Clee originally consisted of three ancient areas: Itterby, Thrunscoe and Oole. The probable origins of the name is either from the Celtic word cleis' meaning chalk as the area was an important trader of chalk and lime or from the old English word 'cleog' meaning clay, which the sea front soil consisted of and eroded away quickly. So much so, the Kingsway sea defence was built around 1900. The word 'thorpe' is a Saxon name meaning village. Hence the name became Cleethorpes.

The area was used as a main route directly from London to Lincoln, over the Humber at low tide (not now recommended) up towards York along the Roman Ermine Street. After the decline of the Roman Empire in the early 5th century, Cleethorpes became a popular place for the Danes to settle, starting around the 6th century. A more violent and substantial series of Danish invasions began in the 800's and more established settlements were founded.

Unfortunately, a large amount of possible archaeological finds are thought to be lost forever. The level of the river Humber has changed considerably. Many towns are said to have been submerged, in particular the two large successful towns; Ald Revenser and Ravenserodd. At the river's low tide you are supposed to be able to see the town's church spire...
Cleethorpes remained a very small settlement until recent years. In 1801 it only had a population of 284 people. By the late 1820's the town had started to encourage visitors who came to bathe and drink the medicinal iron-flavoured waters at Isaac's Hill.

From the 1840's the resort started to develop more and as the port at Grimsby enlarged and a railway station was completed the resort changed from a renteel retreat for the upper-middle classes to catering for the thousands working class visitors each year mainly from South Yorkshire.

The emblem of Cleethorpes is 'The Boy With a Leaking Boot' which was presented to the town in 1915. It was adopted as the emblem for the Cleethorpes Hotel and boarding House Association in 1963. A replica of the statue can be found in the Tourist Information Office in Alexandra Road.