10 facts about Kingston upon Hull you didn't know

Hull's Hidden Gems: 10 Astonishing Facts That Will Make You Rethink This East Yorkshire City

Buckle up, folks! We're about to take you on a wild ride through the hidden gems of Kingston upon Hull. This city, nestled in the heart of East Yorkshire, is more than just a port town with a funny accent. It's a treasure trove of quirky facts and mind-blowing trivia that'll make your jaw drop faster than you can say "Ull" (that's how the locals pronounce it, by the way).

Now, you might think you know Hull inside out, but trust us, you ain't seen nothing yet! Did you know, for example, that Hull is home to the world's smallest window? Or that it was the first city in the UK to have its own independent telephone network? And don't even get us started on the cream-colored phone boxes! Intrigued? Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Let's dive into ten facts about Kingston upon Hull that'll blow your socks off and have you booking your next trip faster than you can say "fish and chips"!

1. The Cream of the Crop: Hull's Unique Phone Boxes

What if we told you that Hull is the only city in the UK where you won't find a single red phone box? That's right, folks! While the rest of Britain was painting the town red, Hull decided to march to the beat of its own drum. The city's phone boxes are a distinctive cream color, thanks to Hull's independent telephone network, Kingston Communications. Established in 1902, it's the only municipal telephone system in the UK that wasn't absorbed by the Post Office Telephone department (later BT). So, if you're ever feeling homesick for those iconic red boxes, just remember - in Hull, they do things differently!

2. A Window into the Past: The World's Smallest Window

Hold onto your hats, because we're about to show you something truly tiny! Hull is home to what is claimed to be the world's smallest window. Located at the George Hotel on Land of Green Ginger (yes, that's a real street name!), this window measures a mere 10 inches by 1 inch. Legend has it that it was used by the gatekeeper to keep an eye out for stagecoaches. Next time you're in Hull, don't forget to squint through this minuscule marvel - it's a small piece of history that packs a big punch!

3. The Birthplace of Boiled Sweets

Got a sweet tooth? Well, you can thank Hull for satisfying your sugar cravings! The city is the birthplace of the boiled sweet, that hard candy that's been melting hearts (and fillings) for generations. It all started in the 19th century when Hull became a major port for importing sugar. Local confectioners took advantage of this sweet opportunity and started experimenting. Before you knew it, boiled sweets were born! So next time you're sucking on a humbug or a pear drop, remember - you're tasting a piece of Hull history!

4. Hull's Fishy Business: The Cod Wars

Ever heard of the Cod Wars? No, it's not a typo for Cold Wars - we're talking about actual fisticuffs over fish! Hull played a significant role in these 'wars' between the UK and Iceland in the 1950s and 70s. As one of Britain's main fishing ports, Hull sent trawlers into disputed Icelandic waters, leading to confrontations with Icelandic coastguards. Ships were rammed, nets were cut, and things got pretty heated - all over cod! While Hull's fishing industry has declined since then, the city's maritime heritage is still a source of pride. Best part? You can learn all about it at the Hull Maritime Museum!

5. The Hullensian Who Changed the World: William Wilberforce

Hull isn't just about fish and phone boxes - it's also the birthplace of world-changers! Case in point: William Wilberforce, the man who led the movement to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. Born in Hull in 1759, Wilberforce spent 26 years fighting for the cause in Parliament. His efforts finally paid off in 1807 when the Slave Trade Act was passed. Today, you can visit Wilberforce House, the birthplace-turned-museum of this iconic figure. It's a powerful reminder of Hull's role in shaping world history. Not bad for a small city in East Yorkshire, eh?

6. Hull's Liquid Crystal Legacy

Hold up your smartphone and take a good look at that screen. Did you know you've got a bit of Hull in your hand? That's right - the technology behind LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens was pioneered right here in Hull! In the late 1960s, scientists at the University of Hull made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of liquid crystals. These findings paved the way for the development of LCD screens, which are now used in everything from smartphones to TVs. So next time you're scrolling through Instagram or binge-watching your favorite show, give a little nod to Hull!

7. The Humber Bridge: A Record-Breaking Marvel

Brace yourselves, because we're about to drop a bombshell. The Humber Bridge, Hull's iconic landmark, was once the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world! Opened in 1981, it held this title for an impressive 16 years. While it may have lost its world record, it's still the longest bridge in the UK that you can walk or cycle across. Stretching for 2,220 meters, it offers breathtaking views of the Humber Estuary. And here's a fun fact for you: the towers of the bridge are 36mm further apart at the top than the bottom due to the curvature of the Earth. Mind. Blown.

8. Hull's Ghostly Patron: The White Lady

Every good city needs a good ghost story, and Hull doesn't disappoint! The city is home to the legend of the White Lady, a spectral figure said to haunt the Annison Funeral Parlour. According to local lore, she's the spirit of a young woman who died in the 1800s after accidentally drinking poison intended for her unfaithful lover. Spooky, right? While we can't guarantee you'll see her (ghosts are notoriously camera-shy), the building itself is a piece of Hull history. It's even said to have a connection to the infamous Jack the Ripper case! Who needs Hollywood when you've got Hull's haunted history?

9. Hull's Poetic Soul: Philip Larkin

Think Hull is all about fish and bridges? Think again! This city has a seriously poetic side. For 30 years, Hull was home to Philip Larkin, one of the greatest English poets of the 20th century. Larkin worked as a librarian at the University of Hull from 1955 until his death in 1985. During this time, he wrote some of his most famous works, including "The Whitsun Weddings" and "High Windows". Today, you can follow the Larkin Trail around the city, visiting places that inspired his poetry. Who knows, you might even feel inspired to pen a verse or two yourself!

10. Hull's Time-Traveling Telephone Exchange

Last but not least, let's talk about Hull's unique relationship with time. In the city center, you'll find an old-fashioned, manually operated telephone exchange that's still in use today. That's right - while the rest of the world has gone digital, this little corner of Hull is keeping it old school. The exchange, located in the head office of KCOM (formerly Kingston Communications), is believed to be the last of its kind in the UK. It's like stepping into a time machine! While it's not open to the public, knowing it's there adds a touch of vintage charm to Hull's modern cityscape.

And there you have it, folks - ten mind-blowing facts about Kingston upon Hull that you probably didn't know! From cream phone boxes to world-changing abolitionists, from tiny windows to ghostly legends, Hull is a city full of surprises. It's a place where history and modernity collide in the most unexpected ways, creating a unique tapestry of stories and experiences. So next time someone dismisses Hull as just another port city, you can wow them with your insider knowledge. Better yet, why not plan a visit and see these wonders for yourself? Trust us, Hull is one city that never fails to amaze. Don't miss out on the chance to explore this hidden gem of East Yorkshire!

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