This book tells the story of the making of Grimsby. It describes how the town grew 'on the ground' and so helps to explain Grimsby's present-day physical character. The story is an intriguing one and includes colourful controversies and conflicts that influenced the town's development.

The story begins with the Viking foundation of Grimsby. Then, in the years after the Norman Conquest the town became a successful trading community and port. This was followed by a long period of decline. The town's fortunes were revived with the coming of the railway in 1848 and the constructions of an extensive dock system. There then followed a massive increase in trade, and the foundation of the port's modern fishing industry. In the process, it attracted immigration. This new population needed somewhere to live. Consequently, land was quickly covered with houses.

The long-term effect of this period of extensive and intensive building – which is described in this book – was to determine to a large extent the shape and character of the modern town.