An appeal has gone out from Wykeland Group for people to share their memories of one of Hull’s most historic pubs.
The Earl De Grey, on Castle Street, dates from the 1840s and has been closed for many years but its future was secured last year as part of a planning application by Castle Street Buildings LLP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hull-based developer Wykeland.
The development, in consultation with Historic England, includes the relocation of the historic part of the grade II listed former Earl De Grey pub and refurbishment of the neighbouring Castle Street Chambers building.
The re-location of the Earl De Grey building is required for the A63 improvements to progress. It was in full consultation with Hull City Council, Highways England and Historic England that this innovative solution was progressed.
Now, the main shell and frontage of the building will be moved from its current position on Castle Street to face Waterhouse Lane, where it will form part of a new, high-quality area of public realm, alongside Castle Street Chambers, facing the Bonus Arena.
Both the Earl De Grey and Castle Street Chambers buildings will be completely repaired and renovated and linked by a glazed extension, in order for them to be brought back to life. Potential uses include restaurants, cafés, bars or for potential office use.
During the 19th and 20th centuries the pub, which was first known as the Junction Dock Tavern, was a popular haunt for Hull’s seafarers and sailors from around the world who docked in the city.
Jonathan Stubbs, Development Director of Wykeland, said: “The Earl De Grey was one of Hull’s oldest and most recognisable pubs.
“With its links to Hull’s maritime past and colourful history, it is considered an important part of the city’s heritage.
“We want to record that heritage and are asking people to share their memories, thoughts and views. We are asking for first-hand accounts, or those from older relatives, and would like people to send us any photographs they have.”
A dedicated e–mail address has been set up for people to send their memories and any documentation to.
Contributions will then be collated and become a matter of public record, with Castle Buildings LLP working alongside Historic England to decide where and how they should be stored.
Photographs and other visuals could also be used in the décor of the new Earl De Grey.
“It could come back into use as a pub and it would be fitting if some of the old imagery could be used by whoever takes it on,” said Mr Stubbs.
An attractive new pedestrian route will be created from the Bonus Arena to the new Princes Quay footbridge and the thriving Marina and Fruit Market areas.
Anyone with memories or photographs of the Earl De Grey is asked to email them to memories@wykeland.co.uk
