Here's another post of the Minerva Hotel. Built in the 1850's it served as the offices of one Richard Cortis an emigrant agent who was in the business of transporting hundreds of thousands mainly from Scandinavia through Hull and on to Liverpool and from there America. On arrival at Hull many ships would berth at the Steam Packet Wharf (below) adjacent to the Minerva. The male passengers were allowed to disembark and enjoy the pleasures of the town until evening when they must be back on board, women and children were kept on board until forward transport could be arranged.
Norway's declaration of a constitution on this day in 1814 may have raised nationalist passions but did nothing to stem the flow of its people to find a better life elsewhere. The figures are really quite alarming, from a population of then around 2 million in one year alone, 1884, 28,804 people left. A million or so left in the century up to 1914. Norway's loss was Hull's gain, or rather the shipping company Wilson Line's gain.
Now, of course, it's all changed and Norway is a rich and prosperous place with a high standard of living. Hull however has not fared so well, perhaps I should emigrate. Go East, old man!
Today's rather rambling post is part of City Daily Photo's Norway Constitution Day theme.
Interesting bit of history; I really should visit these lovely Scandinavian countries.
ReplyDeleteAlways fun to learn something new. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and history.
ReplyDeleteWe Norwegian usually say we all have an uncle in America.
Regards from Tania in Norway
That is fascinating, and Norwegians played such a big part in American history when they immigrated here!
ReplyDeleteNice and interesting contribution to this theme day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating tale of emigration, never realised that one.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the history of the reasons for so many to leave their homeland for other shores. Many came to this sea port city, too, and built up our timber, fishing and shipping industries, among other things. I enjoyed your photos and narrative for theme day!
ReplyDelete-Kim
This is so interesting. We always hear about the waves of emigration/immigration of people but we seldom realize the details of their journey to get to the new land.
ReplyDeleteThanks for opening my eyes.
Shalom from Jerusalem.
Great post for theme day.
ReplyDeleteAs a bit of a history buff, albeit very amateur, I thoroughly enjoyed your rambling text today, BB. Goes toward explaining the influx into the Americas. I guess this is about the same time as the massive outflow from Ireland to the Americas, also.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your contribution to the CDP Theme Day ... and for keeping me on my toes.