126 TIIK SEA-COAST. 



frequently; in 1837, after stormy weather, the whole was a 

 scene of ruin ; houses being destroyed, and the north pier severed 

 from the land. By the continual waste of the cliffs north of the 

 harbour, other houses are much endangered. It can hardly be 

 counted as a compensation that the same action has disclosed on 

 this side of the harbour undoubted tertiary deposits, in the spot 

 where, following Professor Sedgwick's hint in 1821, I had often 

 sought for them in vain. Mr. Bean obtained from them in 

 1835 many marine remains which have considerable analogy to 

 the fossils of the Norfolk Crag. 



Bridlington or Flamborough seems to have the justest claim 

 to be regarded as the site of the Roman Prsetorium ; the ancient 

 road leading directly to York (Eburacum) may still be followed 

 across the high wolds. The great bay, in the deep part of 

 which, under the shelter of Flamborough Head, Bridlington 

 Quay is placed, is generally thought to be the well-havened bay 

 of Ptolemy, but this honour is also claimed for Filey Bay. 



The Priory of Bridlington, founded by Walter de Gant in the 

 early part of the reign of Henry I., though now in a very in- 

 complete state, is a noble fragment, and the remains of the gate- 

 way and fortifications by which it was protected from the attacks 

 of predatory vessels are interesting. 



As a bathing-place Bridlington is much frequented ; and the 

 easy and pleasant walk on its pier, with the view of Flamborough 

 Cliff, and the amusement offered by innumerable coasting vessels, 

 are suitable for invalids. The waste of the coast renders access to 

 the sands somewhat inconvenient. Mr. Strickland's museum is 

 worthy of a visit. 



FLAMBOROUGH. 



Before reaching Sowerby, the detrital deposits which have for 

 so great a distance opposed their feeble barrier to the rush of 

 the waves, ascend the cliff, and rest on a firm basis of chalk. 

 It is the firmness of this rock which has caused the promontory 

 of Flamborough ; just as a little farther north the hard oolite 



