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The Humber Estuary or River Humber is a large tidal estuary on the east coast of Northern England. It is formed at Trent Falls by the confluence of the tidal rivers Ouse and Trent. From there to the North Sea, it forms part of the boundary between the East Riding of Yorkshire on the north bank and North Lincolnshire on the south bank.

Further information:
Wikipedia: Link
Humber Nature Partnership: Link
European Union: Link

Hessle Haven, or Fleet as it was known before the 19th century, is probably the reason for the existence of the town. It is here that the ferry boat crossed the Humber to Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire, from about the 7th century.

On the west side of the haven stood the Ferry Inn (later relocated a little further north and renamed the Ferry Boat Inn), providing shelter and sustenance for ferry users, and later, workers from the industries on either side of the haven. Warehouses and docking facilities were available for trading vessels, such as keels, which served the Humber Estuary and its tributaries. Prior to the arrival of the railway all the coal used in Hessle was landed at the haven for distribution.

Richard Dunston (Hessle) Ltd (1932-1994) launched a variety of vessels from its shipbuilding yard at Hessle Haven, including tugs, barges, Nile steamers and specialist craft for the Ministry of Defence. Competition from overseas forced the closure of the yard.

In 2025, the haven offers repair facilities for coastal craft. Waste recycling is also undertaken and vessels call here to take away scrap materials.

Hessle Local History Society: Link
The Hessle - Barton Ferry: Link