Story Street, Kingston upon Hull

Image: © Bernard Sharp Taken: 5 Mar 2014

In the 19th century many buildings in larger towns had a coal hole in the pavement to allow the coal merchant to empty his sacks into the coal bunker, which was often in the cellar at the front of the house, without the need to enter the house. The hole was normally between 30 and 60 cm in diameter and was lined by a cast-iron ring and covered by a cast-iron plate. This often advertised the name of the maker. They were normally given a raised pattern to prevent slipping and some include glass or concrete panels. Covers are more common from the 1860s onwards but became redundant after the implementation of the Clean Air Acts. This 'Safety Plate, Improved' design is one of three similar surviving covers of its type in the pavement serving the former houses on the west side of Story Street, built 1796-1803, and at Nos.17 to 30 Albion Street, built 1795-97.

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