The History of Cayton

Cayton is mentioned in the Domesday book as “Caitune”. In 1831 the parish included Deepdale with Killerby and also Osgodby

In 2010, Cayton won a Silver-Gilt, at the Britain in Bloom awards. This was achieved despite earlier sabotage attacks on a number of flower beds in the village.

In the Second World War defences were constructed around Cayton. They included a section post and several pillboxes. Many of the remaining defences have been subject to coastal erosion. The village sent 45 men to the First World War, and 60 to the Second. There was not a single fatality amongst the combined 105 men, with only one soldier suffering a serious injury during the First World War, then being subsequently spared by a German Officer.

Cayton Bay Landslide

In April 2008, a major landslip caused tons of earth to slip down the cliff side at the edge of Cayton Bay close to Osgodby, leaving bungalows on the Knipe Point Estate teetering on the edge of the cliff. The slope movements, caused by water seeping through the clay cliffs resulted in three properties being demolished and other properties in the Knipe Point Estate and the A165 Filey Road being threatened. 

Governance

Cayton Parish is part of the Scarborough Borough and has a population of around 2,550 according to the 2021 UK census an increase on the 2011 UK census figure of 2,328.

Cayton Bay

Cayton Bay forms one of a series of large sweeping sandy bays on the edge of the North Yorkshire National Park which run from Bridlington in the south to Whitby in the north.

There are two entrances to the bay & beach, one runs past the the surf shop and car park on the cliff tops above the bay, the other runs past the small cafe and has access to public toilets. The bay is a regular hot spot for surfers and holiday makers.

Other Cayton Parish Information

Cayton is the birthplace of Mikey North, who portrays Gary Windass, in Coronation Street. The fashion designer Ann Louise Roswald was also raised in the village and attended the nearby George Pindar School.