Scarborough Castle is on a high promontory into the North Sea. The photo above was taken from the castle looking back toward the town. The bluffs were menacing, so Hal and I found this sign amusing. Notice the little man falling/jumping off the cliff.
Entry to the gatehouse (right)
Romans had a signal station here back in 300 AD.
Chapel beneath the old signal station.
The castle dates back to the 12th century and King Henry II. It took some hits in the (English) Civil War. Once the Parliamentarians gained final control, they destroyed it so no one else could use it, whilst sticking out their tongues and singing "Nyah, nyah." Spiteful blighters.
Barracks and batteries were later built, but they took heavy hits from German bombardment in World War I.
We saw no fair, but apparently it was a biggie in the Middle Ages, attracting traders from all over Europe for 45 days every summer. I thought Simon and Garfunkel had written a great song about Scarborough Fair, but now I find that children have sung it for centuries.
Today the town appears to be a beach resort, although I doubt I will be dipping my piggies in the North Sea anytime soon.
Old Bay to the south (left) and North Bay (right) with its colorful cabanas (taken from the castle)
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