Skipsea | |
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Skipsea shown within the East Riding of Yorkshire | |
Population | 693 (2011 census) |
OS grid reference | TA168550 |
Civil parish |
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Unitary authority | |
Ceremonial county | |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | DRIFFIELD |
Postcode district | YO25 |
Dialling code | 01262 |
Police | Humberside |
Fire | Humberside |
Ambulance | Yorkshire |
EU Parliament | Yorkshire and the Humber |
UK Parliament | |
Skipsea is a village and civil parish on the North Sea coast of the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It is situated approximately 10 miles (16 km) south of Bridlington and 6 miles (9.7 km) north of Hornsea on the B1242 road at its junction with the B1249 road.
The civil parish is formed by the village of Skipsea and the hamlets of Skipsea Brough and Dringhoe. According to the 2011 UK census, Skipsea parish had a population of 693, an increase on the 2001 UK census figure of 633.
Just to the west of the village, in an area known as Skipsea Brough, lies Skipsea Castle. Built in 1086, the motte-and-bailey style castle has since been destroyed; however impressive earthworks remain.
The first recorded appearance of the name Skipsea is in the 12th century and the name is of Scandinavian origin, but the actual town-site has been in use much longer. This is of no real surprise, as this part of the English coast was frequented by Viking invaders before the Norman Conquest. There is some evidence that the name Skipsea refers to its original Viking meaning of "Ship Lake", but the closest literal meaning of Skipsea is "a lake navigable by ships". This name refers to the village's original location on the edge of a lake, which was suitable for navigation and eel-fishing, that was slightly inland from the sea. This land has since been lost because of erosion, making Skipsea a seaside Village. There is evidence of habitation dating back to the Stone and Bronze Ages because of the 19th century archaeological discovery of platforms, presumably for huts.
The borough of Skipsea Castle was first recorded between 1160 and 1175 and may have been founded by William le Gros, Count of Aumale, who died in 1179.