Earl De Grey
The Earl De Grey in Castle Street, Hull, is one of Hull’s oldest and most iconic pubs.

Share your memories of Hull’s famous Earl De Grey pub

People in Hull are being urged to share their memories of one of Hull’s most historic pubs.

The Earl De Grey in Castle Street dates from the 1840s and has been closed for many years – but its future was secured last year after a successful planning application by Castle Street Buildings LLP, a subsidiary of Hull developer Wykeland.

The development will include the relocation of the historic part of the grade II-listed building and refurbishment of the neighbouring Castle Street Chambers.

The relocation of the Earl De Grey building is required for the A63 improvements to progress. The solution was reached in full consultation with Hull City Council, Highways England and Historic England.

Now, the main shell and frontage of the building will be moved from its current position in Castle Street to face Waterhouse Lane, where it will form part of a high-quality area of public realm, alongside Castle Street Chambers, facing the Bonus Arena.

The Earl De Grey has been closed for a number of years, but is now set for a new lease of life.

The Earl De Grey has been closed for a number of years, but is now set for a new lease of life.

The buildings will be renovated and linked by a glazed extension. Potential uses include to house restaurants, cafes, bars and office space.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the pub, 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.

Wykeland development director Jonathan Stubbs 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.”

An email address has been set up to allow people to send memories and documentation.

Contributions will be collated and become 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 decor of the new Earl De Grey.

Anyone with memories or photographs of the Earl De Grey should email them to [email protected]

Hull from above after the 2007 floods.
A harbour porpoise. Picture Chrys Mellor