The Bayle Museum is a local museum located in Bridlington, England.[1][2]

Bayle Museum
View of the museum building
View of the Bayle Gate building housing the museum
Map
Former name
Bayle Gate
LocationBridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, England
Coordinates54°05′36″N 0°12′13″W / 54.09347°N 0.20363°W / 54.09347; -0.20363
TypeLocal museum
Websitewww.baylemuseum.co.uk

The building it occupies, Bayle Gate (akak The Bayle) was constructed in the 1100s and is a scheduled monument,[3] although not much is known about its origins. The museum contains historical artefacts "showcasing Bridlington's illustrious history through interactive exhibitions".[4] The building is Grade I listed.[1]

Etymology

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The word bayle is derived from the French word baille, which means "enclosure" or "ward".[citation needed]

History

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Archaeological surveys that were done in the area have concluded that the original stonework of the structure dates back to the 12th century, when the building, it is thought, served as a gatehouse to a wooden castle built by William le Gros in 1143, although much remains unknown about the building's history before the early 14th century.[4] In the 14th century the Bayle Gate was converted into a gatehouse to Bridlington Priory.[5] The gatehouse housed a porter (who collected tolls for entrance to the priory markets) and an almoner (who distributed food and ale to the poor of Bridlington).

Historical usage

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Since the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, the Bayle Gate has seen many uses. These have included a prison, a court for the town, a schoolroom, a garrison for Napoleonic soldiers and a town hall.[5]

Modern usage

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Today, the Bayle Museum is used as a museum and a meeting room for the Lords Feoffees, who administer a local charity.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Bayle Museum". Culture 24. UK. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  2. ^ "The Bayle". Britain Express. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  3. ^ Historic England. "The Bayle Gate, Bridlington (1005218)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  4. ^ a b c "About The Museum". Bayle Museum. 4 January 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2021.
  5. ^ a b "Bayle Museum". East Yorkshire. UK. Retrieved 9 August 2021.
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