Brotton


Brotton is a village in the civil parish of Skelton and Brotton in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland in the North East of England. The village lies within the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire and is governed by the unitary authority of Redcar and Cleveland. It is situated approximately south-east of Saltburn-by-the-Sea, east of Middlesbrough and north-west of Whitby. In 2011, the village had a population of 5,394.

History

The name of the village means Brook Farm, being derived from the Old English brōc and tūn.
The village is listed in the Domesday Book, when it was listed as being in the Hundred of Langbaurgh.
Warsett Hill tops the large Huntcliffe which was the site of one of the many Roman signal stations built along the east coast to defend against Anglo-Saxon attack. Brotton was one of a number of manors granted by William the Conqueror to Robert de Brus, Lord of Skelton.
Over recent years Brotton has become somewhat isolated because of a bypass which was opened in stages between 1998 and 2001 connecting the villages of Skelton-in-Cleveland and Carlin How.
The discovery of ironstone brought major changes to the village and a large increase in the population. The majority of former miners' homes are found in the 'Brickyard' and 'the Park' areas of the village. Lumpsey Mine, the largest of the Brotton mines, opened in the 1880s and closed in 1954.
During the First World War Lumpsey Mine had a rail-mounted artillery piece to defend the mine against Zeppelin attack.

Geography

Brotton is close to the historic seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea, known for its pier, and Guisborough, with its ancient Priory and market.
The village is divided into two parts: 'Top End' and 'Bottom End'.

Landmarks

Brotton Anglican church is dedicated to St Margaret.
The village contains a parade of shops on High Street, and its public houses include The Green Tree and The Queen's Arms.

Education

Brotton has two primary schools, Badger Hill Primary School and St Peters Church of England school.
There is also a school for children with learning difficulties, Kilton Thorpe.
The village secondary school, Freebrough Academy, has recently been rebuilt.

Notable people

The sculptor Charles Robinson Sykes, was born in the village.
He designed the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot which is used on Rolls-Royce cars.