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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