The city of Kingston-upon-Hull, usually known simply as Hull, lies on the north bank of the Humber, which flows into the North Sea 22mi/35km to the southeast. The city does not have a cathedral however Holy Trinity Church is a noted site dating back to 1300. Hull is an important sea and ferry port and an
busy commercial center for the region. The university was founded in 1954.
Kingston-upon-Hull has a Museum Quarter that includes Wilberforce House, the Hull and East Riding Museum, and the Transport Museum.
The town was founded in 1292 by Edward I under the name of "Wyke-upon-Hull" on both banks of the little River Hull, which flows into the Humber here. The town was fortified in the 14th century after receiving its royal charter in 1299. The refusal by the governor, Sir John Hotham, to admit Charles I in 1642 was an early act of defiance to royal authority which played a part in bringing on the Civil War. During the war the town was several times unsuccessfully besieged by Royalist forces. Centuries of shipbuilding and fishing led to economic prosperity.