The Bempton Climmers
After lunch at the Expanse Hotel, the members were treated to a very interesting talk by Jeff Wardlow, concerning the people who used to harvest eggs from the cliffs at Bempton and Flamborough.
It is thought the practice dates from at least the 17th Century, initially for food then also for collecting the eggs themselves.
Each team had four climmers, all with different roles but the anchor-man was the most important. The equipment used was expensive; the ropes alone were about £60.
Visitors, both male and female, also went down the cliffs, usually just for the experience. There were even bus excursions to see the action. The season was short, beginning about the 7th of May each year.
Towards the end of collecting, a single egg could be 6d (2.5 p) but an egg with strong or unusual markings could demand many pounds from collectors. It was said that kittiwake eggs made the best eating but the flavour was too strong for some.
The annual harvest stopped in 1954 with the implementing of the Wild Birds Protection Act, designed to allow the birds to breed more successfully.
Mr. Wardlow finished his talk with a very rare film from the 1920s showing the climmers in action and visitors following the events. The techniques used to lower down or recover the egg collector were fascinating.
A vote of thanks was given by Geoff Veitch.
Any retired or semi-retired gentlemen interested in joining us should see the details of our activities in the website: www.probusbridlington.weebly.com
After lunch at the Expanse Hotel, the members were treated to a very interesting talk by Jeff Wardlow, concerning the people who used to harvest eggs from the cliffs at Bempton and Flamborough.
It is thought the practice dates from at least the 17th Century, initially for food then also for collecting the eggs themselves.
Each team had four climmers, all with different roles but the anchor-man was the most important. The equipment used was expensive; the ropes alone were about £60.
Visitors, both male and female, also went down the cliffs, usually just for the experience. There were even bus excursions to see the action. The season was short, beginning about the 7th of May each year.
Towards the end of collecting, a single egg could be 6d (2.5 p) but an egg with strong or unusual markings could demand many pounds from collectors. It was said that kittiwake eggs made the best eating but the flavour was too strong for some.
The annual harvest stopped in 1954 with the implementing of the Wild Birds Protection Act, designed to allow the birds to breed more successfully.
Mr. Wardlow finished his talk with a very rare film from the 1920s showing the climmers in action and visitors following the events. The techniques used to lower down or recover the egg collector were fascinating.
A vote of thanks was given by Geoff Veitch.
Any retired or semi-retired gentlemen interested in joining us should see the details of our activities in the website: www.probusbridlington.weebly.com