Before 1850 or so, the High Street and its surrounding streets, alleys and ginnels (called yards) housed all the people and life of the town of Bridlington – shops, businesses, workshops, markets, grand houses, and crowded tenements. After the arrival of the railway in the 1840s and the growth of the seaside holiday trade, economic activity gradually shifted to the area round the harbour – to what we now know as the town centre. As a result, the Old Town has retained most of its historic buildings and special atmosphere. The High Street has many historic buildings dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries built on much older foundations.
Bridlington Old Town – Events
Visit the Bridlington Old Town website for up-to-date information about events taking place in Bridlington Old Town, including the annual Old Town 1940s Summer Festival and Secret Gardens of Old Town.
Linda Ellis has written a book, ‘A Snapshot of High Street Bridlington’, and signed copies of this at Bridlington’s Old Town Gallery during the Heritage Open Day 2015.
Sarah Macmillan, an individual film-maker and photographer based in Scarborough who specialises in heritage events, made a short film which records some of the day’s events and tries to capture the great atmosphere of the Old Town during the 1940s Summer Festival. Please click here to enjoy the film.
Video – Bridlington Old Town Association
An excellent video celebrating the Old Town has been made by the Bridlington Old Town Association. Please click the play button to watch!