Flamborough Toposcope

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.

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.

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.

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”.