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And a river runs through it...

The market town of Brigg began life by providing a safe place to cross the River Ancholme, but there is more to Brigg than a mere crossing point…

Words: Josie Thurston   Photographs: John Smith

Back in the eleventh century, there was no bridge and the only way to cross the river was through a ford where wading was a possibility. A small settlement began to emerge at this point, but frequent flooding occurred, particularly in winter, due to the low lying ground and its direct connection with the tidal Humber.

Brigg really appeared on the map in 1205. Hugh Nevil was granted a charter by the sovereign of the time (King John) to hold a fair, allowing essential trading to take place. This provided the King with an extra lucrative income by way of taxes and tolls, but also allowed the present community to grow and flourish through the market.

The increased population led to the first stone bridge to be built during the fourteenth century, however, the Black Death took its toll on the community. Brigg had no church until 1604, when the first catholic mass was said by Henry Garnet. However, this was not to be a long-term post as two years later he was executed for his connection with the Gunpowder Plot to destroy the Houses of Parliament.

The Angel Hotel, which is still present in the market place today, was built in the sixteenth century and served as an inn for the wealthy to stop off at on their travels via stagecoach.

‘Ownership’ of the town had historically been the Tyrwhitt family, but this changed over time as their influence diminished. In 1635, a local landowner by the name of Sir John Monson drained the Ancholme Valley and in effect divided the river into two. This had the effect of reducing the amount of flooding.

In 1669 the town really began to develop. The grammar school was built courtesy of landowner Sir John Nelthorpe who left a legacy for the upkeep. By 1705 it had begun to attract craftsmen to the area, but was still relatively small in terms of size. It was at this point that the Elwes family took over as the primary landowners. In the same century, roads underwent improvement, which enhanced transport links to the town and the use of brick in construction rather than timber brought about a facelift for the town.

1800 brought about a change in agricultural methods as the previous open farming system came to an end. Hedgerows were planted, changing the landscape from the vast open fields, known as Redcomb, West Moor and Brigg Field. A new bridge was also built in this century. The arrival of the railway brought trouble from the navvies, which spilled out into the outskirts of the town.

Industry took off in Brigg at the turn of the next century when George Layne began manufacturing cycles. Layne began exporting cycles to far-reaching parts of the world, including Australia and America. Cycles are still a well-known product of the town today, in the form of Falcon Cycles.

Brigg today has expanded beyond recognition. A boom in housing during the first half of the last century following demand from factory workers meant that many of the smaller cottages built in the previous century were demolished. Supermarkets have swooped into Brigg to obtain prime sites to accommodate the family market, however, Brigg has retained much of its character as the old grammar school buildings (admittedly extended in centuries past) still remain, along with listed buildings in the centre of the town which mostly accommodate offices today.

Old traditions have also been kept in the form of Brigg Horse Fair, although the venue has changed due to the bulldozers having knocked down the original Corn Exchange. However, many pubs have remained intact and provide a hospitable meeting place for many townsfolk today. In fact, Brigg has maintained its history of becoming a central assembly point for the area, which is how life for Brigg began.

Whilst railway links today are still random, access via road is good and provides a good communication link. The town has turned from its industrial roots to more leisurely pursuits and the river has taken on a different activity today. Rather than conveying freight, you are more likely to take a pleasure cruise along the river. Canoeists and boat-owners have now taken advantage of the river and can often be found rowing up and down.

The town centre is now home to an array of shops, around 150 in total, largely situated around the pedestrianised part. Independent retailers thrive in the town and offer a wide selection of goods. Thursday is still market day for Brigg and draws in a crowd of people. With 100 stalls, this is the main market, although there is a smaller version held every Saturday. Stennets market is also a long-established tradition where visitors can purchase anything from livestock to garden produce. This is also held on a Thursday. A farmers market is held regularly also.

If you wish to rest your weary legs after shopping ‘til you drop, why not pop in to one of the lovely coffee shops for a bite to eat. There are also a selection of high quality restaurants should you prefer something more substantial.

Car parking in the town is well catered for. There are pay and display car parks for the longer stay, or free bays for those visitors opting for a shorter roam around the town. Or, why not explore Brigg by cycle? There are over thirteen rides detailed in the North Linconshire cycle routes pack, ranging from six to fifty miles in length. For more information on Brigg, call the Tourist Information Office on 01652 657053.