The attack on Scarborough in 1914 resulted in extensive damage. It was a full artillery assault. The Town Council had the responsibility of managing the dangerous sights throughout the town. One of the first assessments took place on the 18th December. The Borough engineer wrote the following to Sydney Jones, Town Clerk.
At the request of the Castle Hill sub-committee (Alderman Hastings Fowler), who I understand wishes you to communicate with the Crown, with respect to the bombardment on Wednesday last, I beg to say that the following is approximate extent of the damage.
- Southern wall of yard, facing the town, badly breached in two places.
- The keep struck and damaged by two shells
- The top of wall and old beacon carried away.
- The Old Magazine destroyed near the gunner's house.
- The brick barracks practically totally destroyed.
- There is also other minor damage.
Around about the same time the following buildings were designated as dangerous
Dangerous parts of the Town. Damaged through bombardment.
- Chimney dangerous:- Little Gate Grosvenor Road.
- Walls dangerous:- 22 Wykeham Street.
- Dangerous:- Building near Ashley's Boarding House.
- Dangerous:- East End of St Martin's Church.
- Walls dangerous:- No 79 Commercial Street
- Dangerous:- Carlton Hotel, Westborough.
- Attention required:- 57 St. Johns Road.
A letter dated 19th December, was sent to the Montpellion Boarding House. The council had to take action if buildings were dangerous. Harry W Smith, Borough engineer wrote "the building is so shattered - it may have to be taken down".
A Letter was also sent to a house on King Street, dated 22nd December, 1914.
Bombardment of Scarborough. Dangerous buildings - King Street
Confirming my conversation with you today respecting the extremely dangerous condition of your building at the corner of King Street and King Street Steps, I must request you to at once take immediate steps to protect the foot passengers and adjacent property of the Corporation from damage which, I fear, will arise if prompt measures at not taken.
In my opinion, the building is so seriously shattered that it ought to come down and I think in the end this would probably be be more economical than the extensive shoring and struting that would be necessary to keep it in position and to enable to any rebuilding to take place.
The Corporation was also kept busy with other requests. The following letter was sent from Town Clerk, 19th December, 1914.
Bombardment of Scarborough. Damage to Olympia.
As I told you this morning, Mr Catlin complains that the Olympia Buildings have been considerably damaged, and that he is unable to continue his performance there.
He claims under Clause 6 of the Lessor's covenants suspension of rent.
You were good enough to say that you would have the matter attended to forthwith and report formally.
You have a copy of the Lease and will therefore know how important it is that the matter should be dealt with promptly.
