Flamborough Toposcope
Art In Flamborough, East Riding Of Yorkshire
A Toposcope commemorating an important naval battle during the American Revolutionary Wars.
![](https://cdn.fabulousnorth.com/fabulous-north/place/20240521-114528-4610f2a1c4a.jpg?width=1320)
A short walk from both the old and new Flamborough Lighthouses stands a small, fairly unassuming structure that commemorates a naval battle held just off Flamborough Head. The structure is known as a Toposcope and it was built in 1959.
![](https://cdn.fabulousnorth.com/fabulous-north/place/20240521-114521-68f82854295.jpg?width=1320)
A Toposcope is a kind of graphical display erected at a viewing point or area of high ground and it is used to illustrate the direction and distance to notable landmarks. There is usually a circular feature on the top showing the points of the compass which is used to orientate the viewer.
![](https://cdn.fabulousnorth.com/fabulous-north/place/20240521-114512-0301eee1da6.jpg?width=1320)
The battle that the Flamborough Head Toposcope commemorates took place on September 23rd 1779,was part of the American Revolutionary Wars (1775-1783), and is still taught in American Schools as they consider it the most important sea battle of the American War of Independence. An American Continental Navy squadron, led by the legendary John Paul Jones (on his ship the Bon Homme Richard), engaged in a fierce battle with two British escort vessels protecting a large merchant convoy. The battle, though short-lived, was a significant victory for the Americans, boosting morale and demonstrating the growing strength of their fledgling navy.
![](https://cdn.fabulousnorth.com/fabulous-north/place/20240521-114516-79bfcfb129d.jpg?width=1320)
The Toposcope's metal arm points directly towards the location where the battle is believed to have unfolded. A plaque mounted on the Toposcope describes the historical significance of the site, providing details about the battle and its participants. It states;
“Serapis - Bon Homme Richard Sept 23rd 1779
This Toposcope was erected by the Bridlington Corporation to serve as a reminder of the famous battle which took place off this headland on the 23rd day of September 1779 between the American colonist Commodore John Paul Jones of the Bon Homme Richard and Captain Sir Richard Pearson RN of His Majesty's Frigate Serapis and was unveiled by Rear Admiral Robert W Cavanagh USN United States Naval Attache on the 23rd day of September 1959. John Paul Jones is regarded as the father of the US Navy”.
![](https://cdn.fabulousnorth.com/fabulous-north/place/20240521-114452-e29fe5e6385.jpg?width=1320)
![](https://cdn.fabulousnorth.com/fabulous-north/place/20240521-114550-5c5fed2e717.jpg?width=1320)
Get 3 points if you have visited this place. Already visited by 14 VIPs.
Login to the VIP area to add places to your bucket list, mark them as visited and more importantly see where you rank on the league table.
How To Find Flamborough Toposcope
Where Is Flamborough Toposcope?
Lat / Long
54.117171, -0.083816
What three words
Where To Park For Flamborough Toposcope?
Lat / Long
54.1162, 54.1162
What three words
There is parking nearby at Flamborough Head and Lighthouse Car Park.
Contributed by Andrew Gardner
I love being outdoors, in nature, and experiencing the relaxation it brings. Wandering through the northern countryside seeing unexpected buildings, historic places and occasionally surprised wildlife is one of life's great pleasures.
More Places from Andrew![Andrew Gardner](https://cdn.fabulousnorth.com/fabulous-north/user/andrew.jpg?width=600)
More Places In Flamborough
Find more fabulous places in Flamborough, East Riding Of Yorkshire and if you know of a place we haven't listed, then let us know.
![The Drinking Dinosaur](https://cdn.fabulousnorth.com/fabulous-north/place/the-drinking-dinosaur-484fe43a56c.png?width=600&aspect_ratio=269:200&quality=80)
The Drinking Dinosaur
Landmark Flamborough East Riding Of YorkshireA sea arch and rock formation that is said to resemble a drinking dinosaur at Flamborough Head.
![Flamborough Castle](https://cdn.fabulousnorth.com/fabulous-north/place/flamborough-castle-fe93373e9e4.jpg?width=600&aspect_ratio=269:200&quality=80)
Flamborough Castle
Castle Flamborough East Riding Of YorkshireRemains of a 14th century castle in the heart of Flamborough village.
![RSPB Bempton Cliffs](https://cdn.fabulousnorth.com/fabulous-north/place/rspb-bempton-cliffs-c8236327382.jpg?width=600&aspect_ratio=269:200&quality=80)
RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Landscape Flamborough East Riding Of YorkshireAn RSPB reserve comprising chalk cliffs and grassland, home to one of the UK's largest seabird colonies.
More Art
So this art wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.
![Parsons’ Polygon](https://cdn.fabulousnorth.com/fabulous-north/place/parsons-polygon-blackett-street-ventilation-shaft-newcastle-67275a62274.jpg?width=600&aspect_ratio=269:200&quality=80)
Parsons’ Polygon
Art Newcastle City Centre Tyne And WearRelief sculpture around a metro ventilation shaft.
![Spirit of South Shields](https://cdn.fabulousnorth.com/fabulous-north/place/spirit-of-south-shields-e0faa6314c5.jpg?width=600&aspect_ratio=269:200&quality=80)
Spirit of South Shields
Art South Shields Tyne And WearBronze statue close to the River Tyne, depicting the history of South Shields.
![Durham Riverwalk Selfie Wall](https://cdn.fabulousnorth.com/fabulous-north/place/durham-riverwalk-selfie-wall-07642e4bb76.jpg?width=600&aspect_ratio=269:200&quality=80)
Durham Riverwalk Selfie Wall
Art Durham County DurhamArtwork on a call of angel wings, balloons and an umbrella, set up ready for a selfie.
Never Miss A Fabulous Place
If you are afraid of missing out on all the fabulous places we post, or just want to be the first to know, then sign up to the Fabulous North.
Each week we will email you all the brand new places that we visit.
Sign Up To AlertsFind Us On Facebook
We post all our new places daily on our Facebook Groups page, so join the group today and be notified when we add a new place.
Join Our Facebook GroupFlamborough Toposcope was listed in Art // East Riding Of Yorkshire // Flamborough