Find out more about British history and heritage in Bridlington town. Visit the Bayle and Museum near Bridlington Priory in the Old Town....
The Bayle, or Bayle Gate, was originally the main gatehouse to Bridlington Priory
It is now a museum, and an integral and attractive part of the historic Old Town quarter.
History of the Bayle
The Bayle we see now dates from the 14th Century, although it is likely that there was a gatehouse building of some kind on the site, right from the time the Priory was begun in 1113.
After 1388 the the original building of the Bayle became taller with defensive fortifications.
The Bayle had a courtroom, (after it's 14th Century improvements). A court was held here by the Prior of Bridlington every 3 weeks.
Part of the Bayle was also a prison for petty criminals - prisoners who had committed serious crimes were sent to York.
In 1537/8 Bridlington Priory was almost completely destroyed, with the 'Dissolution of the Monasteries'. Luckily the Bayle gatehouse was still left standing, although it was no longer part of the Priory.
At this time the bailiff took over the courtroom duties from the Prior.
In 1630, the Bayle came into the ownership of the 'Lords Feoffees' - a group of 13 men of the town, who governed the town through a 'Manorship'.
The Bayle is still the meeting place of the 'Lords Feoffees', who still govern manorial property in Bridlington, and look after the interests of the Bayle.
In 1636 (until 1826) a Grammar School for Boys was established in the Bayle.
The Bayle Today
Today the Bayle Gate is a museum.
The building itself is an impressive building. It is a Grade 1 listed building, and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The museum is run by the 'Bayle Museum Charity'. It has lots of information about:
the history of Bridlington,
local artefacts,
lifesize figures and reconstructions,
a lovely collection of dolls,
interactive exhibits
The Bayle Gate Museum is open during Summer only:
May-September
Mon-Fri 10-4
Admission Costs (as at time of writing December 2009):
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