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Welcome to Bridlington's history section covering events and people from Bridlington's history. We thank local historian and author Mike Wilson for his help with our Bridlington history section and for documenting much of the content. Below you will find summaries of our Bridlington history corner content, simply click on the Read More button to load full information for each item or alternatively select from the menu listings below.
With over 17 million dead, and 20 million wounded; the scale of the tragedy created by the First World War is perhaps indescribable. It is hardly surprising that portrayals of this conflict are almost always affected by the sadness and emotion that follows with such an enormous loss of life...
Some truly magnificent historic collections of items from bygone times are built up by antiquarians, but unfortunately they are all too easily lost, destroyed or split up and sold if the collector loses interest or dies.
Staff at the East Riding Archives at the Treasure House in Beverley come across...
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It seems as though extreme rainfall is characterising our weather more and more these days.
Maybe that's a misconception, but the fact remains that flood damage is a major problem for all too many people, and here in the Archives at the Treasure House in Beverley, some captivating historic images...
Are you still trying to overcome that lingering cough or cold from the new year, which just won't go away in spite of all the medicines money can buy? Well, if you were to walk into your local archives instead of the local chemists, you would find one or two...
Stunning pictures of birds produced by Benjamin Fawcett, a renowned 19th century bookseller, stationer and printer who was based in Driffield, are highlighted in rare books available to view at the Treasure House in Beverley.Benjamin Fawcett performed the engravings and printing work for the much-celebrated Victorian book 'A History of...
Tightening the purse strings during times of economic downturn is nothing new.
Throughout the ages, people have always tried to cut down their spending when the going gets tough, especially at Christmas, when people feel it the hardest. But somehow, we always pull through, and ensure that we have a...
It is safe to say that there isn't a schoolboy or girl in East Yorkshire that hasn't heard of or used a computer, or indeed the internet. They simply can't remember a time when computers weren't a vital part of people's lives and, for those of us who do recall...
With the nationwide release this week of the much anticipated movie 'Dad's Army', all eyes are on Bridlington and other parts of the East Riding that acted as filming locations for the fictional Walmington on Sea.
The famous drill hall, where the classic characters of Dad's Army regularly assemble in the...
Swimming or bathing in the sea is an activity we take very much for granted nowadays; we can paddle liberally into the sea in our trunks, bikini, or even mankini, without any concern, save perhaps for whether or not our bodies are 'beach ready'.
But oh, how things have changed,...
This month we celebrate 200 years since the Battle of Waterloo, that famous victory over the 'old enemy' France. As a nation we tend to revel in the rivalry between ourselves and the French. Thankfully, today this is a friendly rivalry but nevertheless we still enjoy drawing comparisons between our...
Bridlington's professional golfer introduces "How to Play Bridlington Golf Course":
"On many occasions members and visitors at this club have asked me how I should play a certain hole, both from their point of view and my own.
"I have written in this book the most satisfactory way, in...
Proclamation of King Edward VIII - 1936
This is the letter sent from George Melvin, Town Clerk, informing members of the Council of the Proclamation of King Edward VIII. It is dated 22nd January, 1936, and was sent from the Town Hall, Bridlington.
The letter reads: I have to inform...
National Union of Railwaymen's 50th Anniversary Conference
This small production is the Agenda for the National Union of Railwaymen for the Fiftieth National Joint Conference of Shunters, Guards and Chargemen Shunters held at The Spa Royal Hall, Bridlington, on Friday and Saturday, 1st and 2nd June, 1984.
The signature on...
RYYC Centenary Dinner
The Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club held their Centenary Dinner (1847-1847) at the Alexandra Hotel, Bridlington, on Saturday, 26th April, 1947.
Menu:
Hors d'Oeuvres Varies or Creme Princesse
Poulet de Grain Roti, Sauce Pain, Puree de Epinards, Petits pois Sautes
Trifle a L' Anglaise or Flan aux Pommes
Cafe
Toasts were...
British Transport Commission, Bridlington
Second Annual Staff Dinner
Saturday, 29th October, 1955, at Oberon Restaurant
The menu was:
Cream of Tomato Soup
Roast ChickenStuffing, Bread SauceChoice of two VegetablesCreamed and Baked Potatoes
Fruit Tar
Biscuits and Cheese
Coffee
These advertisements were included: Cameron's Strong Arm Ale, available at Seabirds Inn,...
Cigarettes
One hundred years ago, Field's Oriental Lounge were advertising a show called "Cigarettes," starring Ernest Crampton, Beatrice Edwards, Nellie Le Breton, Prudence Neville, Fred Hurdle, Harold Hurdle, Reginald Jecks and Horace Manger. It appears that the "Cigarettes" refer to the cast, who "arranged their stage as a smoking lounge,...
Carnival Queen 1930
Miss Kathleen Mary Ward was crowned Queen of the Cotton Carnival in July 1930. Seventeen-year-old Kathleen was carried on a golden throne in a procession through the town from Old Town to Royal Prince's Parade. Horrockses of Manchester featured largely in the event, staging mannequin parades and...
From Bridlington Free Press, 1st October, 1938:
Gas Masks Distributed in Bridlington
Work Carried Out Smoothly and Expeditiously
The Positioning of Various Trenches
Work in connection with Bridlington's A.R.P. arrangements began in earnest on Tuesday. Motor lorries were sent to Nottingham for sufficient gas masks for the entire population, and...
The Sketch, 6th September, 1899
The Sketch used a very similar illustration to show Minting, the trick rider, descending the spiral track on one wheel in the West Spa Gardens, Bridlington Quay.
This photograph, however, shows him...
At a meeting of the Sanitary Committee, held in the Town Hall, on Tuesday, the 20th day of February, 1912 (present, Councillor S. Dyer (in the Chair), Alderman L. Mainprize (Mayor), Aldermen Andrew and Bennett, and Councillors Hill, Nightingale and Rennard), the question of workmen's dwellings having been considered, resolved:...
The minutes of the Bridlington Royal National Life-boat Institute14th October, 1865: At a meeting of the Local Committee held the fourteenth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, at the home of J. W. Watson, Hon. Sec., the following charges were preferred against John Wallis, Coxswain of the...
Bridlington Lifeboat Service
18th/19th day of March, 1915
Date and circumstances of the case:
At 10.50pm on Thursday, March 18th, flares were seen in the Bay apparently two and a half miles south of Bridlington. I at once proceeded to Life Boat House and had the rocket fired for the...
1920 – Unbuilt War Memorial, Bridlington, Yorkshire
Architects: P. M. Andrews and H. G. Blackford
Following the end of the war in 1918, plans were made to commemorate the Bridlington's fallen with a suitable memorial. A £100 first prize was offered for the best design and over 80 designs were...
We have had a lot of excitement recently with the Tour de Yorkshire, which started off in Bridlington at 11.45am on Friday, 1st May, 2015. Thousands of people lined the streets and there was bunting and decorated cycles all over town.
But, 101 years ago, Bridlington was the venue for...
The following information was kindly provided by Sarah Hutchinson who works at Bridlington Central Library. The library has many old photos and images that we havent been able to include in the information below, however they would be very happy to provide any further information should you wish to...
Bob Carvill, Bridlington's heavyweight boxer
Local heavyweight boxer Bob Carvill was scheduled to fight in Bridlington at the T. & T. Roller Rink at 9pm on 12th July, 1930. The Bridlington fight was advertised as the finest programme ever staged in the town. Buses were to "run from all parts...
Somewhat ambitiously for Bridlington, the town was looking forward to the year 2197 when a time capsule was buried in the path leading to the Town Hall. A stone tablet marks the spot stating that the capsule was buried in 1947, marking "the beginning of the Atomic Era."
Councillor F....
The Bridlington Chronicle, Friday, 21st June, 1907
New Floral Clock on the Prince's Parade
The Mayoress sets it in motion
On Wednesday evening last a huge crowd assembled on the Royal Prince's Parade to witness the setting in motion of the new floral clock (put down on the Parade...
From: Bridlington Free Press, 25th July, 1913
The Lillie
New coble launched at Bridlington
On Saturday afternoon a large crowd assembled at the west end of the harbour at Bridlington to witness the launching of a new coble for Mr J. Tallentire, fisherman and boatman. It was built by...
BRIDLINGTON LIFEBOAT - RETURN OF SERVICE18th/19th day of March, 1915Date and circumstances of the case:At 10.50pm on Thursday, March 18th, flares were seen in the Bay apparently two and a half miles south of Bridlington. I at once proceeded to Life Boat House and had the rocket fired for the...
From Illustrated Times, 11th April, 1837
A few days since, at Bridlington, near Hull, during a strong S.E. gale, a small billyboy schooner came ashore south of the harbour of that place. She went into the bay and anchored in the afternoon. She soon dragged her anchors. Being light and...
From Bridlington Free Press & Chronicle, Friday, 4th May, 1956
Work begins on clearing Sewerby Road area
369 houses to be pulled down in five years
The appearance of parts of Bridlington will be drastically altered during the next few years as many of the old houses are demolished...
Bridlington Free Press, Friday, 8th December, 1950
Something worth queueing for? - Rather!
Some come out in triumph with the precious packages, while many more wait to get in. Yes, it was nylons. A shop in the Promenade soon had this queue when the word got round.
...Bridlington Free Press, Friday, 24th December, 1937
Lifeboat Coxswain "Branny" Welburn to retire
Long service and excellent work
Few, if any, people in Bridlington do not know the name of Ernest "Branny" Welburn and in the midlands his name as being the Coxswain of the Bridlington motor lifeboat "Stanhope Smart"...
BRIDLINGTON CRICKET CLUB
RULES
Adopted at the Annual General Meeting of Members held at the Oberon Restaurant, on Monday, March 8th, 1948.
1. The Club shall be called the "Bridlington Cricket Club."
2. The management of the Club shall be in the hands of a General Committee (hereinafter referred to...
MAYORAL DINNER
A Mayoral Dinner was held at the Alexandra Hotel, Bridliington, on Friday, 9th of September, 1932, on the occasion of Visit of the Second Destroyer Flotilla of the Home Fleet to Bridlington.The menu consisted of: Royal Natives; Consomme aux Cheveau d'Ange and Creme Reine Margot; Filet de Sole Moet et Chandon; Ris de Veau Braise Malmaison; Poulet...
From The Yorkshire Weekly Post, Saturday, 11th September, 1915
FORTUNATELY the charm of Bridlington is not due entirely to its crowds. There is accommodation for immense numbers, and numbers of people are always to be found on the sands, in the tiers of promenades, on the Prince's Parade, on...
Regal Cinema
Phil Walton was once chief projectionist at the Regal Cinema and he tells me: The cinema was opened in 1938 with a total seating capacity of 1355 (stalls: 916; circle: 439). In February 1964 it was renamed ABC, then changed to Star on 1st July 1969. The Mini...
New byelawAs a result of disturbances during cinema performances, a byelaw was passed on 30th January 1963. Phil Walton (formerly the chief projectionist at the Regal Cinema) gave me a copy:
______________________________________________________________________
BOROUGH OF BRIDLINGTON
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1933
BYELAW
for the Good Rule and Government of the Borough of...
Dates of Principal Municipal Events since the Incorporation of the Borough1899, 9th November: CHARTER DAY1901, 31st January: Proclamation of King Edward VII at Bridlington1902: Clough Bridge widened and new street named Bridge Street1902, 2nd June: Boer War Peace Celebrations1902, 9th August: Coronation (Edward VII) Festivities at Bridlington1903, 24th September: Last...
Morning Chronicle, 14th January 1830
Storm at Bridlington
Bridlington Quay, Monday morning: We have experienced a succession of bad weather here for several days past, but since Saturday it has blown a tremendous gale from the northward. About 150 sail of vessels are riding in the bay. A revenue cutter...
First Freeman of Bridlington, Cllr E. Lambert
From the Bridlington Chronicle, Friday, 4th March, 1921
The first freeman of BridlingtonHonour conferred on Councillor E. LambertPresentations at the Grand Pavilion
Yesterday (Thursday), the Grand Pavilion was the scene of the presentation of the Freedom of the Borough of Bridlington, upon Councillor...
The People's Palace, Bridlington
These paragraphs were gleaned from local newspapers of the time.
A company has been founded to buy the Rosendale Estate, on the road between Burlington and The Quay, on February 1, 1896. The share capital is £10,000, with 800 6% preference shares of £5 each and...
At noon: Her Royal Highness The Princess Mary Viscountess Lascelles, accompanied by the Right Honourable The Viscount Lascelles, K.G., D.S.O., with the Lady-in-waiting...
The South Side Sea Wall and Promenade
The inception of the development of the South Side of Bridlington took place when Messrs Whitaker Bros Ltd, of Leeds, acquired a large area of land in the ancient parish of Hilderthorpe, extending on the sea front from the Harbour to the Borough...
The Coliseum, The Promenade, Bridlington
The Coliseum was opened by the Mayor, Cllr Fenby, on Easter Monday in March 1922. The ballroom was in the basement, the floor being of rock maple, laid on 2,000 springs. The theatre could accommodate 1,200, with the seats so arranged that "the most elaborate...
An achievement by a man who made a name for himself world-wide in the early 1900s is now practically unnoticed in Bridlington. George Fiursdale Jowett had been born in Bradford, two days before Christmas day in 1891.George unfortunately fell from his mother's lap and hit a pair of fireplace irons....
In June 1998, Flamborian sailed from Bridlington harbour for the final time. The photograph shows her on her penultimate voyage. After the following trip, I was the last fare-paying passenger to leave her decks.
During the 1960's, Boys' Own was structurally altered, being refitted by Trevor Silverwood. She was then...
In 1995, I was fortunate enough to play the part of Kit Brown in "Come Hell or High Water," the Bridlington community play. The play was created with the professional help of Remould Theatre of Hull, now no more. Rupert Creed and Richard Hayhow were the writers of the...
On Sunday, 3rd September, 1961, Cliff Richard & The Shadows performed two shows on the stage at the Spa Royal Hall, Bridlington. These photographs were taken from the front row with a Voigtlander 35mm using Iford HPS black and white film, processed at the town's Books outlet. In 1999 the...
Three B's Theatre Bar followed the Grand Pavilion on the site that was later Leisure World, but is now empty ground awaiting the construction of the next venue for Bridlington attractions. I was there for the opening of Leisure World, but I wonder if I'll still be around...
This church held a bazaar over three days, beginning on Tuesday, 1st October, 1906. A 94-page book was produced which lists events, photographs of personnel involved and page after page of recipes for savouries, puddings, cakes and buns.
The church is not identified as the cover to the booklet...
Bridlington High School
for Girls
Presentation of the Organ by Miss Drummond
Tuesday, September 22nd, 1936
at 6pm
Signed by Edward C. Bairstow
RECITAL by SIR EDWARD BAIRSTOW, Mus.Doc. PROGRAMME 1. Organ Solo: Fugue in Eb (St Ann's), Bach2. Unison Song: Let...P R O G R A M M E :
Monday, May 25th, 1935
4.00am Leave Bridlington (Breakfast on train)10.09am Arrive Edinburgh. Party proceeds to Edinburgh Castle, where the various historical rooms will be inspected11.20am Leave Castle and proceed to St Giles' Cathedral, and then to11.55am City Chambers, where...
BOROUGH OF BRIDLINGTON
ELECTRICITY WORKS
Staff at the electricity generating station on Brett Street. Bowler equals boss; flat cap equals worker. Workers are standing; senior staff are sitting. 'The lad' holds the cat. The Corporation station opened in 1905, creating power until 1936, when electricity was supplied by the...
BANK: BRIDLINGTON QUAY
This illustration is taken from The Builder, 23rd June, 1900. It shows the design by Messrs Demaine & Brierley, architects, for the frontage of York City & County Banking Coy. Limited in King Street, completed in 1899.
The magazine states: "The key plan shows the arrangement...
From: Current Architecture
Bridlington Grammar School
This school, which was opened in 1899, provided accommodation for a hundred boys, thirty of whom were boarders, with the head-master's house at the south end of the building. The part then erected ended northward with the central hall.
The plans were designed...
From: The Architect, 20th July, 1878
ST ANNE'S ORPHANAGE AND CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL
BRIDLINGTON QUAY
These premises, when finished, are intended to accommodate 150 inmates; at present only a portion is completed. As the building has been erected by public subscriptions, the funds did not allow of the whole scheme,...
From: The Architect, 27th December, 1879
NONCONFORMIST CHURCHES
The Nonconformist Church, Bridlington, belongs to the Baptist denomination. The cost of this church was £2,900, and it will seat on the ground floor and one gallery 603 persons.
From The Architect, 6th February, 1874
Design for new Church at...
From: The Building News, 4th September, 1903
ROYAL PRINCES' PARADE, BRIDLINGTON
The Corporation of Bridlington propose extending the Princes' Parade northwards and erecting thereon a new pavilion to accommodate about 2,000 persons. The buiding is octagonal, and has a raised gallery internally on the western side facing the sea....
From The Building News, No. 3424, 20th August, 1920
SANDS COTTAGE ESTATE
BRIDLINGTONThis Yorkshire building enterprise is in the hands of a private synndicate, and the site comprises thirty-six acres situate about a mile to the north of Bridlington, on the Flamborough Road. The homes are standardised, and...
From The Building News, No. 3424, 20th August, 1920
Alexandra Hotel, Bridlington, Yorks
New Extensions
The present hotel, which occupies a commanding position on the sea front on this East Coast resort, has a frontage of 128 feet; by the proposed extensions this will be increased to 362 feet....
ANNO REGNI
GEORGII
R E G I S
Magna Britanniae, Franciae, & Hiberniae
QUINTO
At the Parliament Begun and Holden at Westminster, the seventeenth Day of March, Anno Dom. 1714, in the First Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord GEORGE, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain,...
Anno primoGeorgii Regis
An Act to Revive and Continue an Act of the Eighth and Ninth Years of the Reign of His late Majesty King William, for Repair of the Piers of Bridlington alias Burlington in the East-Riding of the County of York.
WHEREAS by an Act made in...
Anno RegniGULIELMI IIIREGISAngliae, Scotiae, Franciae, & HiberniaeOctavo & Nono
At the Parliament begun at Westminster, the Two and twentieth Day of November, Anno Dom. 1695. In the Seventh Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord WILLIAM the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Scotland, France,...
From Bridlington Quay and Neighbourhood by Thomas CapePrinted and published at Furby's 'Observer' Offices, King Street. 1877Timber-Eating Insects in the HarbourA peculiar cause of injury to the jettying and other wood-work in the harbour arises from a small but destructive insect.In a chapter headed "Indirect injuries caused by insects," in...
Day of disaster
A Grimsby trawler in service as minesweeper Lord Airedale sank in a storm at Bridlington on 18th March 1915. She was eventually refloated and brought into harbour. The photograph (right) is dated 6th April. The lower photograph shows the vessel beyond the breaking waves.The sinking of the...
From Bridlington Quay and Neighbourhood by Thomas CapePrinted and published at Furby's 'Observer' Offices, King Street. 1877Bridlington's Archery ButtsShooting with the cross-bow as well as with the long-bow was among the most popular pastimes in former days, but in the fifth year of the reign of Edward IV, an Act...
On the last day of 1921, Isaac Walter Clarkson, James Alexander Wrightson and John James Shaw were busy in Kirkgate near the Bayle Gate in the demolition of old houses to improve the approaches to the Priory.Clarkson struck a white earthenware jar, releasing a hoard of gold coins: 43...
Frederick Strickland
Readers may well have heard of the name Strickland. One of the Stricklands – William – is credited with bringing the turkey to England in the mid-1500s following his voyages of exploration in America.
But what about Frederick? What is his claim to fame? Frederick's father was Sir...
During Anglo-Saxon times, there was only a small settlement here instead of a town. Bridlington was known as Beohrtel's ton - the farm belonging to Beohrtel. Nearby was Sewerby - which has a Viking name meaning Siward's farm or village.During 2009, this finial of a copper-alloy pin was found in a...
Railway man fasts for 50 daysA story from the Bridlington Free Press of July 1932 tells of the 50-day fast by Alfred Wilson, a railway porter from Stockport.After a fast of 70 days the previous year, Mr Wilson undertook this feat for a wager of £200.He spent his fifty days...
A Bridlington World War Two story that might not be very well known is that of pilot Albert Richard August Van Hecke. Albert was a 28-year-old Belgian who had escaped from Begium when it was occupied by the Germans.
On arrival in the UK, Albert joined 349 (Belgian) Squadron. He...
Mention Christmas and most of us instantly think of receiving presents, but if we stop and think for a while, we should also remember that the spirit of Christmas is about giving. As well as giving and receiving presents from within our circle of family and friends, it's a time...
The sun, whose rays are all ablaze with ever living glory,Rises each day across our Bay, and Bridlington's true storyIs often told in waves of gold. "Bright Bridlington" we name her,And if her fame exceed her name, well, I for one don't blame her.
These are the opening words...
Are these images a glance of what could be at Bridlington harbour and in the surrounding area? These visions were on public show in November 2014. This contribution is merely a personal look at the pieces and is in no way official. The wording is mine and I hope all...
On 6th December, 1957, Printers Ink made a reappearance. The free newspaper was first published in 1928 and "continued to interest the public of Bridlington until the Spring of 1940. Then, owing to the severe wartime restrictions on the supply of paper, Printers Ink was discontinued."
Seven thousand copies...
Many years ago, when I had the desire to be a "reporter," I was fortunate enough to visit the Roman remains at Rudston. I say "reporter," because the word "journalist" was far too up-market for the likes of me.I spent a mere few weeks with the editorial department of the...
Bridlington: Yorkshire's Boating ResortBridlington's appeal: Its Unfailing Vivacity
According to a well-known witticism, it is futile to take coals to Newcastle. A simile would be to attempt to introduce the name of Bridlington to the great holiday-making public of, say, Yorkshire and Lancashire. Most people, however, are at least familiar...
Second Lieutenant Topham Becher Dabridgecourt Hough, 8th East Yorkshire Regiment.
During October 2012, a box of World War One letters was re-discovered during reorganisation at Bridlington School. On 18th October, I emailed the School offering to create a book of the letters and Humanities teacher Roy Horobin became an enthusiastic...
These old car photographs are part of a collection of ephemera from the Madden family of Bridlington. The same distinguished looking gentleman appears in four of the five. It has been discovered that the owner of this car is John Vere Kinsley, a Bridlington coal merchant. This car, a 1903...
The Floral Hall on Flamborough Road basking in the sun. But . . . in 1923 . . .
this fire destroyed the Hall. The smoke is drifting north towards Trinity Church . . .
. . . which is just discernible in the background. The notice...
At Bridlington-Quay, on 3rd November, 1808, at a general meeting of the principal Ship-Owners, Merchants, Master-Mariners,and other Inhabitants of the PORT & NEIGHBOURHOOD OF BRIDLINGTON, the following resolutions were unanimously passed:1. That LORD VISCOUNT GALWAY be requested to take the chair.2. That this meeting has, for many years, observed with deep concern...
The Sketch, 10th August, 1898
Towards the far southern end of the sea wall in Bridlington, five Norwegian-style chalets were built by Whitakers in 1898. The Sketch for 10th August that year shows a photograph of the first property with the explanation: "Among the curious houses in this country...
This is the wooden switchback railway which operated ifrom 1888. The horses and carts are likely to contain countryfolk from the surrounding villages, many of whom travelled to Bridlington for their holidays that way. Sometimes, the horses were 'dressed' and competitions were held for the 'best-dressed horses.' The estate was...
According to an old document I have, there was a good choice of public drinking houses in the town in 1845.
In the Old Town these have long since disappeared:
Baylegate: Scarborough Castle
Church Green: George and Dragon
High Street: Admiral Nelson, Admiral Parker, Buck Inn, Cross Keys, Horses and...
There are often disputes about what BBB stands for and I'd like to provide some evidence for its correct interpretation.
From Bridlington Quay and Neighbourhood by Thomas Cape; printed and published at Furby's 'Observer' Offices, King Street. 1877. "The arms of the town, in heraldic language, are party per pale,...
SIX LOCAL LIFEBOATMEN drowned, scores of other seamen lost and up to thirty vessels destroyed. These bare facts alone cannot fully express the drama in Bridlington during that dreadful February day which witnessed The Great Gale in 1871.Two days before, the eighth, dawn was clear and calm. Hundreds of...
Herman Darewski, a Russian musician, was Bridlington's Director of Music 1924-1926 and 1933-1939. Herman put Bridlington on the map as a dance resort.
Herman Darewski and his Dances caused concern in the town when landladies were up in arms as he kept their guests out after 10pm.
...
This list gives some of the important dates in the life of the Spa Royal Hall & Theatre. Some items are there because of the personal interest of the writer.1895 The Bridlington Spa Gardens and Estate company established1896 Construction started on sea wall, and was completed in 11 weeks. The...
Radio 270 was to be a radio station for Yorkshire. A group of northern businessmen decided to set up an offshore commercial radio station.The vessel Oceaan Vll was purchased in February 1966 with the intention of broadcasting on 1st April, 1966. However, the start was cancelled due to the non-arrival...
I have always been fascinated by the story of Robert Fowler and his ship Woodhouse.I have collected these extracts telling how he sailed to America with a group of Quakers. I try to use original quotes when recording the histories I am interested in. This is so I do not...
On 6th October 1846, the railway from Hull was opened at Bridlington. The first train to enter the town had 66 carriages drawn by three engines, the Ariel, Hudson and Antelope. On board were two bands of musicians, and 2,000 people were at the station to welcome it. Later a...
Queen Street and Queen's Square, Bridlington, are not just named after just any queen. One queen actually stayed in the town, long ago in 1643. I have always been fascinated with the story of Queen Henrietta Maria. Did you know that one of her gloves is in the Bayle Museum?...
The Eye on the Bay opened late in the summer of 2007, well after its proposed opening date. The views were tremendous and everyone should have ridden The Eye while there was opportunity to do so. Financial difficulties at the end of the 2007 season led to the wheel being...
The Light Railways Act, 1896, allowed interested parties to set up light railways, and Bridlington featured in two Acts, one in 1897, the second in 1898.The first was the Flamborough and Bridlington Light Railways Order, 1897, which authorised the construction of light railways between those two places.There were four...
In the mid-1970s, the Bridlington Free Press changed its format from broadsheet to tabloid. At around the same time newspapers were casting aside traditional hot-metal composition in favour of computerised typesetting, before the final change-over to page make-up on computer monitors.At the same time, Emmerdale Farm, one of ITV's popular...
One evening in January 1865, a Bridlington tailor, Mr John William Postill, noticed a group of fishermen struggling to read by the light of a storm lantern. Shortly afterwards he rented a small cottage in Cliff Street, a few yards from the harbour slipway, and allowed the men to read...
This is one of the stories that I enjoy about Bridlington. I admire immensely the men of the sea and all that they have to do to survive on the treacherous waters. That a Bridlington man should have sailed into Arctic waters only to find Sir John Ross, who...
For a small town like Bridlington, the visit of such a famous person as Sir Alan J. Cobham, KBE, AFC, was quite an occasion back in 1931.On Tuesday, 5th May, that year, Sir Alan landed at Grindale, to the north of the town, where he was met by the Mayor,...
Residents of Bridlington first heard of a vessel being named after their town in an announcement in the Bridlington Chronicle of 28th July 1939.
A small paragraph read: "Amongst the names which have been approved for certain ships of Britain's 1939 naval construction programme figures that of...
Over two centuries ago, the East Riding played host to one of the groundbreaking events that helped advance the study of astronomy and even our understanding of the universe itself. On 13 December 1795, at 3pm, a large meteorite struck near the village of Wold Newton, near Driffield. Two loud...
It is truly disappointing that the town of Bridlington has, but for a few exceptions, nothing to celebrate a man who was destined to become a saint. The man, of course, was John, from the family of Twenge. And the saint? St John of Bridlington, the last English saint before...
Immediately after the cessation of hostilities in 1918, plans were made to commemorate the town's fallen with a suitable memorial. A £100 first prize was offered for the best design and in November 1919 it was announced that the winner had been chosen. Over 80 designs were submitted, and...
Somewhat ambitiously for Bridlington, the town was looking forward to the year 2197 when a time capsule was buried in the path leading to the Town Hall.
A stone tablet marks the spot stating that the capsule was buried in 1947, "marking the beginning of the Atomic Age."
Councillor F....
At about nine o'clock on Saturday, October 20, 1906, Bridlington residents were started by a sound like the explosion of bombs and the sound of the alarm at the Electricity Works, announcing a fire.
The annual fair was in full swing on High Green [near Priory Church in Old...
WHENEVER stories of the treachery of the sea are told, that of Christopher (Kit) Brown of Bridlington must surely be among the most incredible.He lived within a stone's throw of the harbour waters in a small cottage [now demolished] at the bottom of Spring Pump Slipway. This is the sloping...
The Burlington Knitting School has long since vanished from the side of the Bayle Gate, in Bridlington's Old Town.
Founded in 1670 by Mr William Bower, the school's income was derived from a small farm at Birdsall, left in his will as a perpetual endowment.
Mr Bower's headstone reads:...
Mr John Taylor Allerston, one of Bridlington's foremost artists, died in 1914. Mr Allerston's name lives on in Bridlington for his pictures of the Great Gale of February 1871, many of which have become synonymous with that event.
The son of a draper from Old Town, he died at 86...
Regenerating of one of the East Coasts Finest Entertainment Venues
Background
Bridlington Spa is a much cherished and valued amenity in Bridlington and the East Riding of Yorkshire. The Bridlington Spa houses events of national and international repute. The functions and attractions that come to Bridlington through the doors of...
This Bridlington Priory section of the Bridlington web site is dedicated to the memory of John. W. Lamb, M.A., Ph.D. the author of the information within this section, without whom this section would not be possible.
The site upon which the Priory stands has been the scene of civilisation for...
The Bridlington timeline runs from 1072 when the Manor of Bridlington was confiscated by William the Conqueror, up to 2009 when Woolworths store closed and the local newspaper The Bridlington Free Press celebrated its 150th birthday. I have listed what I consider to be the major events in the...
