Ye Olde White Harte

Destined as it was to be the property of kings and the home of governors, this fascinating pub is steeped in history going back hundreds of years, with the present building having been constructed in 1550. It is here at Ye Olde White Harte where the decision taken in a room in the pub in 1642 to refuse King Charles I entry in Hull is said to have been the trigger for the English Civil War.

Although almost destroyed by fire in the nineteenth century, this extraordinary building has outlived the owner of the mysterious skull it houses, and outlasted those who have participated in great moments in England‘s history.

One of the stories of the skull is that it is the skull of a youth, and a slight fracture mark suggests he died from a blow to the head, when an angry sea captain, well doused in French brandy, used the butt of his pistol with undue strength. The boy was placed under the staircase, and there remained undiscovered until after the fire, which occurred sometime in the 19th century.

Some say it was found in the attic, during the renovations of 1881, and is the remains of some poor serving girl whose hapless life was squandered, perhaps as the result of a secret liaison, that, the landlord of the time was doubtless certain to ensure remained a secret, by placing the body in a dark attic and sealing it up.

Some time ago the skull was removed for careful renovation, and doctors and physicians have examined it on a number of occasions. This human skull can be found in a small corner, behind the Small Saloon Bar, in a Perspex case, on entering the pub and turning to your left.

Perhaps, because of its historic and cultural importance, Ye Olde White Harte has managed to remain relatively untouched over the years. The unmistakeable atmosphere of a place whose oak panelled walls and inglenook fireplaces have absorbed the good times and dealings of generations of revellers, plotters, shoppers, traders, diners and drinkers.

It is a Grade 2 listed building and has some beautiful old tiled fireplaces, and became a pub in the late 1700s, after which a fire damaged the staircase and the ground floor. This vibrant public house is now a corner stone of the Old Town culture of Hull. Many a great night can be spent here with friendly locals and a great atmosphere.