11. The de la Pole Brothers

At the southern end of Hull’s High Street is a car park, largely unremarkable as car parks tend to be but for one feature.  Along its boundary wall are dotted a number of gated archways, each of which marks the location of a long gone medieval alleyway.  Where bland offices now stand and the A63 squats was once a mass of narrow lanes and densely packed courtyards.

One of these streets was Grimsby Lane, home at the beginning of the 14th century to the brothers Richard and William de la Pole.  Successful merchants specialising in wine, they had also begun to make a name for themselves as competent officials.  Their first appointment had been as joint deputy Royal Butlers administering import duty on wine coming into the port of Hull.  Later Richard was appointed collector of Royal Customs, assessing cargos and submitting his accounts directly to the Exchequer in London. 

Such jobs were prestigious and raised your social standing.  However small a cog in the grander scheme of things, you were nevertheless a royal servant and had a connection to government.  It was advisable to really enjoy this sense of privilege, as you weren’t given any more tangible reward such as a salary.  There were though opportunities to make a bit on the side. 

As deputy Butlers the de la Poles were tasked with buying wine on behalf on the King, who as one of the perks of being monarch could acquire any vintage he chose at a discount.  One particular group of European merchants, whether from truth or malice, accused the brothers of shady dealings.  Allegedly they bought more wine at the cheaper price then the king actually required, then sold this surplus at market value making a tidy profit.

Like all prominent citizens of Hull, Richard and William served their turn as Chamberlains responsible for the town’s finances.  It was not exactly a sought after role for the town often had cash flow problems that forced Chamberlains to fund expenditure themselves.  The de la Poles were unlucky enough to be in office from 1321 to 1324, which meant that they oversaw the start of the building of the town’s defensive wall.  The huge scale of this project left the town owing them £100 to be repaid in instalments.

The brothers could afford such a generous loan as they were doing rather well and by now had expanded into the wool trade.  Through unexciting yet profitable measures, like keeping detailed accounts and organising shipments to make the most of economies of scale, they had overtaken their fellow merchants.

Photo: Car park wall at the southern end of Hull’s High Street showing the former location of Grimsby Lane.

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10. Supplying the Troops

Today High Street in Hull is a peaceful thoroughfare used only by the odd office worker and groups of tourists.  Once though the street’s position near the river Hull meant that it was the bustling heart of the city, jam packed with homes and warehouses belonging to merchants and ship owners. 

At the start of the 14th Century, these businessmen were playing a vital role in supporting the war effort against Scotland.  The fighting involved huge numbers of troops.  For his campaign in 1298, Edward I recruited 3000 cavalry and 25,700 foot soldiers to form the largest single force raised in Britain since 1066.  These troops were stationed across the north of England and all needed supplying with food and military equipment.  Often with them was the king providing strategic oversight, leadership in battle and an excuse to use the best pewter.

The king’s frequent presence meant that for once, the North was the focus of everyone’s attention.  Edward I visited Hull itself at least twice and also spent time at his estate of Burstwick just to the east.  The king of course didn’t travel alone and was accompanied by his courtly retinue of knights, servants and hangers on.  Much mundane everyday government business still depended on the king actually being there in person, so his officials also had to travel with him.

The clerks and lawyers who ran the Exchequer and the King’s Courts regularly had to prise themselves away from London and trudge up to Yorkshire (or even beyond!)  Servants busied themselves moving records, money and furniture up and down the length of the country.  Between 1298 and 1338 the royal court spent around half its time in the north of England and six parliaments were held at York.

Hull and its people were ideally situated to supply the needs both of the soldiers and the royal court.  Goods could be imported directly from Europe and the town could also act as a staging post for cargoes from London.  On arrival items were processed then forwarded to where they were needed travelling either via the River Ouse towards York or sailing further up the coast to Newcastle and Berwick. 

Cargoes coming through Hull included corn, fish and various terrifying weapons.  Increasing amounts of wine were also being imported, mostly from what is now southwest France; a trade no doubt helped by the thirst of the king and his followers.  Two of the wine merchants making the most of opportunities were the brothers Richard and William de la Pole who lived towards the southern end of the High Street.

Photo: ‘High Street’ in Hull looking north.

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