The Spittal at Filey Brig. 
259 
From the antiquarian point of view it seems clear that if, 
as alleged, there actually is a perpendicular or steep face to 
a depth of 15 feet, it is possible that the structure may be 
man’s handiwork. So far tradition, which seems strong in 
certain quarters, is the only evidence of the artificial nature 
of the Spittal. True, on the top of Carr Naze, close by, the 
remains of a Roman lighthouse or other look-out post have been 
found, and in its immediate vicinity sufficient Roman remains 
to justify the assumption that a Roman habitation once 
existed. These appear to be the only evidence of Roman 
occupation in the immediate district, and therefore the need 
for a port or quay in Roman times is not evident, particularly 
in view of the better accommodation at Scarborough, close 
by. On the other hand, however, the probability is that in 
Roman times the Boulder Clay cliff forming the Carr Naze 
was much further out to sea, if not indeed as far as the Spittal 
itself, in which case a pier at that particular point might be 
appropriate. 
After very careful consideration of the whole question, 
on the spot, the conclusion was arrived at that before going 
to the expense of employing a diver to examine the alleged 
steep side of the Spittal, careful soundings should be made in 
order definitely to ascertain whether a steep wall-like side 
occurs. If such soundings indicate that the Spittal is a mere 
heap of boulders, probably tidal in origin, then it may be 
considered undesirable to expend further money on the search. 
If, however, the evidence thus produced gives the slightest 
indication of human workmanship, it would be desirable on 
a future date to employ a diver to investigate the steep face. 
Provided it is eventually proved that the Spittal is of 
man’s handiwork, the question of its date is by no means 
decided. That it is rumoured locally to be ‘ Roman ’ is 
merely in keeping with scores of similar rumours relating to 
objects dating from Neolithic stone axes to modern bread 
pancheons — both these having been described as Roman in 
recent literature. 
We do know that during the Armada scare all sorts of 
temporary protective measures were taken along the coast, 
and it is not even improbable that, if artificial, the Spittal 
is of Elizabethan date, especially when we remember that 
that good Queen graciously gave permission to the people 
of Bridlington to use the stones of Bridlington Priory, un- 
roofed and despoiled by her father, to be used for building a 
stone pier at Bridlington Quay. 
That there is an impression that the Spittal may be of 
Roman date is shown by numerous references to it, though 
we need mention only two. 
In 1855, Robert Knox published his ‘ Descriptions 
1922 Aug.-Sept. 
