please log in to view this image PLANS to fill in the remains of historic Beverley Gate are being opposed by local historians and hundreds of residents. The foundations of the medieval monument in Hull city centre were uncovered in the late 1980s and have been on display ever since. It is one of the few remaining relics of Hull's 14th-century town walls and marks the spot where King Charles I was famously refused entry into the city in 1642 – an event that helped spark the Civil War. Now, Hull City Council wants to fill in the site and create a new entranceway to Whitefriargate. Under the plan, part of a £25m regeneration project, the council will instead put up a new 20ft-high art installation on Monument Bridge. Called the Word Gate, the new tower, designed by architects at Tonkin Liu, is intended to represent a gateway between the land and the sea. But author and historian Mike Covell believes plans to cover up the remains could destroy a vital link to the past. "I think we are going to lose an important part of our town's history," he said. "It is a real shame that the council have planned to remove this site completely, but I am hopeful that they will take into account people's feelings and take steps to preserve it." A Facebook page opposing the council's plans to fill in the site gathered support from more than 300 people in 24 hours. Supporters of the council plans argue the site has long been neglected and needs to be completely remodeled. But Mr Covell says Beverley Gate would be better used if more people were made aware of its historic significance. "The problem is the site has been left to go downhill," he said. "When I have taken groups of tourists to this location and explained the history behind it, they have been fascinated. "But the information boards are unkempt and difficult to read. "If it was marked well in tourist guides and if there was more education about it, then I think people would flock to it." Earlier drafts of the proposals included a plan to preserve the remains under a glass walkway. However, that would not provide a suitable long-term solution, according to the council's major projects manager, Garry Taylor. "We looked at other places where glass has been used in a similar way and, to be honest, they haven't aged well," he told the Mail. "The biggest problems are general wear and tear from people walking on the glass, to water ingress, which can cause serious damage." A spokesman for the city council said that, when the plans were sent out for public consultation in 2014, no complaints had been received. The council declined to comment further. http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Coun...tory-27580724-detail/story.html#ixzz3iVJjkch9
Personally, I think this is up there with the worst executed tourist attractions of all time. The site should obviously be recognised and it's significance explained, but an unsightly hole full of litter and dossers is hardly the way to do it. I'm not sure why they don't just keep the tower foundations exposed (it's the only bit worth looking at anyway), light it and glaze it (but don't allow people to walk over the glass) and fill the rest in. It seems like the obvious solution to me?
From what I remember on the 2-3 times i've popped and had a look it looks just like a regular dirty brick wall. I think a couple of well designed notice boards with then and now pictures would work just as well if not better. Another option would be to build a replica above ground which would give a better idea of what it was like and could be used for re-enactments for tourists?
Something like this might be a good idea, though there's not a great deal of it left to show... please log in to view this image
As any archaeologist knows, the obvious next step is a geophys survey as per the Time Team instruction manual.
The council is really missing a trick here. This hole is actually one of the most historically significant things in Hull......the closing of the gate to Charles I was the beginning of the parliamentary democracy we have today........ We should be looking to make it a tourist attraction...... The council could use this as a skills development opportunity as well........cover the foundations with a reinforced glass top with illumination of the remains....have tourist information signs to explain it's place in history.....tie it in with other historic things like the links to the gunpowder plot...... Next to the site, build a replica of how the gate used to look.....have stonemasons there to train some young people into the craft while working on the project & install gates which can be closed.....there is a national shortage of stonemasons & thousands of churches etc needing repair....the qualifications gained could be a job for life for those trained while working on the replica gate....... There could then be annual events recreating the events leading to the civil war...... Hull has a great many places with links to historic events which have shaped the country & the world (both good & bad)....but these should all be celebrated & made part of a cultural/heritage trail in the City........
It has to be kept. Our descendants will never forgive us in 100 years time. They will look back at our generation with disdain just as we do at our ancestors who have demolished historic buildings.
I went on the Arctic Corsair a few weeks back (fascinating and highly recommended). Walking south from there down the river I noticed that there were some metal eels in the wooden decking. Some of them looked like they'd been dug out (surely not for scrap value?)
The missis and I did the fish trail on Sunday, took in some of the Larkin Toads en route. Real shame the Arctic Corsair wasnt open as I've still not managed t have a look round. I can't help but think that some of the £25m regeneration fund would be well spent on putting a lock at the mouth of the river Hull, it doesnt haf get grotty at low tide. (Assume that this may cost £25m on it;s own though)
The property along the river would sky rocket in value and desireability too! Would really reinvigorate the river front. New fancy singing bridges are nice but when the bridge goes nowhere and is over a stinky mud pit, it loses some of it's appeal!
They've looked at ways of minimising the effect of the tide on the use of the River Hull a number of times, and there are some serious legal and engineering obstacles. It's a shame as a River Bus could be decent too.
****ing hell lammy it didn't take you long to find that. Is it one of your all time favourites that you play on a regular basis?
