Historic Hull Pub Seeks Community Help for Heritage Guide Inclusion

A call has been made for long-time patrons of the historic George Hotel in Hull’s Old Town to assist in documenting its unaltered features for potential inclusion in a new heritage guide. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is seeking evidence from individuals with memories or photographs that showcase the pub’s interior as it has remained over the decades.

CAMRA’s Pub Heritage Group is responsible for maintaining a national inventory of public houses that boast interiors of significant historical interest. This inventory highlights venues that have retained their original character for at least 50 years. Notable examples in Hull include the Olde White Harte and the Olde Black Boy.

Seeking Evidence of Historical Integrity

Stuart Mumby, a representative of CAMRA’s Pub Heritage Group, indicated that the group is currently researching a new edition of their guidebook focused on pubs in Yorkshire and the North East. He stated, “We are interested in the George Hotel, located on the Land of Green Ginger. So far, we have not found enough evidence of unchanged fixtures and fittings to meet our inclusion criteria.”

Despite reviewing existing archive materials, CAMRA has found the available information lacking in detail. Mumby emphasized the need for input from the local community, particularly from those who have frequented the George Hotel and can recall its original features. “Pictures would be wonderful if any are available. We need to establish the age of the fittings in the George,” he added.

The group has made contact with individuals connected to the pub’s history, hoping to gather firsthand accounts that highlight its past. “We’ve been in touch with a relative of a former owner,” Mumby noted.

Understanding the Criteria for Inclusion

The initiative is part of a broader effort to compile a second edition of CAMRA’s guide, which includes several of Hull’s historic pubs. The group’s objective is to determine whether the George Hotel possesses sufficient historic interior features to merit inclusion in the prestigious inventory.

Mumby explained that the Pub Heritage Group employs a grading system for historic interiors, similar to the grade listings for buildings, featuring one to three stars for the most well-preserved examples. The CAMRA inventory, the result of over 30 years of research, identifies pubs with traditional interiors that are intact or have features of national significance.

Currently, East Yorkshire boasts five entries with a three-star rating, including the White Horse in Beverley, the Station Buffet in Bridlington, as well as the Olde White Harte and Olde Black Boy in Hull.

Community members who possess information about the George Hotel’s interior or have historical photographs are encouraged to reach out to Stuart Mumby via email at [email protected]. Their contributions could play a vital role in preserving the history of this cherished establishment.