Bridlington
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Bridlington_sunrise2000_joshtek_big.jpg
Bridlington is a town in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It has a population of over 32,000 (expanding greatly in the summer months) and is twinned with Millau, France and Bad Salzuflen, Germany.
It is a seaside resort and minor seaport on the North Sea. It lies just south of the promontory of Flamborough Head.
The town grew up a mile away from the sea around the abbey of Bridlington Priory. A small harbour and fishing port grew up where the Gypsey Race runs into the sea. Here in 1643 Queen Henrietta Maria landed with troops to support the Royalist cause in the English Civil War. Bridlington's first hotel was opened in 1805 and it soon became a popular holiday resort for industrial workers from West Yorkshire. Bridlington's popularity has declined with the industrial north and the popularity of cheap foreign holidays.
Bridlington is served by the Bridlington Free Press, and Yorkshire Coast Radio broadcasts from the town
The MP for Bridlington is Greg Knight (Conservative) who represents the East Yorkshire constituency.
Burlington, New Jersey (and subsequently, Burlington County, New Jersey), is named after it
Various
Bridlington's biggest claim to fame is that it is within spitting distance (literally) of Kingston Upon Hull, which is, according to the News of the World, known as 'Hell on Earth'.
One of it's districts, Flamborough, is famous for it's seven mile long headland, Flamborough Head, and it's dramatic views. Dane's Dyke, a 2 1/2 mile long prehistoric manmade dyke cuts through Flamborough and dates back the Bronze Age and, despite it's name, was not made by Danes. It was excavated by Major-General Augustus Pitt-Rivers in 1879 and Bronze Age arrowheads were found. It features excellent trails for both bikes and the public and has also been used by devil worshippers, although use of the dyke by said people has been heavily cracked down on in recent years.
Another attraction for visitors to the area is Bempton Cliffs. RSPB Bempton Cliffs is a nature reserve frequented by avid bird watchers and is a popular breeding ground for the Northern Gannet and Atlantic Puffin of which there are thousands along the cliffs.
A major attraction is the Prioy Church in the old town; With a good sounding ring of 8 bells (Tenor approx 24cwt) but with a long draft (last time I ran there anyway) and a large 4 manual organ boasting the widest 'scaled' 32ft reed (Contra Tuba) in the UK.
External links
- Bridlington Town Council (http://www.bridlington.gov.uk/)
- Local newspaper (http://www.bridlingtontoday.co.uk/)
- The Priory - St. Mary's, Bridlington (http://www.bridlingtonpriory.co.uk/welcome.shtml)