home of the five-times Lord Mayor of Hull, Alfred Gelder, has also been added.

Perhaps the most emotive new listing is the Western Cemetery Grave of Edward Booth. Aged just 25, the railway fireman died in 1906 when a passenger train collided with a good train at Ulleskelf. His death helped to bring about new safety rules and signalling procedures.

As well as the listings, the city’s historic Old Town has been named as one of the Heritage Action Zones pinpointed by Historic England as areas that could benefit from additional funding to assist with sympathetic and historically appropriate development.

These new awards help to mark Hull’s year as the UK’s City of Culture. Arts, heritage and tourism minister John Glen praised the city’s “architectural triumphs” and “illustrious heritage”. Listed status is awarded by the government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport after taking advice from Historic England.

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