Pages from Hull’s Past

As part of the Wyke Action Enrichment programme, we recently took a group of our English students to Holderness House Hull, the former residence of Thomas Ferens.

Throughout multiple visits, students have been meticulously cataloguing Ferens’ extensive personal library. The project has proved incredibly insightful: students have uncovered handwritten notes and volumes rich with local history, particularly relating to Hull.

Following the closure of Holderness House as a care home in mid 2024, the trust has started shaping a new vision for the building. They hope to create a welcoming space where voluntary and community organisations can come together to support local residents, ensuring that Ferens’ legacy of civic generosity continues. These visits not only preserve an important part of Hull’s heritage but also give Wyke students a meaningful opportunity to engage with local history, scholarship, and community impact first hand. Wyke is really looking forward to staying involved.