Information Session - Tales from Down the Drain

"Barmy Drain was where we spent a lot of time... Fishing was my thing. Cow Clap bridge, we called it. That's what we called it. And that, that was my bit, that was the bit I used to fish in the most. " Tony*, West Hull.

From the Beverley and Barmston Drain in the West to the Holderness Drain in the East and all the little waterways in between, Hull's drainage channels have long been a source of leisure - and danger - for people across our city. We know the history of how they were engineered, improved, pumped and dredged: but how exactly did ordinary people live, work and play on their banks?

We're looking for 8 - 15 volunteers to assist with Tales from Down the Drain - an exciting PhD project that aims to uncover the hidden social history of Hull's drains whilst also helping to protect them for future generations.

Over 6 weekly workshops, volunteers will get a chance to:

• Learn new archive research skills - read through historic council records, coroner's reports, newspaper archives, swimming and fishing club minute books and more to help uncover how the people of Hull lived with drainage waterways from the 18th to the 21st Century!
• Curate an exhibition at Hull History Centre - we'll co-curate an exhibition as a group: write panel text, collect artefacts and pick photographs for public display at an exhibition in January 2027. You'll also have a chance to contribute a creative response for display he exhibition - writing, art or craft - if that's your thing!
• Contribute to original research - as an interdisciplinary project, you'll be contributing both historic research as co-researchers, and feed into climate education research led by the the principal researcher, Emily.

To sign up, come to our information session in person on Thursday 9 July at 2.00pm or online on Monday 13 July at 7.00pm, where you can chat to Lead Researcher Emily Ingram and Archivist Claire Weatherall to find out more about the project. Refreshments will be provided at the in-person event.

Info: Meet at 2:00pm in the lecture hall of Hull History Centre. If you can't find the room, the staff on the front desk will be happy to direct you.

Info: A presentation about the project, with all the information you need to know about the PhD project, time commitments, and what to expect as a volunteer.

Info: This is your chance to ask the hosts any questions about the project.

Info: If you're happy to take part, the last segment of the session will give you a chance to formally sign up and take a tour of the history centre facilities you'll be using.

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Host or Publisher Leverhulme Centre for Water Cultures