The Hair of The Widow of Bridlington. – Jake Thackeray
She was fond of fishing boats and all their beardy crew.
And partial to a salty kiss or two.
And some of them would gruffly whisper, “Marry me and stay”.
But blackbirds do their singing from a different bush each day.
Today, shellfishing in Bridlington is a strong, secure, and valuable industry that brings millions of pounds in catches into the town. It hasn’t always been that way, though. The Bridlington fishing industry has been on a rough ride of ups and downs (Sometimes literal ones) to survive and get to where it is today.
Ancient fishing in Bretlinton
Through the Roman occupation of Britain and on into the Middle Ages, Bridlington was often highlighted as a sheltered harbour that could host fishing boats. It is said that Ptolemy referenced it as such in his Geographia (Sinus Salutaris Portuosus). The town did not have a constructed harbour in the Middle Ages. However, it was permitted a port by royal proclamation a millennium later in the 12th century by King Stephen. The harbour’s safety was again appreciated in the English Civil War. Here, it provided strategically important anchorage to those involved.
The early fishery records
The importance of fishing harbours and boats in the Civil War meant a step up in the fishing records. Boats and catches began to be logged more regularly and completely. This may be why we have a record of a 22-½-foot (6.86m) fish being landed in 1667 and an 18-foot giant squid coming ashore in 1848.
Bridlington’s status as a key fishing port grew as Britain became a naval power. It became one of the UK’s gateways to the North Sea – a major competitive fishery.
The era of the fishing cobles
By the 19th century, it was possible to see dozens of fishing cobles moored in Bridlington harbour and on the beach. These flat-bottomed ships had relatively tall sails and removable rudders. Their flexibility meant they could bring back hefty mackerel catches for consumption and sale around the town.
As seaside tourism became a popular pastime in the reign of Queen Victoria, the cobles would fish in the morning and take day-trippers out on tours in the afternoon. This was a valuable sideline for fishing folk. Thanks to the Bridlington Sailing Coble Preservation Society, some of these ships can still be seen and boarded today.
Modern fishing
Restoration aside, the course of time stays true. By the early 20th century, engines were fitted to almost all fishing boats, making them faster, more flexible and capable of trawling. This was allowed in the bay at first after the end of World War I, but a scarcity of inshore fish soon meant that only deep-sea trawling beyond the bay was permitted.
After the Second World War, deep sea trawling created a long period of stability for the Bridlington fishing industry that lasted into the 80s. By that time, declining fishing stocks were a problem, as was the legislation designed to protect them. Most of the boats and workers were also old and facing new competition. A new approach was needed if the industry was to survive.
The birth of shellfishing in Bridlington
By the late 1980s, the Bridlington Bay area had abundant stocks of lobster, crab and other shellfish. Adjusting the local industry to focus on these new landings was a challenge, requiring much investment. But with many equipped fishing boats and skilled workers in the area, it was well within the scope of the local people to make the switch. After investing much time and money, Bridlington is now one of Europe’s premier shellfishing ports, landing more lobster than anywhere else around.
Take a look at our About page to learn more about fishing in Bridlington today. Otherwise, keep an eye on our blog for shellfishing facts, news, stories and recipes.