Filey Remembers Historic Naval Battle

Saturday, 20 September 2025 06:00

It's the 246th anniversary, this week, of the Battle of Flamborough Head.

It took place during the American Revolutionary War or US War of Independence.

Co-founder of the Yorkshire Coast 1779 group is James Hodgson.

He explains why the battle's so significant:

"It was the first engagement off the British Coast. The American French Squadron were attacking, trying to capture or destroy a merchant fleet of 41 ships laden with essential supplies for the Royal Navy. That Merchant Convoy was. As protected by two Royal Navy ships HS therapists and the Countess of Scarborough, despite being outnumbered two to one in numbers of ships and cannons, the Royal Navy ships uh, protected the convoy who escaped to the safety of Scarborough Castle.

"The battle took place on the 23rd of September, 1779. This weekend in Filey. We are hosting a dinner on at the Filey Sea Cadets Pavilion on Saturday evening, and on Sunday we have. The annual Parade of the Sea Cadets Local Sea Cadets, and there's an inspection by representatives from the US Navy and the Royal Navy about 2:30 PM at the stretch of the promenade beneath Car Gate Hill.

"And then there's a short service of remembrance."

Representatives of the US and UK navy will be in Filey throughout a busy weekend centered around the town's seafront:

Saturday, 20 September

11am-3pm – come and learn more about the battle at our Pop-Up Heritage Centre. You will also be able to see the two model ships created by one-time Flamborough resident John Wade of the Bonhomme Richard and HMS Serapis (weather-permitting).
7pm – The 1779 Annual Dinner Dance at Filey Sea Cadets HQ – £25pp. Served by Filey Sea Cadets and volunteers, a scrumptious 2-course dinner followed by dancing to the Robert Schmuck Trio. To book tickets please email Yorkshirecoast1779@gmail.com

Sunday, 21 September

11am-3pm – the Pop-Up Heritage Centre will be open again.
11.30am & 1.30pm – “A Little Story about a Big Battle” – bringing the battle to like for all ages at the Pop-up Heritage Centre (30minutes approx)
1pm – Promenade Shipwreck Walk with local historian, Catherine Welch from Martins Ravine Shelter 2.30pm – Sea Cadet Parade, Inspection and Remembrance Service – from Coble Landing along the seafront.

James says Filey saw action in the battle:

"It was the first engagement off the British Coast. The American French Squadron were attacking, trying to capture or destroy a merchant fleet of 41 ships laden with essential supplies for the Royal Navy. That Merchant Convoy was protected by two Royal Navy ships HS therapists and the Countess of Scarborough, despite being outnumbered two to one in numbers of ships and cannons, the Royal Navy ships protected the convoy who escaped to the safety of Scarborough Castle."

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