History Around Hull

 

Hi, I am Penny Smith, reporting for Old News. The Maisters, one of the richest families in Hull who had only been established since the 16^th century, made their money from trading wine, seeds, but mainly iron. They did business with some of the biggest landed families including the wealthiest members of the East Riding aristocracy, including the Hoplands family and the Sykes family who have bought into government stocks.

Despite the enormous merchant house success it was marred by considerable tragedy and on Tuesday the 13^th of April 1743, a fire broke out, set to engulf the family home on the High Street. Let’s talk to the Maisters in person:

Sir, what happened!? I don’t know - I heard everyone screaming, I can’t believe it is on fire! Where is my wife? Elizabeth! I am so glad you’re all right! Elizabeth how do you feel about losing your mother and two brothers. I am still in a state of shock, everything happened so fast. I feel so guilty, I heard the baby crying in the nursery but I just ran away, I was scared but I thought the nurse would get him. I can’t believe it, my family home and prestige all gone, I am sorry.

Sir, do you think you will be able to rebuild the home you once had? Of course, we are survivors, we will build it bigger and better we will live much, much better, I have to go. Thank you sir.

After the fire Henry Maister immediately began rebuilding on the same site in the High Street, which is the building now occupied by the National Trust. Henry Maister died on 11 December 1744, never fully recovering, with a broken heart from his unbearable loss.

Through Maister House we will remember the Maisters.