Geograph - photograph every grid square

The first mention of public toilets in the city appears to be in October 1853 when ‘the making of a number of public urinals was referred to the Committee of Works to carry into effect,’ and by January 1854 ‘two iron urinals similar to those in Glasgow’ had been ordered. Many public conveniences were installed in the city but by 2025 only two were operational, owned and managed by the City Council, viz: Queen Victoria Square and Nelson Street. A further three remain extant but are closed for use, viz: Baker Street, Clarence Street and Market Place.

Paul Gibson, local historian, has produced much detailed information on public toilets in the city: Link and Link

Where outdoor public conveniences were originally the sole means of ‘spending a penny’, today the private retail sector provides indoor toilets for its customers, e.g. at the larger supermarkets, Hull Paragon Interchange, the shopping centres at Prince’s Quay and St Stephen’s, Trinity Market.

In the late 18th century The Georgian New Town was the first substantial development to occur outside the line of the Town Walls. The initial development consisted of terraces of houses built up to the street corners, except for the planned open space of Kingston Square. It is the area of the city where terraces from the late 18th and early 19th centuries survive in the greatest numbers. Its position close to the town centre also resulted in a substantial number of public buildings being constructed, several of which still survive.

The Conservation Area comprises: Albion Street (N side), Baker Street, Charles Street, Charlotte Street Mews (N side), Dock Street (N side), Egginton Street, George Street (N side to No. 93, S side to No. 104), Grimston Street, Jarratt Street, John Street, Kingston Square, New Garden Street, Percy Street, Silvester Street, Union Street, Worship Street (excluding the History Centre), Wright Street. The Area is defined here: Link

The Georgian New Town Conservation Area Character Statement: Link