Hull UK City Of Culture Celebrates First 400 Years Of Its History

From Hull’s first Charter in 1299 – the city’s birth certificate – to the magnificent Charter of Queen Mary.

These important documents show how the people of Hull were granted privileges, rights and responsibilities, providing the bedrock upon which local citizens live today.

Giving visitors the rare opportunity to see some of the original documents, including the 1299 Charter, the exhibition will highlight the history of the city’s armorial bearings, the ‘Three Crowns’, revealing the answer to the question ‘Is it Hull or Kingston upon Hull?’

The Hull Charters Exhibition opened at the Hull History Centre, Worship Street, Hull on Tuesday and will run until 24 February 2017.

The Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull, Councillor Sean Chaytor, who will formally open the exhibition, said:

“This is a fascinating exhibition, which shines a light on Hull’s proud and illustrious history as it begins its year as Hull UK City of Culture 2017.”

Councillor Terry Geraghty, Hull City Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure and Chair of Hull Culture and Leisure Limited, said:

“Part of our UK City of Culture Made in Hull programme, this major exhibition celebrates the city’s outstanding historical archives and collections, highlighting the significant role of the 1299 Charter and other important documents, without which there would no Kingston upon Hull today.”

Hull History Centre is acknowledged as one of the best archives and local studies libraries in the country is open to the public Tuesday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm and the first and third Saturday of each month 9am – 4.30pm.

The Hull Charters Exhibition is supported by the UK City of Culture 2017 Company and the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of its £3m contribution to the Hull 2017 programme and building on their initial investment in to the History Centre.