The Sikh Gurdwara's in Hull
The History of Sikh Gurdwaras in Hull
The history of the Sikh community in Hull is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering faith. What began as a very small community of pioneering Sikh families has grown over the decades into an established and valued part of the city's diverse cultural heritage.
The First Sikh Community in Hull
During the early 1970s, fewer than a handful of Sikh families were living in Hull. Despite their small numbers, these early pioneers came together to create a place where they could worship, support one another, and preserve their faith and traditions.
Among the founding members of this community was Sewa Singh Gola, whose dedication and commitment played a significant role in establishing Sikh life within the city.
Hull's First Gurdwara (1974)
Research indicates that Hull's first gurdwara opened in approximately 1974 at 35 St George's Road. This modest property became the city's first Sikh place of worship and served a congregation of around 15 members.
Although small in size, the gurdwara represented far more than simply a building. It became the spiritual and social centre of Hull's emerging Sikh community, providing a place for prayer, religious celebrations, and mutual support during a time when very few Sikhs lived in the city.
Unfortunately, only a few years after opening, the property suffered from severe ground subsidence and was deemed unsuitable for continued use. The building was eventually demolished, and the site now forms part of the playground of St George's Primary School. Historic maps continue to identify the original plot on which the first gurdwara once stood.
The Second Gurdwara – Somerset Street (1978)
Following the loss of the first gurdwara, Hull City Council worked closely with members of the Sikh community to identify an alternative premises.
Research indicates that the Council offered the community a former telephone exchange building on Somerset Street. Historical records suggest this building occupied the plot associated with No. 8 Somerset Street, although subsequent redevelopment incorporated both Nos. 8 and 6 Somerset Street, creating what later became known as 6A Somerset Street.
While it has not been conclusively established whether the gurdwara occupied No. 8 or the later designation of No. 6A, research confirms that it was located on this particular plot of land.
The former telephone exchange was converted by members of the Sikh community into Hull's second gurdwara. Contemporary research and newspaper articles indicate that it officially opened in October 1978.
As Hull's Sikh population gradually increased, the congregation also grew, with approximately 50 worshippers regularly attending services.
The Somerset Street gurdwara served the community until around 1982, when the building was once again considered no longer fit for purpose and had to be vacated.
Years Without a Permanent Gurdwara
Following the closure of the second gurdwara, Hull's Sikh community faced a particularly difficult period. Establishing another permanent place of worship proved challenging, while employment opportunities remained limited for many families. As a result, the size of the local Sikh community temporarily declined.
Despite these challenges, Sewa Singh Gola remained steadfast in his faith. Having previously lived in Doncaster during the early 1960s, where he regularly attended the gurdwara on Cherry Tree Road, he continued travelling between Hull and Doncaster each week in order to worship. His dedication reflected the determination of many early Sikhs to maintain their religious identity despite the absence of a local gurdwara.
The Third Gurdwara – Parkfield Drive (1992)
For almost a decade, Hull had no permanent gurdwara until a new place of worship was established in 1992 on Parkfield Drive.
The building had previously served as both a Jewish synagogue and later a dance school before being acquired and converted into a Sikh gurdwara.
By this time, Hull's Sikh community had grown significantly, with approximately 150 members regularly attending services and community events. The opening of the Parkfield Drive gurdwara marked a major milestone in the continued development of Sikh life in Hull, providing the community with a permanent spiritual home once again.
The Sikh Community Today
Research suggests that there are now approximately 400 Sikhs connected to the Hull area. Of these, just over 200 are permanent residents, while the remaining population consists of students, temporary workers, and individuals living in the city on short-term visas, causing the overall number to fluctuate throughout the year.
Today, the Sikh community continues to make a valuable contribution to the social, cultural, and economic life of Hull while preserving the traditions established by the city's earliest Sikh pioneers.
Plans for a New Gurdwara
As the Sikh community in Hull has continued to grow, plans have been developed to establish a new gurdwara for the city.
In 2017, land was purchased on Bedford Street, near Mount Pleasant, on the site formerly occupied by ITS Welding. Plans were put forward to develop a new gurdwara on the site. However, due to unforeseen complications, the project did not proceed. (link)
A few years later, an alternative site was secured, and work towards establishing a new gurdwara has continued. The project remains ongoing and forms part of the continued development of the Sikh community in Hull. (link)
Preserving Hull's Sikh Heritage
The story of Hull's gurdwaras is one of perseverance, faith, and community spirit. From a congregation of around 15 worshippers meeting in a modest house on St George's Road to today's thriving Sikh community, each chapter reflects the determination of those early pioneers who worked tirelessly to establish Sikhism within the city.
Among those pioneers was Sewa Singh Gola, whose commitment, leadership, and unwavering faith helped lay the foundations for Sikh life in Hull. His legacy continues to inspire ongoing research, community projects, and efforts to preserve this important chapter of Hull's history for future generations.