Hull

Huge expansion in manufacturing in West Yorkshire, sparked by the Industrial Revolution, led to the creation of a number of docks in Hull, to cope with its growing trade. At the same time, Hull’s fishing industry grew during the 19th century, as large shoals of fish were discovered off its coasts.

Whaling was also important at the beginning of the 19th century, although within fifty years this had declined.

Hull was not just a port for other west Yorkshire towns, but developed other industries such as shipbuilding, engineering, paint manufacture, flour, oil and cotton milling.