The Time Ball, a historic landmark that was once used to help ships navigate the Humber Estuary, is back in action today after 100 years. The ball, which is located on top of the Guildhall clock tower, is 196ft (60m) above ground level and was installed between 1915 -1916. It was used to signal the time to ships in the harbour by dropping at 1pm each day. The time ball was last operational in 1922, but has now been restored to its former glory thanks to a project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Hull City Council.
There are only a handful of time balls still in operation in England, and the Hull Time Ball is the only timepiece of its kind on top of a municipal building. Its restoration is a welcome addition to the city’s skyline, and it is a reminder of Hull’s rich maritime history.
With the Time Ball due to rise and fall for the first time in 100 years on Thursday, we’ve been through the archives to find snapshots of Hull from when the Time Ball was last operational. Take a look through the gallery below!
Find out more about the Time Ball and its history here: Hull’s Guildhall Time Ball to Rise and Fall Again after 100 years
