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South Blockhouse Public Open Days

SOUTH BLOCKHOUSE, Tower Street, Hull, HU1 4BG

27 Jul - 16 Sep 2022

FREE

Family Friendly

This summer the people of Hull are uncovering the story of Henry VIII’s South Blockbuster as part of a big dig into its archaeology and history.

The South Blockhouse is a nationally significant monument, part of a scheme fortifications on the east bank of the River Hull, constructed on the orders of Henry VIII between 1541-43. Its cloverleaf shape, designed by the prominent military engineer John Rogers, is unique in England, and the South Blockhouse remains the only section of the historic town defences to escape destruction during Hull’s urban development and growth from the 19th century onwards.

From July 2022, an 11-week programme of archaeological works will take place to expose the monument’s remains at South Blockhouse, with community volunteers working alongside professional archaeologists from Humber Field Archaeology at every stage of the excavation. The work is being done to gain a better understanding of its condition and the tell the story of a 16th century fortress, a key part of the city’s maritime history as one of the most important ports on the east coast of England.

This is the largest volunteer-driven archaeological dig seen in the city this century and will see almost 60% of the site excavated, to investigate the story of the South Blockhouse and how it reflects Hull’s history over the last c.500 years. Members of the public will be able to visit the dig to see what is happening and learn more about the South Blockhouse.

Venue Details

SOUTH BLOCKHOUSE,
Tower Street,
Hull,
HU1 4BG

https://maritimehull.co.uk/projects/south-blockhouse

The South Blockhouse is a nationally significant monument, part of a scheme fortifications on the east bank of the River Hull, constructed on the orders of Henry VIII between 1541-43. Its cloverleaf shape, designed by the prominent military engineer John Rogers, is unique in England, and the South Blockhouse remains the only section of the historic town defences to escape destruction during Hull’s urban development and growth from the 19th century onwards.