This was due to the existence of a shallow fording point which permitted people and livestock to cross the meandering River Ancholme, then still tidal with open access to the mighty Humber to the north.
Slightly higher ground near the ford (within the current town centre) proved popular for trading purposes, and a few properties were erected nearby.
Brigg was not mentioned in the French Normans' post-conquest Domesday survey undertaken in 1086.
But it was 'established as a town' by the year 1183 when mentioned in the Pipe Rolls (official Government records kept by the Treasury).
The town's importance grew in the 13th century with royal charter approval to hold markets and fairs, and the erection of an initial bridge over the river (replacements followed in 1665 and 1828 - the current County Bridge).
Extensive drainage of the Ancholme Valley, particularly during the 17th century, and the introduction of sluice gates at South Ferriby to stop water flooding in from the Humber, saw Brigg expand and become a centre for trading and processing agricultural produce as well as a market town of note.
Later development was assisted by good quality turnpike roads, the arrival of the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway (1848) and the creation of a large Corn Exchange used by farmers and merchants from a wide area.
Two sizeable beer-making breweries came into being during Queen Victoria's reign, together with the family-run Spring's preserves factory.
This became a major local employer, as did Brigg Sugar Factory, built in 1928, which operated for more than 60 years.
Brigg town centre became pedestrianised in the 1990s following the construction of an inner by-pass to re-route traffic on the busy A18.
The town has many old buildings of note.
Grade 1 listed status has been afforded to the original Grammar School building, completed circa 1681, which remains in educational use as part of a modern comprehensive.
The Exchange hospitality venue is centred on a mid-18th century building listed grade 2* , while the Dying Gladiator pub building (grade 2 listed) has a unique statue of a fallen warrior above its main entrance.
Brigg Town Football Club (founded 1864) is the world's seventh oldest football club and the oldest 'town' survivor.
The club has twice won the national FA Vase knockout competition and in 1996 lifted this trophy at London's original Wembley Stadium.
The River Ancholme continues to be a popular venue with anglers hoping to land pike, tench and other species.
Brigg Fair, An English Rhapsody (by composer Frederick Delius) continues to be a popular choice at classical music concerts and has featured in the world famous Last Night of the Proms.
It was based on an old Lincolnshire folk song heard by Percy Grainger, another famous composer, during a visit to Brigg and district in the early 1900s.
Award-winning actress Dame Joan Plowright, Lady Olivier was born in Brigg in 1929 and lived her early life in the town before moving to Scunthorpe.
Educated in Brigg were journalist David Yelland, who went on to become Editor of Britain's biggest-selling newspaper The Sun, and Guy Martin, a former professional motor-cycle racer who now presents popular TV series.
Royal visitors to the town during the latter decades of the 20th century were Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Lady Diana, The Princess of Wales.
'The People's Princess' planted a riverside tree, still in place near the County Bridge, and unveiled a plaque that continues to grace the early 19th century Buttercross within the Market Place.
