The Hell Hull?

“I’ll bray yer eddin” (I may become aggressive) and “I gorrit for nowt” (I did not pay anything) are just some of the many glorious sayings that are used on a regular basis by Hull’s delightful local inhabitants. Famous for its failure in education, general life and the ability to speak ‘proper', there is more to Hull than the prestigious title of the ‘worst city to live in’ would suggest.

Before getting into the hidden surprises and apparent ‘good things’ about Kingston Upon Hull, there are a few issues that one probably should be aware of on entering the city. There is a strict dress code that is obligatory for all: sports clothing, fake gold jewelry and peaked caps are highly recommended if you wish to be ‘cool’ and a part of the ever expanding ‘chav’ culture. It is also not advised to leave one’s car unattended, and to watch where you step, as spitting is part of everyday life.

It is true that in some areas Hull lives up to it’s stereotypical reputation of uneducated morons and scenery dominated by council flats and graffiti, but let’s focus on the more positive aspects of this city, as it is home to more than a quarter of a million people after all. Not only does it boast the world’s smallest window, and the world’s second longest suspension bridge, but it has produced one of the most influential figures in history: William Wilberforce who is a local Hull boy and proved that not all from the Humberside region would spend their lives working in the corner shop. Rather, Wilberforce was the driving force behind the abolishment of slavery in the 1800s and now has a college named after him - Wilberforce College, which is situated on the east side of the city.

It is a well known fact that the education in Hull is not the city’s best asset - the anti-education attitude and teenage mothers who encourage their children to ‘twag’ (to play truant from school) not exactly being conducive to academic results. This is reflected in this year’s GCSE results which landed the city back at the bottom of the league table with a shocking 29.6% pass rate. But who needs academia when such local heroes as Nicky Barmby (legendary football player), Shelley from Coronation Street (well, former Street resident), and Devvo (international chav superstar) are there for the youth of today to idolise?

Despite the poor efforts at intellectual issues, there is another achievement which is the subject of pride throughout the city. Hull has on a number of occasions been voted the ‘fattest city’ in the UK, hardly surprising when it has 101 chip shops for you to chomp your way through. After all, being situated in the mouth of an estuary requires thick skin, but perhaps the pride concerning obesity is just an excuse to eat one too many pies.

Admittedly, Hull is distinctly lacking in class, intellectuals and conversations other than “did yer gera fwi er?” (is it the case that you kissed that intelligent Homo sapien you were with last night?)are unfortunately rather thin on the ground. However something that cannot be denied of its people is what a proud bunch they really are.

For example, Hull is home to 3 top sports teams, all with the most passionate fans in the business. It can be argued that Hull City may only be thought of as a decent side if the league table is viewed whilst the television is upside down, but their fans will always win the ‘most loyal fans to a failing club’ award. So it may be the case that ‘away’ supporters are banned from many a pub surrounding the KC Stadium due to violent football yobs, but we simply view this as defending our territory - win or lose, Hull fans will always have a reason to throw bricks at the enemy.

Despite the city being ‘chav central’, and the slightly terrifying football fans, Hull is far from the dump that the media portrays it to be. Every city and town has their problems, and I can guarantee that a visit to Hull would be accompanied by a pleasant surprise. The city centre has had a multi million pound make over which well and truly puts it on the map for shopping and entertainment. Although why Hull needs such expensive shopping centres when a majority of its population is unemployed is slightly bewildering. Still, there needs to be some form of regime to keep the chavs (our brethren of a low social class with the tendency to take what is not theirs) in business.

Another major development is ‘The Deep,' an aquarium, which boasts the world’s only ‘submarium’. Maybe the lack of intelligence shows through here by having to make up words to boost the city's ego, but it sounds good to those who have a rather large amount of air between their ears, and so its success as a top tourist attraction continues.

There are many features of the city that do stray from the stereotypes. The city’s outskirts, especially places such as Beverly and Kirk Ella are extremely up market, and require an enormous pay packet to be brought home every month in order to afford such high standards of living - Hull is not completely swamped by run down council estates.

Hull also plays a major role in the shipping and cruise line business, with the docks having a constant steady trade, and it being a large terminal for P&O Ferries. In World War II Hull was the most bombed city in the country due to its ports, which were used for the import of vital goods, showing that the city has its importances after all!

The KC Stadium is not only aesthetically pleasing on the eye, but has been the venue of concerts from international superstars such as Elton John, as well as hosting international matches for both football and rugby. It has been a great selling point for the city, and has even helped reduce football hooliganism, with pitch invasions becoming a rarity rather than a weekly occurrence.

As well as William Wilberforce, there have been other influential figures not only in the city’s history, but in the country’s too. Amy Johnson was the first female pilot to fly solo from Britain to Australia which achieved national recognition. Another person that I feel deserves a mention is John Prescott, the former deputy prime minister, who was indeed born and bred in Hull. Although he didn’t make much of an influence in the political world, he most certainly did make an impact with his left fist, which is more excitement than your average politician provides.

All in all, Hull has its faults and the need for serious improvement. However, being born and raised in Hull myself, I would not change this for the world. To really appreciate the city for its real value, you need to look beyond the stereotypes and the negative press to gain a real evaluation of a truly northern city.

Add Comment

You must log in to submit a comment.