Bridlington Augustinian Society – A Life in Ruins
The Augustinians were both educated and entertained by Dr Andrew (Bones) Jones B.Sc., D.Phil, F.S.A., F.S.A Scot. His style was one involving both humour and audience participation.
After a brief revue of his working life as an archaeologist, he concentrated on the under-researched and under-celebrated archaeology of Flamborough Head.
Sporting a huge Yorkshire rose on his lapel, his love and pride in the area were soon evident. For example he compared the superior tough weather resistant Yorkshire chalk to the “inferior soft southern England stuff”.
Andrew outlined the excavations at Danes Dyke by the influential archaeologist Yorkshire born General Pitt Rivers in the 19th century. This concluded the dyke was excavated in the prehistoric period, although today this is considered likely but not conclusive. More work is needed.
The hard Ludborough flints found at Flamborough, washed up and easily collectable in what modern maps call Selwicks Bay, where prized by the ancients. On older maps the bay is called “Silex” which derives from the Latin and is synonymous with “Flint”.
Roman geographers, namely Ptolemy and Antoninus, feature Flamborough Head in their works. Not surprising then, Andrew said, that the Bowen map of 1730 shows a Roman road leading from York to Flamborough.
As expected as chair of the Friends of the Chalk Tower at Flamborough Head, Andrew spent some time describing the tower and its history. It was built in the 1670’s to protect, monitor, and signal to shipping. It was one of five towers proposed, and is the most complete.
Its recent renovation was helped by a grant from the Mick Aston start-up fund. Andrew would like to see the tower become a focal point for local arts and music events, and also talks particularly on maritime history.
Maybe, Andrew suggested, the music could include the piano piece “Goodnight to Flamboro” by celebrated Yorkshire composer William Baines, who sadly died at the young age of 23 after contracting the Spanish Flu.
Beyond that, Andrew would like to see a Flamborough Excavation And Survey Team established, FEAST for short. He has no doubt they would earn a good meal.
Sub Prior Bro John Walker thanked the speaker for his enjoyable talk which he described as history with a smile.