England's Historic Seascapes: Withernsea to Skegness
Museum of London Archaeology, 2010. https://doi.org/10.5284/1000104. How to cite using this DOI
Data copyright © Historic England unless otherwise stated
This work is licensed under the ADS Terms of Use and Access.
Primary contact
David
Bowsher
Director of Research
Museum of London Archaeology
Mortimer Wheeler House
46 Eagle Wharf Road
London
N1 7ED
UK
Tel: 020 7410 2285
Resource identifiers
- ADS Collection: 935
- ALSF Project Number: 4730
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1000104
- How to cite using this DOI
Blacktoft to Hessle Coast Character Area
Present Day Form
This character area is located in the north-western extent of the study area on the north bank of the River Humber, in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The area is entirely land based but has historically influenced the local seascape to a significant degree. The area is entirely land based and is an essential part of the surrounding seascape. The Geology of the area is glacial moraine, chalk and boulder clay overlain by thick deposits of alluvium. The area falls within the Humberhead levels and is low lying. It is the largest area of inter-tidal reedbed in England.
Sea Use: Present
The area is broadly characterised as being associated with maritime settlement but also contains lots of disused military structures and landscapes which give it continuing relic military character. The area is also flood defended and contains post-medieval reclaimed land, especially in the Broomfleet Island area. Parts of the area are used for seaside recreational activities such as salt water angling and golf.
A number of maritime settlements are located in the area. Blacktoft is situated on the north bank of the Ouse. The steam boats from Selby and Thorne pass daily on their way to and from Hull. A bed of sand, which at low water extends over several acres, serves for the ballasting of small craft.
Brough has great rail links and new housing developments have transformed it from a town of past maritime connections to one of industry and other businesses. It also has some industry associated with aircraft manufacture which offers lots of jobs locally.
Hessle has previously been a centre for shipbuilding. The largest shipbuilder, Richard Dunston's, went into liquidation in 1987 and was bought by Damen Shipyards Group in the same year. Dunston's was closed down in 1994. The location is now used as offices, car sales buildings and a dock for scrap metal and other materials for dispatch to other areas, or to be recycled. Richard Dunston's ship repair still exists further east along the Humber Estuary, with activity remaining high.
Sea Use: Past
All the villages in the area are thought to have originated in the medieval period and thrived due to their close connection with the River Humber. Ferriby, for example, was clearly important as a port in ancient times, although no longer used as such. Ferriby also retains the elements of several elegant mansions from circa 1750 as Hull merchants made wealthy by the fishing industry, etc, started to build large houses (such as Ferriby House) with cottages for workers (such as Moss & Honeysuckle cottages in 1787, which still stand today).
Archaeological Potential
The area has potential for Prehistoric and Roman archaeology, as revealed by the fact that the village of Brough was known as Petuaria during the Roman period and served as the capital of the Celtic tribe of the Parisi.
In 1931, wooden planks belonging to an ancient boat were discovered on the shore of the Humber in North Ferriby. Two further boats have since been discovered. Estimates using radiocarbon dating have placed the origin of the boats in the Bronze Age, between 2030 and 1680 BC. The Ferriby boats are the earliest known boats in Europe. Details on the boats can be found on an information board on Ferriby foreshore, on a public footpath that forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail. This path runs from Ferriby to Hessle alongside the River Humber and excellent views of the Humber Bridge.
Bronze Age round barrows have also been found during excavations close to North Ferriby. Evidence of Iron Age and early Romano-British activity was also discovered.
North Ferriby was founded by the Danes who arrived in the area around 900 AD. The name derived from the Dansh Ferja bi (place by a ferry) and Ferriby would have been the principle Danish settlement of the area, linked as it was by ferry to South Ferriby across the river.
Character Perceptions
The area is generally perceived a rural settlement area with strong historic links to the sea. Brough is perceived as a town with excellent rail connections allowing easy access with London and other places. It is also a place of industry and commerce.
The character area is also an important wildlife habitat. Established in 1973, Blacktoft Sands Nature Reserve is England's largest tidal reedbed and home to many species of birds and wildlife.
References
RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: Blacktoft Sands
Web: www.eastriding.gov.uk
