Flamborough Head

Flamborough Head projects into the North Sea from the Yorkshire coast, a conspicuous promontory of high chalk cliffs between Filey and Bridlington bays. Fishermen launched their small boats from beaches in breaks in the cliffs, exposed to sudden changes in weather. The headland also served as a lookout: beacons stood here in 1588, ready to warn of hostile ships. A chalk lighthouse tower was built in 1674, and a new light followed in 1806 to help vessels avoid the rocks and find their way along the coast.