In this series of short video talks, Hull History Centre staff explore some of the stories we've found in our collections. On this page you'll find all our videos from 2021. See our current year's talks here.
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The Thorp Diaries: A Glimpse of Christmas Past
Welcome to this festive edition of our Stories from the Strongrooms. Join us in our merry celebrations as we explore Christmas of yesteryear with a walk through George Thorp’s diaries of the festive seasons from 1914 to 1924.
Hidden gems of Hull University Archives
In November's edition of our Stories from the Strongrooms series join one of the University of Hull archivists for a look at a few hidden gems in our collections. See our oldest document, one of our newest documents, and in between learn how our collections contain all kinds of histories – from enslaved people in Jamaica at the turn of the 19th century, to the fight against British anti-Semitism in the 1930s, to how a 17th-century cook would make a jelly as white as snow.
For an introduction to our family and estate collections: https://www.hullhistorycentre.org.uk/research/research-guides/family-estate.aspx
Find out more about individual and family papers relating to the First World War: https://www.hullhistorycentre.org.uk/research/research-guides/ww1-individual-family-papers.aspx
Find out more about the Liberty collection: https://www.hullhistorycentre.org.uk/research/research-guides/liberty.aspx
University of Hull: The early years in pictures
In October's edition of our Stories from the Strongrooms series we find out how our city’s university was established. We’ll be thumbing through the University of Hull’s earliest photograph album to help us tell the tale!
Want to read about this topic instead? Check out our blog post instead.
Hull in the 1920s: The Claude William Jamson Photographic Archive
In September's edition of our Stories from the Strongrooms series we take a tour of 1920s Hull! All the photographs in this video are from the Claude William Jamson Photographic Archive (reference U DX336) which is held by Hull University Archives at the Hull History Centre.
These amazing photographs of Hull provide fascinating glimpses of Hull and life in the city during the 'Roaring Twenties'. If you’d like to know more about the Jamson collection and explore the other places the family photographed, you can download the catalogue (PDF, 19MB).
From Dock to Gardens: The 1930s development of Queen’s Gardens
In August’s edition of our 'Stories from the Strongrooms' we look at the 1930s development of Queen’s Gardens. This is particularly relevant now as a £4.3m transformational city centre scheme is underway to refurbish Queen’s Gardens, improving public access and incorporating modern eco-friendly features as well as serving to create a link between some of the city's key maritime heritage sites. It is part of the much larger Hull: Yorkshire's Maritime City project, a cultural regeneration scheme in the heart of Hull's city centre that will protect and celebrate 800 years of Hull's maritime heritage.
All of the photographs in this video are taken from a fascinating album of photographs that was presented to the Chairman of the Queen's Dock Committee, Sir W. Alfred Gelder in October 1935. As part of the city's archive collection (Reference: C DMX/39), this album charts the original scheme to transform what was once the largest dock of its kind in the country into a green space.
Michael de la Pole: Soldier, Royal Favourite and the de la Pole legacy
In this second of a two part 'Stories from the Strongrooms' we look at the life and legacy of Michael de la Pole and his descendants, before the de la Pole family’s eventual retreat into the pages of history.
William de la Pole: Merchant and Money Lender
In this first of a two part 'Stories from the Strongrooms' we look at the de la Pole family, in particular William de la Pole and the foundations that he laid for the rest of the de la Pole family.
The bombardment of Hull
This video focuses on the damage inflicted across the City by the relentless bombing across the two nights of The Hull Blitz. The photographs were taken by personnel from the Hull City Engineer’s Department in the days following the raids and capture some of the most poignant images of the conflict.
The Prudential Building tragedy, May 1941
In May 2021 we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Hull Blitz of May 1941. One of the most well-known incidents of the Blitz was the Prudential Building tragedy. We use the report by the City Engineer and contemporary photographs to tell the official story of the incident.
The bombardment of Hull through the eyes of a child
Welcome to this special edition of Stories from the Strongrooms, the first of three presentations developed to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Hull Blitz in May 1941.
We are used to hearing accounts of the Second World War from the official records, but in this presentation children from schools across Hull narrate extracts from essays written by 10-12 year olds in 1942. The essays are entitled "What happened to me and what I did in the air raids", and allow us to glimpse what it was really like to be in an air raid and the effects it had on those involved.
How the Jewish community in Hull made a living
Join us as we look at how members of the long established Jewish community in Hull have made their living. Over the years, the Jewish community in Hull has imbued its public spirit in the city and passed on its energy that has allowed it to make contribution to the city far greater than in proportion to its size.
South Riding: Real-life inspiration behind a fictional world
Join us in celebrating the 85th anniversary of the publication of Winifred Holtby’s most famous novel, South Riding. In this video, archivist Laura explores some of the real life inspirations behind the location, themes and characters found within the fictional world of South Riding.
Winifred Holtby: International Woman in History
Join us in celebrating International Women’s Day by exploring the incredible story of local journalist, political activist, social rights campaigner and author Winifred Holtby.
Winifred Holtby is best known for her novel South Riding and for her friendship with Vera Brittain, but in this whirlwind overview of her life we hope to show you there is far more to this fascinating woman, who devoted her life to countless causes, speaking out in support of women’s rights, peace and racial equality at a time when fascism and war loomed.
For more information see our research guide on Winifred, which includes a useful source guide to help you find books and documents relating to Winifred Holtby.
Amongst our collections here at the Hull History Centre is a huge collection relating to the public and personal life of Winifred Holtby, including correspondence, photographs, presscuttings, notebooks and original manuscripts of her work. Search the collection on our online catalogue.