There is currently a problem as the laptop will not upload pictures so am going to write this without any of the half-dozen photos taken of St. Peter’s church, Wawne. This church is open to the public until 4pm most days so checking it out is well worthwhile. The suggested walk is a circular route which, until recently, I had not done for some years. Starting at the church walk west through the village, angling left just before the primary school and continuing down a rural lane to the River Hull bank. Although the village is mostly post-war housing some properties were originally almshouses and estate cottages, although much changed in some instances. Wawne was then a semi-estate village in the 19th century but not a ‘closed’ village.
Once on the River bank walk up stream as far as a detached house beside the bank with some signage re Wawne Ferry. Here, until the early 20th century, was one of the many short ferry crossing points along the River Hull, there then being no bridges between North Bridge, Hull and Weel Bridge near Beverley. There are one or two black and white early photos of the ferry at Wawne and seemingly it was a plank raft type ferry ‘boat’ probably punted across the River with a guide rope. As the River is tidal here getting across would be tricky, even though a short distance.
At this point turn inland along another rural lane which then leads back into the village.
Although for years now the housing sprawl of Kingswood has spread closer to the village of Wawne, indeed looking south from the churchyard two/three fields away the housing seems poised to attack like an advancing army. However Wawne is in the East Riding which may make further housing spread a problem. Despite this Wawne is a remarkably quiet village as there is no through traffic, this giving it a relaxed feel like in villages on the high Wolds.
Wawne church – see next blog.