Holderness Drain, East Yorkshire [92 photos] :: Geograph Britain and Ireland

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Holderness Drain, East Yorkshire

Holderness Drain is a flood alleviation scheme to mitigate regular Winter flooding, where a meandering watercourse called ‘fleet’ per the Marfleet Enclosure Plan of 1766, was straightened. Its original course delineated the boundary between the parishes of Southcoates and Marfleet in today’s Kingston upon Hull. Its southernmost point then was the Humber Bank abutting the Humber Estuary. Following the construction of Alexandra Dock and King George Dock, it continues to flow into the estuary, but further south than hitherto. Construction began in 1764, with the outlet at the Humber finally authorised in 1832. For a detailed history, see Wikipedia: Link

The Holderness Drain History and Wildlife Trail, completed 2025, is an integral part of Hull’s Dynamic Drains project, which aims to improve the city’s urban watercourses, boost wildlife habitats and encourage people to connect with their natural environment. Along the way people can find out more about the local history from a signboard at each of the 12 bridges crossing the drain and spot some wildlife native to the location. From north to south, the bridges are located at: 1: North’s Bridge, East Carr Road Link 2: Saltshouse Road Link 3: Holderness Road Link 4: Marfleet Lane Link 5: Maybury Road Link 6: Portobello Street Link 7: Preston Road Link 8: St John’s Grove Link 9: Former Withernsea branch railway Link 10: Hedon Road Link 11: Footpath/cycleway near Corporation Road Link 12: Humber Estuary tidal doors Link Vickerman’s Bridge, between nos. 8 and 9, no longer exists, but the supports remain on both banks.

Further reading:
Kingston upon Hull City Council: Link

Environment Agency: Link

by Bernard Sharp

Created: Tue, 24 Dec 2024, Updated: Sat, 12 Jul 2025

92 images use this description. Preview sample shown below:

TA1330 : Holderness Drain, Kingston upon Hull: History and Wildlife Trail by Bernard Sharp

2025

TA1328 : East Hull Pumping Station, Kingston upon Hull by Bernard Sharp

2025

TA1333 : Holderness Drain, Kingston upon Hull: History and Wildlife Trail by Bernard Sharp

2025

TA1330 : Holderness Drain, Kingston upon Hull by Bernard Sharp

2024

TA1332 : Holderness Drain, Kingston upon Hull by Bernard Sharp

2024

TA1331 : Holderness Drain, Kingston upon Hull by Bernard Sharp

2024

TA1328 : Holderness Drain, Kingston upon Hull by Bernard Sharp

2020

TA1331 : Marfleet Lane, Kingston upon Hull by Bernard Sharp

2017

TA1128 : Humber Estuary by Bernard Sharp

2017

TA1329 : Holderness Drain, Kingston upon Hull by Bernard Sharp

2015

2013

TA1333 : Holderness Drain, Kingston upon Hull by Bernard Sharp

2010

... and 67 more images.

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