Hull and Leeds, England, August 2021

Hull

Kingston upon Hull, commonly shortened to Hull, is a port city in East Yorkshire, England. It lies at the confluence of the River Hull with the Humber Estuary around 40.2 kilometres (25 miles) from the North Sea. In 2021 the city had a population of 267,000. More than 95 per cent of the city was damaged or destroyed by German air raids during the Second World War.

Tuesday, 24th August 2021

Selfie of Tony outside Trinity Backpackers in Hull. An independent, inexpensive hostel for travellers, located near the Minster in the city centre.
Selfie of Tony outside Trinity Backpackers in Hull. An independent, inexpensive hostel for travellers, located near the Minster in the city centre.
A close-up shot of Tony taken near to the point where the River Hull joins the River Humber Estuary. Modern office buildings in the background.
A close-up shot of Tony taken near to the point where the River Hull joins the River Humber Estuary. Modern office buildings in the background.
A small outdoor theatre known as the Stage @ The Dock located at the mouth of the River Hull. This amphitheatre seats 350 people and is built on the site of a dry dock.
A small outdoor theatre known as the Stage @ The Dock located at the mouth of the River Hull. This amphitheatre seats 350 people and is built on the site of a dry dock.
View of the wooden decked stage belonging to the 'Stage @ The Dock' amphitheatre. In the background, on the opposite side of the River Hull, the building housing The Deep aquarium can be seen. This public aquarium contains thousands of sea creatures. The building is modern with a sloping roof forming a wedge-shaped profile.
View of the wooden decked stage belonging to the ‘Stage @ The Dock’ amphitheatre. In the background, on the opposite side of the River Hull, the building housing The Deep aquarium can be seen. This public aquarium contains thousands of sea creatures. The building is modern with a sloping roof forming a wedge-shaped profile.
A mud bank in the River Hull almost at its confluence with the Humber Estuary.
A mud bank in the River Hull almost at its confluence with the Humber Estuary.
Outside the back of The Deep. This aquarium opened in 2002 on former industrial land. Until the 1860s this land contained a fort known as the Citadel.
Outside the back of The Deep. This aquarium opened in 2002 on former industrial land. Until the 1860s this land contained a fort known as the Citadel.
Tony in front of a shark sculpture outside The Deep. The grey reef shark is elevated on top of a stack of rocks. It is modelled at 1.5 times life size. The shark was sculpted by Christopher Kelly, British sculptor from Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Tony in front of a shark sculpture outside The Deep. The grey reef shark is elevated on top of a stack of rocks. It is modelled at 1.5 times life size. The shark was sculpted by Christopher Kelly, British sculptor from Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Tony sitting on a rock beneath the shark sculpture outside The Deep aquarium.
Tony sitting on a rock beneath the shark sculpture outside The Deep aquarium.
In the foreground a path leading up to the Millennium Bridge can be seen. This pedestrian bridge opened in 2001 and is a lift or swing bridge, meaning it can be opened, so larger boats can navigate up the River Hull. In the background is the River Hull tidal surge barrier. This large concrete structure includes a barrier that can be lowered to the river bed. It is needed to help prevent flooding caused by tidal surges along the Humber Estuary. It is the second largest flood barrier in the United Kingdom after the Thames Barrier in London. Its construction was completed in 1980.
In the foreground a path leading up to the Millennium Bridge can be seen. This pedestrian bridge opened in 2001 and is a lift or swing bridge, meaning it can be opened, so larger boats can navigate up the River Hull. In the background is the River Hull tidal surge barrier. This large concrete structure includes a barrier that can be lowered to the river bed. It is needed to help prevent flooding caused by tidal surges along the Humber Estuary. It is the second largest flood barrier in the United Kingdom after the Thames Barrier in London. Its construction was completed in 1980.
Statue of King William III (William of Orange) on horseback in the Market Place in Hull. This statue was erected in 1734 and was designed by Dutchman Peter Scheemaker. It stands on a stone base and was gold gilded in 1768. In 1685 Hull was the first large city to swear its allegiance to William III when he deposed James II.
Statue of King William III (William of Orange) on horseback in the Market Place in Hull. This statue was erected in 1734 and was designed by Dutchman Peter Scheemaker. It stands on a stone base and was gold gilded in 1768. In 1685 Hull was the first large city to swear its allegiance to William III when he deposed James II.
Tony in front of the William III statue.
Tony in front of the William III statue.
Outside Hull Minster showing its medieval brick and stone Perpendicular Gothic facade and central tower. The church dates back to about 1300 and is the largest parish church in England by floor area. It was given Minster status in 2017 and was previously known as Holy Trinity Church.
Outside Hull Minster showing its medieval brick and stone Perpendicular Gothic facade and central tower. The church dates back to about 1300 and is the largest parish church in England by floor area. It was given Minster status in 2017 and was previously known as Holy Trinity Church.
Close-up of Tony outside a door in semi-darkness.
Close-up of Tony outside a door in semi-darkness.

Leeds

View across Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds showing the field of play and stands opposite. Players can be seen warming up on the field. Taken before the start of the 3rd test between England and India. Tony watched the first morning's play of that test match.
View across Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds showing the field of play and stands opposite. Players can be seen warming up on the field. Taken before the start of the 3rd test between England and India. Tony watched the first morning’s play of that test match.
Tony in the West Stand at Headingley Cricket Ground, waiting for play to begin.
Tony in the West Stand at Headingley Cricket Ground, waiting for play to begin.