Two hundred years ago, the place now known as Goole was little more than flat, marshy land beside the River Ouse. There was no town, no high street, and no docks. Yet in 1826, a single business decision set in motion the creation of one of Britain’s most distinctive communities: a town deliberately built by a transport company to serve trade.
This year marks the bicentenary of Goole, founded by the Aire and Calder Navigation Company at the height of Britain’s Industrial Revolution.
A Town Born from Transport
In the early 19th century, Britain was changing fast. Canals were the lifeblood of industry, moving coal, iron, wool, and manufactured goods from inland towns to the coast. The Aire and Calder Navigation Company already controlled a vast canal network linking Yorkshire’s industrial centres, but it faced a problem: reliance on the busy and expensive port of Hull.
The solution was radical for its time. Instead of adapting an existing settlement, the company chose to build its own port — and its own town.
Goole’s docks were designed to connect canals directly to the River Ouse, giving inland manufacturers access to the North Sea and global markets. Unlike older towns that grew gradually over centuries, Goole was planned from the outset, with docks, warehouses, housing, and streets laid out to serve industry.
Read more about the town, it's history, notable residents and celebrations Goole Civic Society: Promoting heritage, history and future growth - Goole Civic Society
Community Group ‘Goole 2026’ are inviting residents to join in with a walking tour titled -
The Origins of Goole – A Pre-1826 Landscape. The walk will take you on a journey through
the location of Goole’s oldest surviving buildings, explore the early history of the Lowther
Hotel and the development of Goole by the time of its opening in July 1826.
Pre-booking for the tour is required A maximum of 25 People can attend. The event takes
place from 13.30pm to 15.30pm on Saturday 20 th July. To book please email
gooleis200@gmail.com or telephone Stephen on 07867 547932