Why it was better in "Brid"

The mid 19th Century saw Bridlington starting to develop as a major seaside resort.
It was at the time described as "a thriving market town." Neighbouring Bridlington Quay was said to be a "celebrated and flourishing bathing place and seaport."
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In the reign of Henry 1 Walter de Gant, one of the barons of William the Conqueror, founded a priory for canons of the Order of St Augustine, dedicatedto the Virgin Mary.
One old record said; "The priory commanded a fine sea prospect and continued to flourish through a succession of ages, but in the reign of Henry V111 it shared the fate of other religious houses and William Woode. The last prior was executed in the year 1538 on a charge of having engagedin the rebellion in the North and East Riding which succeeded the Pilgrimageof Grace."
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Bridlington once had a knitting school where 12 girls were taught how to read and knit. It was endowed by William Bower with £200 a year of which £13 6s. 8d was paid to the mistressand a weekly sum of 10d to each of the girkls.
The remaining part of the income, after paying for repairs, was distributed to them on NewYear's Day.
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Bridlington Quay or port was in 1845 described as "a pleasant and healthful sea bathing place with ample accommodations for the numerous visitors who resort hither during the bathing season."
The report, written in 1846, continued: "The principal street which opens to the harbour is remarkably spacious.
"The harbour is formed by two piers...the new North Pier, finished in 1842 at the cost of £80,000, is 210 yards long and, having a convenient platform, furnishes an agreeable promenade.
"The South Pier, commenced in July 1844, is to be 1,530 feet long and the estimated cost is £37,000. The harbour presents the striking phenomenon of an ebbing and flowing spring of fine fresh water sufficient to supply the whole navy of England. This copious fountain was discovered in 1811 and about a quarter of a mile north west of of the Quay is a Chalybeate Spring resembling those of Scraborough and Cheltenham but less purgative. Warm and cold baths are provided in rooms replete with coinveniences and the facilities for acquatic excursions are afforded in every variety.

Written by The Editor - 08/10/2002 18:42:49

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