Roman Signal Stations on the Yorkshire Coast
The north east coast of Yorkshire saw the construction of a series of roman signal stations that were manned by the garrison from around AD 369. These signal stations consisted of a large square timber and stone tower, a small courtyard surrounded by huge stone walls, angle towers and on the outside were protected by a ditch.
They were used by the Romans as block houses as well as look out posts, each had a beacon at the top of the tower, used to send warning signals down the coast and to the inland Roman cavalry of a "pictish" or "saxon" invasion.
The first Roman Signal Station was discovered in Filey, situated at Filey Brigg on the north side of the bay in 1857 after a cliff fall. A small excavation of the site took place.
Then in 1993/94 due to increasing erosion the Filey Station was re-excavated by York Archaeological Trust, supported by Scarborough Council. Although two-thirds of the site has eroded the remains are still visable.