Coast Walk

In front of you is the largest parish church in England, under your feet was its burial ground and to your right one of the first grammar schools in the country.

Inside the Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Church

Originally a chapel of ease to Hessle, it later became a parish church in 1661. Parts of the building dates back to the 13th century. Its tower measures 150 feet high and contains four clock faces, which has a ring of 15 bells. Six of these bells originate from the mid-17th century.

This grand church is 272 feet long and 96 feet wide with a total area of 25,640 square feet. The actual church grounds extended over most of the Square and it would have been about four feet higher than it is today.

Between 1830 and 1840, the church underwent a major renovation. During this time the old organ, which was built by Father Schmidt was removed from the west side of the building to the Merchant's Gallery. The organ itself had extensive repairs completed a century later.

William Wilberforce was baptised in the medieval font of the church and the tomb of William de la Pole's family member is adjacent to the Chancel.

Over 100 boys were taught at the school.

In front of the Holy Trinity you can see the statue of the famous poet, Andrew Marvell. This statue was placed in numerous locations around Hull before resting here, including the junction of George Street and Saville Street and later, Bond Street.

Old Grammar School

This is one of the oldest grammar schools in the country. It was built in 1583 replacing the former school which existed in the 14th century.

This listed building provided education for the sons of the wealthy merchants in Hull. However, classes were conducted on the ground floor as the first floor was occupied by the Hull Company of Merchants.

Former pupils of the School included William Wilberforce; Dr Thomas Watson, the Bishop of Tasmania; poets Andrew Marvell and William Mason; Dr Isaac Milnere, the Dean of Carlisle.

Illustration of the five columns

Towards the end of the 19th century, the building fell into disrepair and the school left the premises in 1878. The whole building was abandoned and it became a potato warehouse.

In 1883, the Vicar of Holy Trinity Church bought the old Grammar School and raised funds for its restoration.

Many changes were made to the building. The facade was completely remodelled; the five columns in the centre of the ground floor was moved to the side wall; new dormer windows were inserted to create another floor; the gable walls raised and the flooring laid out in the attic.

Subsequent improvements were made after the first major refurbishment and towards the end of the 20th century, the building underwent another major restoration programme.

Some time after the Second World War, the old Grammar School was used as a private residence and stories of the building being haunted originated from this time.

It is rumoured that a curate or vicar was seen wandering its dark corridors. According to a former attendant, if this curate was spotted then a portent of terrible events would take place in the future.