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Hessle (/ˈhɛzəl/) is a town and civil parish in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, 5 miles (8 kilometres) west of Kingston upon Hull. Geographically it is part of a larger urban area consisting of the city of Kingston upon Hull, the town of Hessle and a number of other villages but is not part of the city. It is on the north bank of the Humber Estuary where the Humber Bridge crosses.

Key Information

According to the 2011 UK census, Hessle parish had a population of 15,000,[1] an increase on the 2001 UK census figure of 14,767.[2]

Amenities

[edit]
The Square in January 2007
Hessle Town Hall

The centre of Hessle is the Square. There are many shops and a small bus station, which was refitted in 2007. Hessle All Saints' Church is located just off the Square and was designated a Grade I listed building in 1967 and is now recorded in the National Heritage List for England, maintained by Historic England.[3] Hessle Town Hall was built in 1897 and is situated at the top of South Lane.[4] Hessle Police Station, which closed in 2014, is next door to the town hall at the top of South Lane and the corner of Ferriby Road.[5]

Hessle is home to the world-famous Humber Bridge, which was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1981. At the time of its opening, the Humber Bridge was the world's longest single-span suspension bridge. It links Hessle to the town of Barton-upon-Humber on the opposite side of the Humber estuary. In July 2017 the bridge was granted Grade I listed status.[6]

History

[edit]
Workers shipbuilding in Hessle for the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

The place-name 'Hessle' is first attested in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as Hase. It appears as Hesla in a Danelaw Charter from the reign of Henry II between 1154 and 1189, and as Hesel in a Yorkshire Charter of 1157, and in 1242 in the Book of Fees. The name is the Old Scandinavian hesli meaning 'hazel grove'.[7]

In more modern times, Hessle has been a centre for shipbuilding. Before 1897, there was a shipyard building wooden boats, but it was then bought by Henry Scarr who moved there from Beverley, where he had previously been in partnership with his brother Joseph. Scarr produced iron and steel ships[8] until 1932, when the yard was taken over by Richard Dunston.[9] It was the largest shipyard in Hessle, building vessels such as Loch Riddon, a roll-on/roll-off ferry launched in 1986, and one of four built for Caledonian MacBrayne for use in the Hebrides.[10] The company 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 repairs still exists further east along the Humber Estuary, with activity remaining high.

Geography

[edit]

Hessle is surrounded by the neighbouring villages of Willerby, Anlaby, Kirk Ella, West Ella, North Ferriby and Swanland.

Humber Bridge Country Park in December 2006

Chalk-quarrying was a major industry at Hessle into the 20th century and quarries can still be seen in the west of the town, the largest being the Humber Bridge Country Park, which is a popular tourist attraction. Part of it is known as Little Switzerland (Little Switz or Switzy for short).

The Humber Bridge Country Park Local Nature Reserve was formerly a chalk quarry and was developed as a country park following the construction of the Humber Bridge. It consists of mixed species of woodland, wild flowers, a spring-fed pond and herb-rich grassland. The park can be explored on several well-signed walking routes.[11]

Hessle is twinned with the French town of Bourg-de-Thizy.[citation needed]

Transport to and from Hessle is convenient, with good access to main roads such as the A15, A63 and M62 (via the A63).[citation needed] It also has a railway station with hourly services to and from Hull and to destinations such as Doncaster and York.[citation needed] Regular bus services provided by East Yorkshire link the town with the surrounding villages, Hull City Centre, Longhill Estate in east Hull as well as further afield places including Brough, Beverley and the seaside resort of Hornsea.[citation needed]

Hessle is at the start of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, a long-distance footpath and designated National Trail, which crosses the Yorkshire Wolds and ends at Filey on the North Sea Coast.[citation needed]

Education

[edit]

The site of the town's secondary school, Hessle High School & Sixth Form College, on Heads Lane, is centred on a building donated to the Education Authority by Algernon Henry Barkworth, a survivor of the RMS Titanic sinking. Hessle Sixth Form College is part of a consortium with secondary schools Wolfreton School (in Willerby) and Cottingham High School (in Cottingham), offering sixth form pupils a chance to attend classes at any of the three schools within the consortium. The entire school was reopened in January 2016, as part of Priority Schools Building Programme. Since January 2017, Penshurst Primary School and Hessle High School & Sixth Form College have been a through-school.

Penshurst Primary School, for children aged 3–11, located on Winthorpe Road. Hessle is also home to All Saints' CE Federation of Academies Infant and Junior School, a Church of England school for children aged 3–11, located on Northolme Road.

Media

[edit]

Local news and television programmes are provided by BBC Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and ITV Yorkshire. Television signals are received from the Belmont TV transmitter.[12]

Local radio stations are BBC Radio Humberside, Capital Yorkshire, Greatest Hits Radio East Yorkshire & Northern Lincolnshire, Hits Radio East Yorkshire & North Lincolnshire and Nation Radio East Yorkshire.

The town is served by the local newspaper, Hull Daily Mail. [13]

Notable people

[edit]
  • Lucy Beaumont (born 1983), comedian, lived in Hessle[14]
  • Stephen C. West (born 1952) biochemist and molecular biologist, expert on DNA recombination and repair. Born in Hessle.

Bibliography

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hessle

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from Grokipedia
Hessle is a town and civil parish in the , , located on the north bank of the approximately 5 miles (8 km) west-southwest of . With a population of around 15,000, it features a mix of ancient heritage and modern infrastructure, including its role as a historical crossing and site dating back to the and mentioned in the of 1086. The town's defining modern landmark is the , whose northern tower and anchorage are sited in Hessle; opened in 1981, the structure held the record for the world's longest single-span for 17 years at 1,410 metres (4,626 feet). This engineering feat, connecting Hessle to in , transformed regional transport by replacing reliance on ferries and enabling economic growth across . Hessle also hosts the Humber Bridge Country Park, encompassing foreshore areas, woodlands, and trails like the start of the Way National Trail and segments of the , attracting visitors for recreation and heritage walks such as the Chalk Walk featuring the preserved 19th-century Hessle Whiting Mill. Historically, Hessle's growth accelerated with the arrival of in 1840, boosting its population from 1,576 in 1851 to suburban expansion linking it to Hull, while retaining landmarks like All Saints' Church, a medieval structure with Norman origins, and Hessle . The town maintains community events such as the annual Hessle Feast, a tradition of fairs and markets, underscoring its blend of rural character and urban proximity.

Geography and Environment

Location and Topography


Hessle is a town and civil parish in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, positioned approximately 5 miles (8 km) west of Kingston upon Hull city centre. The settlement lies on the northern bank of the Humber Estuary, which delineates its southern boundary and influences local geography through tidal influences. Its central coordinates are roughly 53°43′ N latitude and 0°26′ W longitude. The topography of Hessle consists primarily of low-lying, flat terrain characteristic of the lowlands, with an average elevation of 15 meters (49 feet) above . The of the Estuary at Hessle measures 6.9 meters, contributing to foreshore dynamics along the southern edge. In the eastern vicinity, particularly around the Country Park, the landscape features a distinct cliff rising from the estuary, offering elevated viewpoints and marking a localized topographic variation amid the broader plain. This cliff, composed of deposits, ascends approximately 41 meters in trails within the park, contrasting the otherwise subdued relief.

Climate and Natural Features

Hessle has a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb), with mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and prevailing westerly winds typical of eastern England. Long-term data from the adjacent Hull meteorological station (1991–2020) indicate mean daily maximum temperatures peaking at 22.0°C in July and averaging 7.7°C in January, with minima of 12.8°C and 2.2°C respectively. Annual precipitation sums to about 693 mm, distributed relatively evenly but with wetter conditions from June to December, averaging 61–70 mm monthly in those periods. Sunshine hours total around 1,464 annually, with July providing the most at 197 hours. The town's natural environment is shaped by its position on the north bank of the Humber Estuary, a large intertidal system with mudflats and salt marshes supporting diverse birdlife and marine species. Topographically, Hessle features low-lying estuarine foreshore rising to modest cliffs and wooded escarpments, remnants of glacial (Hessle ) overlying deposits. These elevations offer panoramic views across the estuary toward . Prominent natural features include the Humber Bridge Country Park, a 21-hectare local adjacent to the towers. The park comprises ancient semi-natural woodlands, wildflower meadows, ponds, and former chalk quarries now revegetated, hosting species such as great crested newts, , and nesting birds. Trails wind through these habitats, emphasizing the area's glacial and coastal geology.

History

Early Settlement and Medieval Period

Hessle's early settlement likely dates to the post-Roman period, when its position on the estuary made it a strategic landing point and ferry crossing following the Roman departure around AD 420. The area faced repeated invasions by , Angles, and , with riverbank communities such as those near Hessle becoming early targets during the Great Heathen Army's campaigns, including events around 867. As the head of a Saxon hundred, Hessle served as an administrative and communal meeting place, reflecting its regional importance amid Anglo-Saxon territorial organization. The of 1086 records Hessle (as Hase) as a modestly prosperous settlement in the hundred of Hessle, divided into two manors: one held by with 18 villagers, 9 lands, 4 teams, and a church, valued at £3 (down from £5 in ); the other by Gilbert Tison with 17 villagers, 2 smallholders, 4 lands, 4 teams, and another church, valued at £2 10s (down from £3 in ). This indicates a of approximately 112 persons across 22.4 households, supported by and presence, though post-Conquest disruptions had reduced economic output. The manors' resources underscore Hessle's agrarian base and its role in the feudal structure under Norman lords. In the subsequent medieval centuries, the manor of Hessle passed through notable families, including the Stutevilles, and became subject to the larger lordship of Cottingham under Norman influence. The , All Saints, was rebuilt around 1234 by Joanna, wife of Hugh de Wake (, who died in 1232 during the in ), marking a period of pious investment and consolidation. By 1309, a regular ferry operated across the to , charging 1 for a horse and rider or half a for a pedestrian, facilitating trade and travel in a landscape dominated by feudal agriculture and ecclesiastical authority.

Industrial and Modern Development

Shipbuilding emerged as a key industry in Hessle from 1693, with yards operating at Hessle Cliff, Foreshore, and Haven, producing vessels including wooden men-of-war such as the 80-gun ship . Alongside this, chalk quarrying at the site known as supported whiting production, with a constructed between 1810 and 1815 to process the chalk into whiting powder. The opening of the railway from Hull to Hessle in 1840 spurred residential and economic expansion, attracting wealthy commuters to areas like Southfield and West Hill and shifting Hessle toward a role for Hull's workforce. persisted into the , with firms like Richard Dunston acquiring the Henry Scarr yard in 1932, enabling direct launches into the , though the industry later declined, with the Hessle yard closing by 1994. The construction of the marked a pivotal modern development, spanning the Humber Estuary from Hessle to ; work began in 1973 and the bridge opened to traffic on 24 June 1981 after a decade of building, initially as the world's longest single-span at 1,410 meters until 1998. The bridge facilitated regional connectivity and economic growth in , including tourism via the adjacent Humber Bridge Country Park established from former quarries.

Key Historical Events

Following the departure of Roman forces around AD 420, Hessle emerged as a strategic landing point and crossing on the estuary, rendering it susceptible to invasions by , Angles, and ; records indicate severe raids in 867 targeting riverbank settlements like Hessle for plunder and destruction. Hessle, recorded as Hase in the of 1086, comprised a settlement with 22.4 equivalent households, a taxable value of 10 geld units, and a church served by a ; the manor was held by Gilbert de Gant under the . By 1309, a regulated service linked Hessle to across the , with tolls set at one for a horse and rider or half a for a pedestrian, underscoring the town's role in regional transport. In July 1642, amid the and the Royalist siege of nearby Hull, King Charles I and his forces encamped along the banks near Hessle, with the king visiting the inn in the town. Shipbuilding commenced in Hessle in 1693, establishing it as a nascent economic sector tied to the Humber's maritime activity. The Hull and Selby Railway reached Hessle in 1840, spurring residential development by enabling commuter access to Hull and drawing wealthy households to areas like Southfield and West Hill. On 21 February 1847, however, a passenger train from Hull to Selby derailed approximately three-quarters of a mile east of Hessle station due to a fractured axle on the leading engine, killing two passengers—tin-plate worker James Brown instantly and James Waring shortly after—and injuring others; the incident involved two locomotives and highlighted early rail safety deficiencies.

Demographics and Society

The population of Hessle has exhibited gradual growth since the mid-19th century, reflecting its evolution from a rural to a suburban adjacent to . In the 1841 , the recorded 1,388 residents, increasing to 1,576 by 1851 amid modest agricultural and early industrial activity. Growth accelerated in the late , with the population reaching 2,557 in 1881 and 2,891 in 1891, driven by improved rail connectivity and proximity to Hull's expanding port economy. By the early , and residential development further boosted numbers, to 3,918 in 1901 and 6,105 in the 1921 for the former Hessle Urban District. Post-World War II , facilitated by like the (opened 1981), sustained expansion, leading to 14,767 residents in the 2001 .
Census YearPopulation
18411,388
18511,576
18812,557
18912,891
19013,918
19216,105
200114,767
201115,000
202115,485
Recent decades show stabilization, with the population rising modestly to 15,000 in 2011 and 15,485 in 2021, reflecting an average annual growth of 0.32% over the 2011–2021 period amid broader East Riding trends of aging demographics and limited net migration. This slower pace contrasts with earlier rapid increases, attributable to completed residential development and regional economic shifts toward service sectors rather than heavy industry.

Ethnic Composition and Cultural Dynamics

According to the 2021 United Kingdom census, the Hessle ward exhibited a high degree of ethnic homogeneity, with 96.25% of residents identifying as . This included approximately 14,906 individuals in the White category out of a total of around 15,500, reflecting the broader pattern in where 97.4% identified as White. Minority groups were limited, comprising 1.42% Asian or Asian British (about 220 people), 1.21% Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups, 0.3% Black or Black British (48 people), 0.3% Arab (51 people), and smaller proportions in other categories.
Ethnic GroupPercentageApproximate Number (2021)
White96.25%14,906
Asian/Asian British1.42%220
Mixed/Multiple1.21%~187
Black/Black British0.3%48
Arab0.3%51
Other~0.5%~74
This composition, drawn from official census data aggregated at the ward level, indicates limited immigration-driven change compared to urban areas like nearby Hull, where non-White populations exceed 8%. The small scale of minority communities has fostered cultural dynamics characterized by strong local cohesion rather than multicultural integration efforts, with community life revolving around longstanding English traditions. Cultural activities in Hessle emphasize communal participation in events like the annual Hessle Feast, a traditional fair dating back centuries that features local stalls, entertainment, and family-oriented gatherings without notable ethnic-specific programming. Such events underscore a shared regional identity tied to heritage, with minimal documented friction or demands for diversity accommodations, aligning with the demographic stability observed in trends. Local institutions, including schools, promote respect for the existing community fabric, which includes nominal diversity but prioritizes unified social norms over pluralistic adaptations. Overall, these dynamics reflect causal factors of geographic isolation and selective migration patterns, resulting in a low-conflict environment focused on endogenous cultural continuity rather than exogenous influences.

Economy and Infrastructure

Employment and Key Sectors

In the district, which encompasses Hessle, the employment rate for individuals aged 16 to 64 stood at 77.3% in the year ending December 2023, surpassing the regional average for . The unemployment rate in the same district was 2.6% for those aged 16 and over during this period, indicating a relatively robust local labour market. Claimant count as a measure of joblessness also registered at 2.6% for the working-age population. Key employment sectors in the broader Hull and East Yorkshire area, including Hessle, are dominated by and , alongside and , retail, and . These reflect the region's industrial heritage and proximity to Hull's and hubs, with many Hessle residents commuting for work in these fields. remains notable in rural parts of the East Riding, though less prominent in urban Hessle itself. Recent growth has been observed in financial and activities within the district, with jobs in this sector expanding by 56% between 2021 and 2022. Local employment in Hessle is supplemented by roles through the , the area's largest employer with over 10,000 staff across various services. Retail and accommodation/ services also contribute, supported by Hessle's commercial areas and its role as a suburban hub.

Transport and Connectivity

The Humber Bridge, anchoring at Hessle's eastern edge, serves as a critical link spanning the Humber estuary to in . This , with a main span of 1,410 metres, was the world's longest single-span structure upon its opening on 24 June 1981 and carries the A15 road for vehicular traffic, including cars, HGVs, and pedestrians via a shared path. Tolls apply for crossings, supporting maintenance while enabling efficient connectivity for over 30,000 daily users between Yorkshire's north bank and the south's industrial areas around . The A63 trunk road provides Hessle's main east-west axis, functioning as a that bisects the town southward of the centre, linking directly to (approximately 5 miles east) and westward to the near . This route handles substantial commuter and freight traffic, with junctions facilitating access to local amenities and ongoing regional upgrades addressing congestion spillover from Hull's Castle Street improvements. Proximity to the M180 via the further integrates Hessle into the national motorway network for southern routes to the M18 and beyond. Hessle railway station, on the Yorkshire Coast Line, offers regional rail services operated by Northern, with trains to Hull Paragon (journey time about 7 minutes) and onward to , , and Scarborough at frequencies up to hourly. The unstaffed station includes step-free access, ticket vending machines, and secure cycle storage, serving daily passengers reliant on connections to the TransPennine network. Bus networks enhance local and inter-urban mobility, with East Buses providing routes like the 26 (Beverley to Hessle via Cottingham) and frequent services along the A63 to Hull Interchange. The town-specific 183 Hessle Town Bus operates limited midday loops on Wednesdays and Fridays, aiding residents without cars via hail-and-ride stops. These options integrate with cycle paths and footways, though reliance on road infrastructure underscores vulnerability to events like the October 2025 A63 flooding near Hessle.

Governance and Public Services

Local Administration

Hessle Town Council functions as the local parish authority, providing grassroots governance for the civil parish since its formation in 1986. The council comprises elected members from four wards—Eastfield, Northfield, Southfield, and Westfield—and convenes regularly at Hessle Town Hall on South Lane. Councillor Nick Adams currently serves as the town mayor, with administrative support from clerk Mrs. Kim Cooper. The council's remit centers on community representation, including voicing resident concerns to higher authorities, organizing local events, maintaining select public spaces, and safeguarding the town's and amenities to foster economic vitality and livability. It collaborates with the under a formal delineating shared duties, such as joint efforts on planning and service delivery. At the level, Hessle lies within the Hessle ward of , which oversees wider responsibilities like highways, , and . The ward returns two councillors: John Bovill (Liberal Democrats) and David Nolan (independent). Parish boundaries and electoral arrangements remain subject to periodic review, with Boundary Commission proposing adjustments to East Riding wards as of September 2025 to reflect population changes.

Education and Healthcare

The Hessle serves as the primary in Hessle, operating as an all-through for pupils aged 3 to 19 and comprising and Hessle High with . , located at Winthorpe Road (HU13 9EX), provides nursery and primary education as part of this converter under The Academy Trust. Hessle High , situated at Tranby on Heads Lane (HU13 0JQ), caters to secondary pupils and offers a , led by headteacher David Rose, with 180 places annually, 70 reserved for internal primary transfers. The received a "Good" rating in September 2018, emphasizing ambitious standards and pupil achievement. Other primary options include All Saints Church of England Voluntary Controlled Infant School, focusing on early years in Hessle. is predominantly provided by Hessle High, with nearby alternatives like those in Hull or for broader choice under East Riding of Yorkshire Council admissions. Healthcare in Hessle relies on local (GP) practices integrated into NHS and services, without a dedicated ; is typically accessed via facilities in nearby Hull or Cottingham. Key providers include Hessle Surgery at The Grange Centre (11 Hull Road, HU13 9LZ), part of The Ridings Medical Group, which accepts new patients and offers online booking for appointments and prescriptions. Park View Surgery provides similar GP services, including appointment management for routine and urgent needs. Hessle Grange Medical Practice operates under a General Medical Services contract, delivering as part of the Yorkshire Health Partnership. Specialized clinics, such as NHS screening, occur monthly at The Grange site from 8:40 a.m. to 5:10 p.m.

Culture, Leisure, and Community

Traditional Events and Festivals

The Hessle Feast stands as Hessle's foremost traditional festival, with documented origins exceeding 200 years. Historical accounts reference community celebrations in 1808 and 1836, aligning with early 19th-century customs of seasonal gatherings for harvest anticipation and social bonding in villages. Held annually on the second Sunday in July from 12:00 to 17:00 BST, the event traditionally features live music performances on an open stage, craft and market stalls showcasing local produce and handmade goods, food and drink vendors offering homemade baked items and regional specialties, and family-oriented activities to foster community spirit. In its contemporary iteration, the Hessle Feast remains free to attend and draws significant local participation, organized by volunteers since at least the mid-2010s to revive and sustain the historic tradition amid modern scheduling adjustments, such as a 2025 postponement to 31 August due to unforeseen circumstances. No other longstanding festivals with comparable historical depth are prominently recorded in Hessle, underscoring the Feast's central role in preserving local customs.

Sports and Recreation

Hessle hosts several local sports clubs catering to community participation. Hessle Sporting Club FC, located on Boothferry Road, fields teams in football and offers development sessions, including for ages 3-4 from 9-10am and year 1 (ages 5-6) from 10-11am on Saturdays. Hessle Football & Club provides facilities for rugby and , supporting both competitive play and grassroots involvement. Hessle Lawn Club maintains courts for members, noted for its well-kept grounds and welcoming environment. Recreational opportunities in Hessle emphasize outdoor pursuits amid natural landscapes. The Country Park, a local spanning woods, meadows, ponds, and chalk cliffs, serves as a key site for walking trails, picnics, and wildlife observation. Adjacent Hessle Foreshore offers riverside paths with views of the and estuary traffic, suitable for leisurely strolls. These areas support casual activities like barbecues and nature exploration, with a small play area near Hessle Mill enhancing family-friendly access. Access to broader fitness options occurs through East Riding Leisure Centres, which provide gym facilities, swimming pools, and classes, though no dedicated centre operates directly within Hessle town limits as of recent records. Community members often utilize nearby venues for structured exercise.

Media and Local Identity

Local news coverage of Hessle is predominantly provided by regional outlets such as Hull Live, which maintains a dedicated section for town-specific stories including milestones, events, and infrastructure updates. The also features Hessle under its Hull and East Yorkshire news topics, reporting on issues like road safety concerns from unauthorized and local council investigations as of September 2025. These platforms emphasize verifiable local developments, drawing from council announcements and resident reports to inform the 7,000-plus . Radio broadcasting reaches Hessle via BBC Radio Humberside, which delivers daily updates on East Riding matters including traffic on the A63 and incidents, alongside commercial stations like Capital Yorkshire for broader entertainment. Community-driven media supplements this through platforms like the Hessle News Facebook page, established for resident campaigning on topics such as development and events, with over 1,800 followers engaging in discussions as of 2025. Hessle's local identity, as reflected in media narratives, centers on community cohesion and heritage preservation, with outlets highlighting annual traditions like the Hessle Feast—a multi-day event since at least 2006 featuring stages, markets, and family activities that underscore resident pride in the town's historic market charter from 1272. Council communications reinforce this through initiatives like new heritage benches installed in 2025 to honor local spirit and natural assets such as the Country Park, portraying Hessle as a resilient, green valuing autonomy from nearby Hull. Coverage avoids unsubstantiated , focusing instead on empirical community metrics like participation in groups at , which hosts over a dozen regular clubs for arts, fitness, and seniors to foster interpersonal ties.

Notable Landmarks and Challenges

Architectural and Historical Sites

All Saints' Church stands as Hessle's most significant historical architectural site, designated as a Grade I listed building. A church with a priest is recorded in Hessle in the Domesday Book of 1086, indicating early medieval origins. The present structure was substantially rebuilt between 1135 and 1154 during the reign of King Stephen, with surviving 12th-century stonework visible in the west end of the nave. Until 1661, it functioned as the mother church for Holy Trinity Church in Hull, underscoring its regional ecclesiastical importance. Hessle Town Hall, erected in 1897, exemplifies late Victorian civic architecture and was purpose-built to accommodate the town's newly established urban district council, granted in 1894. The structure has received ongoing maintenance and upgrades to comply with contemporary standards, preserving its role as a community focal point. The , a Grade I listed completed in 1981 after construction from 1973, represents a pinnacle of 20th-century engineering and anchors Hessle's modern landscape. Spanning the Humber estuary from Hessle to in , it held the record for the longest single-span in the world at 1,410 meters upon opening. Hessle Mill, dating to the early 19th century, is a rare surviving whiting windmill used for processing chalk, integrated into the Humber Bridge Country Park's Chalk Walk heritage trail. This industrial relic highlights Hessle's historical ties to local resource extraction and milling. The town's historic core includes multiple Grade II listed buildings, such as 18th- and 19th-century structures along The Square and Northgate, reflecting Georgian and Victorian development patterns. Additional sites like Hessle Old Hall and Hessle Mount, both Grade II listed, contribute to the area's architectural diversity from the post-medieval period.

2007 Floods and Resilience

In 2007, exceptional rainfall caused widespread flooding across and , with Hessle experiencing significant impacts from overland flow and overwhelmed drainage systems. On 25 , torrential led to approximately two square miles of flooding in Hessle, including sewage-contaminated that affected residential areas and infrastructure such as the local . The floods were exacerbated by flowing from higher ground in nearby Cottingham and Hessle toward lower-lying Hull, highlighting vulnerabilities in local culverts and drains like the Western Drain. A tragic incident during the flooding underscored the cost: on 25 June, 28-year-old Michael Barnett became trapped by his foot in a temporary grille over the Western Drain at Astral Close, Hessle, and succumbed to despite rescue attempts amid chaotic conditions. Witnesses reported confusion in coordinating the response, with delays in accessing equipment and professional assistance, as the event occurred during peak flooding when emergency services were stretched across the region. In response to the 2007 events, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, which governs Hessle, developed enhanced flood risk strategies, including improvements to drainage infrastructure such as upgrades to the Hessle Clough Sluice on Fleet Drain to better control surface water outflows. Further resilience efforts encompassed the £11 million Hessle Foreshore Tidal Defence Scheme, completed in 2022, which raised flood defenses along Cliff Road with a 700-meter glass and concrete wall providing a 1-in-200-year standard of protection against Humber Estuary surges for over 4,000 properties in Hessle and adjacent areas. Property-level flood resilience measures, such as flood doors and barriers, have been promoted through community drop-ins and demonstrations in Hessle, informed by post-2007 research emphasizing rapid recovery and reduced vulnerability. These initiatives reflect a shift toward integrated surface and tidal defenses, drawing lessons from the 2007 failures in forecasting and infrastructure capacity.

Notable People

Charles Francis Annesley Voysey (1857–1941), an English architect and designer, was born in Hessle to a clergyman father; his work in the Arts and Crafts style influenced early , including designs for country houses and the Sanderson wallpaper factory in 1901. Stephen C. West (born 11 April 1952), a biochemist and molecular biologist, was born in Hessle; he directs the DNA Recombination and Repair Laboratory at the and received Cancer Research UK's lifetime achievement award in 2018 for pioneering research on pathways essential to preventing cancer. Lucy Beaumont (born 1983), a stand-up and writer, grew up in Hessle after being born in nearby Hull; she co-wrote and starred in the series and , drawing on her regional background for observational humor.

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  31. https://hullandeastriding.mumbler.co.uk/events/list/?tribe-bar-date=2024-07-05
  32. https://issuu.com/theconsortiumacademytrust/docs/hessle_25_26_prospectus_web
  33. https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/labourmarketlocal/E06000011/
  34. https://skillshullandeastyorkshire.co.uk/articles/
  35. https://intel-hub.eastriding.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/FEA-Profile-2019.pdf
  36. https://www.varbes.com/economy/east-riding-of-yorkshire-economy
  37. https://skillshullandeastyorkshire.co.uk/sectors/public-sector/
  38. https://www.ice.org.uk/what-is-civil-engineering/infrastructure-projects/humber-bridge
  39. https://www.humberbridge.co.uk/
  40. https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/yorkshire-and-north-east/a63-castle-street/
  41. https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/stations/hessle
  42. https://www.eastyorkshirebuses.co.uk/services
  43. https://www.hessletowncouncil.gov.uk/little-bus/
  44. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgq5qpvwqgo
  45. https://www.hessletowncouncil.gov.uk/
  46. https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/councillors-and-members-of-parliament/find-a-parish-council/town-parish-council/?entry=hessle
  47. https://www.hessletowncouncil.gov.uk/councillors/
  48. https://www.pocklington.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/210412-Signed-ERYC-Parish-Town-Council-Charter.pdf
  49. https://opencouncildata.co.uk/council.php?c=339&y=0
  50. https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/url/find-a-ward-councillor/
  51. https://www.lgbce.org.uk/news/press-release/new-political-map-east-riding-yorkshire-council
  52. https://www.thehessleacademy.co.uk/
  53. https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/url-directory/school-or-nursery/?entry=penshurst_primary_school
  54. https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/137306
  55. https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/118074
  56. https://www.thehessleacademy.co.uk/page/?title=Admissions&pid=31
  57. https://mynewterm.com/school/Hessle-High-School-and-Penshurst-Primary-School/137306
  58. https://www.tutorhunt.com/schools/directory/primary/east-riding-of-yorkshire/
  59. https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/url/find-your-nearest-school/
  60. https://www.nhs.uk/services/gp-surgery/hessle-surgery/M4D3G
  61. https://www.theridingsmedicalgroup.nhs.uk/
  62. https://www.parkviewsurgeryhessle.nhs.uk/
  63. https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-541229554/inspection-summary
  64. https://www.hey.nhs.uk/vascular/aaa/screening-venues/
  65. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjr1xqdqw73o
  66. https://greatbritishcoast.com/hessle-a-bustling-suburb-of-hull-with-an-active-community/
  67. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr1xqdqw73o
  68. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/hessle-ready-annual-feast-fun-10462854
  69. https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/yorkshire/22636666.love-hessle---adam-jennison-myhessle-com/
  70. https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/url-directory/sports-club/?entry=hessle_sporting_club_fc
  71. https://hullandeastriding.mumbler.co.uk/kids/primary-age-classes-groups/football-rugby/
  72. https://directory.hulldailymail.co.uk/search/hessle/sports-clubs
  73. https://hessle.cylex-uk.co.uk/sports-recreation-facilities/
  74. https://www.eastridingcoastandcountryside.co.uk/url-directory/find/?entry=hessle_foreshore
  75. https://eastridingcoastandcountryside.co.uk/countryside/quarry-to-country-park/
  76. https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/leisure/leisure-centres-and-fitness/leisure-centres
  77. https://www.eastridingleisure.co.uk/
  78. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/all-about/hessle
  79. https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cgmxjppk711t
  80. https://www.bbc.com/news/england/hull_and_east_yorkshire
  81. https://www.facebook.com/hesslenews/
  82. https://www.hessletowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/81/2025/01/Hessle-Town-Council-Newsletter-117-1.pdf
  83. https://www.hessletowncouncil.gov.uk/hessle-community-centre/
  84. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1161766
  85. https://sites.google.com/site/hesslelocalhistorysociety/church-and-chapel/all-saints-church
  86. https://www.hessletowncouncil.gov.uk/town-hall/
  87. https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/england/hessle-east-riding-of-yorkshire
  88. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1252765
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  91. https://sites.google.com/site/hesslelocalhistorysociety/hessle-s-history/2007-floods
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  94. https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/dec/08/davidward.uknews4
  95. https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/plans-and-policies/other-plans-and-policies-information/flood-risk/flood-risk-strategy/
  96. https://www.yorhub.com/projects/hessle-foreshore-tidal-defence-scheme/
  97. https://floodinnovation.co.uk/events/hessle-flood-resilience-drop-in/
  98. https://www.hull.ac.uk/research/projects/building-flood-resilience
  99. https://architecture.arthistoryresearch.net/architects/voysey-charles-francis-annesley-cfa
  100. https://victorianweb.org/art/architecture/voysey/index.html
  101. https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/find-a-researcher/stephen-west
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  104. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/celebs-tv/meet-millionaire-richardsons-how-lucy-5329431
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