54 
A VANISHING YORKSHIRE VILLAGE. 
would appear that a depot for goods and landing-stage was built; 
and this little Port became known as Ravenserodd. Boyle 
says, “ The first inhabitant of Ravenserodd was an adventurous 
individual who took possession of a ship which had been stranded 
on the island, and turned it into a residence.” 
He apparently became famous as the seller of food and drink to 
sailors and others, and as houses began to be built, trade increased 
proportionately, and soon the “ rapid growth of the new port ” 
necessitated some ecclesiastical provision for the requirements of 
the inhabitants. 
A Chapel of Ease was built, which was in existence as early as 
1272, and was incorporated with the Church of Easington. But 
enough of this dry stuff! 
In course of time so important did Ravenserodd become that it 
completely outgrew Ravenser in point of size. But what of Kiln- 
sea alongside ? It does not seem to be mentioned in connection 
with Ravenspurne or Odd, except that both were apparently in 
its parish. This suggests that Kilnsea was either a much older 
place, or that, as I incline to think, the two were inseparable. 
Let us for a moment think of the position geographically again. 
We have, as seen from the sea, a line of low sand hills culminating 
in Spurn Point, three or four miles short of which there is a fish¬ 
ing village with Church and houses perched upon low mud-cliffs, 
i.e. Kilnsea. Nothing whatever could be seen in the bay behind, 
though by landing at Kilnsea, a ship’s crew could be in Ravenser, 
a mile-and-a-half off, in less than half-an-hour had they been 
aware of it. Obviously the North Sea port of the town and in 
direct communication with it. A post from which the movements 
of passing vessels could be observed with ease and safety. 
But Ravenspurn was filled with rich and thriving merchantmen. 
Their merchandise came from foreign lands, and had to be stored 
and then transhipped. 
What better place than at Ravenserodd, which in times of 
either peace or war was a port so hidden from view that it would 
be necessary to sail right inside the curving point of Spurn before 
it could be perceived. Probably this town of Ravenspurn was the 
Port of the East Coast, the forerunner of its offspring Hull, or 
Kingston-upon-Hull as at first christened. 
When I visit Kilnsea, therefore, I always feel that it is to all 
intents and purposes the last vestige of the township of Raven¬ 
spurn. To-day probably three relics only exist of old Ravenspurn : 
