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The Port of Hedon utilised a natural haven (extended to the town) that flowed into the Humber Estuary. In 1203-05, the port was ranked ninth in England, per dues collected, but was greatly overshadowed by the neighbouring Port of Hull, ranked fourth, with dues almost six times that of Hedon. As Hull and Ravenserodd (near the entrance to the estuary) flourished (both received a Royal Charter in 1299), Hedon declined. In the 16th century, Hedon Haven was described as overgrown and decayed. In the 19th century, the port also had to compete with emerging road and rail traffic. The last barges sailed up the haven in the 1960s with closure to watercraft in 1969.

Further reading:
A New and Complete History of the Borough of Hedon, by Martin T Craven, 1972, The Port of Hedon: pp 25-41:
Wikipedia: Link