Filey Bay is the location of this sea battle where Captain Richard Pearson of the British Royal Navy fought Commodore John Paul Jones of the American Continental Navy for the possession of a vital supply convoy, and became the graveyard of the American flagship, the Bonhomme Richard.

   It was a bloody and tragic battle that has enhanced the romance and mystery of the Yorkshire coast, fought by a British Captain and an American Commodore who were both Freemasons, and in their own way contributed to the international standing of their respective countries.

    Fought at the time of the American War for Independence from Britain, it gave the fledgling American State much prestige, and an experience in the projection of power by sea. Captain Pearson distinguished himself by turning to fight a battle in which he was outnumbered, an action for which he received a Knighthood.

  Such is the resonance of The Battle of Flamborough Head, that it has reverberated down the passage of time and is a by-word for daring action of magnificent proportions that is embedded into the fabric of the maritime history of Filey Bay.

  The battle and its importance has inspired a Nation, artists, storytellers and filmmakers to this day, and our Heritage Coast celebrates the brave action of Captain Pearson of HMS Serapis in the highest traditions of the Royal Navy, and Commodore John Paul Jones of the American Continental Navy who fought a brilliant, but tragic action within the environs of Filey Bay.  

“We who seek their footprints and relics are humbled to be in the presence of those whose example and philosophies have built great nations, and whose teachings are as relevant to today as they were when first conceived - their spirit must never die.”

	in September 2020, Filey marked the anniversary of the battle and those who died, with Fire and Flag.

Latest News Scarborough Borough Council have made a decision to sell the building they refer to as ‘the Old Conference Hall’ but better known to locals as ‘the Old Scout Hut’ for redevelopment. The property, which is perhaps the last remaining cliff-top site with sea views, was listed by Filey Town Council as an Asset of Community Value in March 2016 but unfortunately this protection expired last month. A group of local individuals have set up a Not for Profit organisation in the hope that they can acquire the property from Scarborough Borough Council and redevelop as a Maritime and Heritage Centre for the benefit of tourism, education and local history in the town. Initial plans include a permanent exhibition regarding the world famous Battle of Flamborough Head which took place in Filey Bay in 1779 and during which many hundreds were killed, and also for community meeting rooms and lecture theatre for use by schools and other organisations. The Group is keen to hear the views of local people regarding its plans, the alternative to which would be a sale to a property developer for more flats.

This is a Coast rich in Heritage and Maritime Culture, and where is it?

What is the Filey Bay 1779  Research Group, and why is it so important to Filey and the communities of the Bay?

  With thanks to Timothy Akers of Merlin Burrows, Donald G Shomette and James Hodgson. This page is currently being developed. 

The Filey's  John Paul Jones Heritage Coast  is being progressed with the assistance of, or links with some of the following organisations and groups.                         Filey’s Cultural Link with Calvert County, USA                         Welcome to Yorkshire                         Scarborough Borough Council Tourism Department                         The Filey Chamber of Trade                         The Scarborough Museums Trust                         This list is being updated with further Groups                         The Filey Bay Bonhomme Richard Group has a partnership with, or links to:                         Merlin Burrows                         The Filey Town Council                         Welcome to Yorkshire                         Discover Yorkshire Coast                         Donald G Shomette of Cultural Resources, Maryland                         Natural England                         Pritchard Diving Services (Consultancy)                         John Paul Jones Birthplace Museum Trust, Kirkbean, Dumfries                         Elite Truck Bodies                           MERLIN BURROWS DISCOVER YORKSHIRE COAST      John Paul Jones Filey    Bonhomme Richard Filey     Filey Bay    ©  All the  content in this site is copyright of Anthony Green August 2005 and February 2020.  This Heritage Coast has been continuously published  online since 2005           What and where is it?        The Battle        Heritage Features         Geology            Air Archaeology         Marine Archaeology                  Filey Bay 1779 Research Group Limited         John Paul Jones at Filey          Filey's Link to Calvert County        Return to Home Page            Return to Features Page