Hull

Kingston upon Hull stands where the River Hull meets the Humber, connecting the rivers of Yorkshire and the Midlands with the North Sea. Founded as a port for the export of wool from the surrounding countryside, it grew into one of England's leading provincial harbours. Ships carried wool to northern Europe and returned with timber and other goods from ports around the Baltic Sea.

In April 1642 Charles I sought entry to Hull and its arsenal, but Governor Sir John Hotham barred the gates against the king. The confrontation preceded the outbreak of the Civil War. Hull remained in Parliamentary hands and resisted Royalist sieges in 1642 and 1643, its strong walls protecting both a valuable port and a large store of arms.