"
In the period which includes the momentous defeat of the Spanish Armada
(1588) it is fitting to describe the beacons of Pickering and the
neighbourhood that must have helped to spread the news to the inhabitants
of Yorkshire of the coming of that "Invincible" fleet. A contemporary
manuscript book dated 1580 to 1590, and discovered by Mr J.G. Constable,
tells us how Pickering beacon, which was presumably situated on Beacon
Hill opposite the castle, gave light to the neighbouring heights.
[Sidenote: "Pickering Lythe 7 Beacons]
Pickering beacon giveth light to Setrington beacon, in the East Riding,
and to Ampleforth beacon, in Rydall. Seamer two beacons do give light to
Pickering, Susfeld, in Whitby Strand, and Setterington beacon. Waipnesse
beacon, within the liberties of Scarborough, do give light to Muston
Beacon, in the East Riding, and to the west of the beacons before named
"Charnell, three beacons, within the town of Scarborough adjoining to the
castle, do give light to Waipnesse and Muston beacon."
[Sidenote: "Rydal 1 Beacon]
There is a beacon in Rydall called Ampleforthe beacon well repaired. It
taketh light from Pickering beacon. It giveth light to the Sumclife
beacon, in the Wapentake of Birdforth, three miles distant from it
westward"
In 1598[1] the streets of Pickering are given as, Easte Gaite and
Hallgarthe, Ungate, Birdgate, Borrowgate and Weste Gate.
[Footnote 1: MS.
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