16 / Shops & peopleBehind the Shop Counter
Explore Hessle Road shopkeepers, remembered counters and the small details of local shopping, with colourful artwork and prompts to share your memories.
Explore this story ↗Hessle Road, Hull · Our illustrated heritage
A road to remember.
A story for everyone.
Beautifully illustrated stories of the people, places and working lives that make Hessle Road special. Explore the artwork, discover the history and share your own memories.
18 features to explore · New content every week
18 illustrated stories
16 / Shops & people
17 / Our peopleThe Women of Hessle Road
Celebrate the women of Hessle Road, from the 1968 safety campaign to shopkeeping, family life and community support. Help preserve their names and stories.
Explore this story ↗
18 / Skills & creativityMade on Hessle Road
Discover a new Hessle Road feature about making, repairing and community creativity, including planned heritage gifts whose profits support Hull Creative Skills and Heritage CIC.
Explore this story ↗
01 / Our peopleFamous Names of Hessle Road
Aviation, music, theatre, sport and community courage: remarkable lives with roots in Hessle Road and its neighbouring streets.
Explore this story
02 / Discover the roadTen Fascinating Facts
From an old country lane to electric trams, the Airlie Birds and the three river streets: ten ways to see Hessle Road afresh.
Explore this story
03 / Places we rememberThe Old Pubs of Hessle Road
Four familiar landmarks, each with its own character: the Vauxhall, Alexandra, Criterion and Rayners.
Explore this story
04 / Behind the counterShops We Remember
Boyes, Henry Hird, Woolworths and Premier: names that bring whole shopping trips back to life.
Explore this story
05 / Changing timesHessle Road: Then & Now
An illustrated connection between the working road of the past and the community keeping its memories alive today.
Explore this story
06 / Through the yearsA Walk Through History
Eight selected moments, from the Vauxhall in existence by 1814 to the fishing docks, safety campaign and today’s heritage project.
Explore this story
07 / Skilled handsThe Working Life of Hessle Road
Trawlermen, fish workers, net braiders and local trades: the skilled hands that helped build a community.
Explore this story
08 / Community courageThe Headscarf Revolutionaries
Remembering all four women whose 1968 campaign helped secure better safety for Hull’s fishermen.
Explore this story
New / Everyday journeysGetting About on Hessle Road
Trams, buses, bicycles and walks: explore the journeys that connect Hessle Road memories.
Explore this story ↗
New / Our streetsSigns of Our Street
Familiar street names, family homes and neighbours: eight names from around the main Hessle Road.
Explore this story ↗
New / Your memoriesIn Their Own Words
Your voice, your photographs and your memories: an invitation to help tell the community’s story.
Explore this story ↗
New / A road full of lifeA Day on Hessle Road
From opening the shops to an evening with friends: six illustrated moments of everyday life.
Explore this story ↗
New / Familiar landmarksBuildings That Remain
The Vauxhall, Alexandra, Criterion and former Yorkshire Bank: four recognisable Hessle Road landmarks.
Explore this story ↗
New / Happy memoriesCelebrations & Good Times
Family occasions, music, Christmas and pub friendships: share your happy Hessle Road memories.
Explore this story ↗
New / Childhood memoriesGrowing Up on Hessle Road
Pavement games, pocket-money sweets, bicycles and coming home for tea: childhood moments that last.
Explore this story ↗No stories match. Try another name or clear your search.
These artworks are artistic interpretations of local heritage. Each story includes readable history, research links and notes about its illustrations.
Pub artwork uses Criterion and Rayners photo references by Bernard Sharp, Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0; adapted as painted illustrations.
Your memory could be the next chapter
Help us keep
the stories alive.
A shop you loved. A family photograph. A working life. Your contribution can help us tell a fuller story.
Share a photograph or memory ↗All profits from project merchandise sales are reinvested in the community and community projects through Hull Creative Skills and Heritage CIC.