Guide to Whitby part one Introduction to Whitby

Whitby represents every period of English history from the earliest time of Anglo-Saxons to its becoming an important shipping port in the seventeenth century. The interesting parts are not always obvious, and a little searching will be rewarding.

SOME people come to Whitby and, leaving their car or coach at Dock End, stroll down to the beach. Apart from looking across the river to the Abbey, and remarking on the number of boats, they see very little. Which is a pity, for Whitby has a great deal to offer the visitor.

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It has no pretensions about being a sophisticated modern holiday resort. It relies for its attraction on its picturesque charm, splendid sands, a lot of sea, and a unique character based on a spectacular history as a seaport. `

The old town clusters round the river Esk, clinging to the steep sides of the estuary. The colourful scene with the quaint red roofed houses, fishing craft, yachts and the restless sea is a delight to the artist and photographer. At the top of the East Cliff are the Abbey and the Parish Church, reached by the famous 199 steps. On the West Cliff, with its ranks of modern hotels, is the Spa. Nearby are bowling and putting greens, and many other attractions for the visitor and his children.

Bingo and “one-armed bandit" addicts are catered for alongside the quay, where cars are squeezed between fish lorries, trawl boards and stacks of crab pots. Cafes, serving locally caught fish, are numerous, and stalls selling mussels, cockles, whelks, kippers or hot dogs are part of the fish pier attractions. The kippers, oak smoked in the traditional way, can be sent by post from the stall to a distant friend.

Overall, from dawn to dark, is the sound of the gulls. Residents detest them, Motorists, finding their parked cars, splashed with white, curse them. But to a man from inland, who smells the sea for two weeks a year, their cry is a welcome.

Whitby Guide history of the streets and buildings intraduction

History Of Flowergate in Whitby

Whitby History part 1 Whitby Bridge, Grape land and Tin Ghaut

Whitby History part 2 Church Street, Scoresby House, Bowlby Bank, Abbey House and St Marys Church

Whitby History part 3 Henrietta Street Fortunes Kipper, the Bllck Horse and the White Horse and GriffinWhitby Guide history of the streets and buildings part one intraduction

Whitby Guide history of the streets part one Church Street

Whitby Guide history of the streets part three St Anns Staith to the Piers

Whitby Guide History of the streets part four from Khyber Pass to Baxtergate