Whitby

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Whitby Abbey 1

Captain James Cook Memorial Monument, Whitby (geograph 7256328)

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DV307 no.138 Whitby from Abbey Terrace Oct 3 1861

Whitby Old Town (NBY 440718)

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William Scott Hodgson - The Bombardment of Whitby, 16 December 1914 NY PPA 116

Whitby is a seaside town, port, and civil parish in the Scarborough borough of North Yorkshire, England. Situated at the mouth of the River Esk, Whitby has an established maritime, mineral, and tourist heritage. Its East Cliff is home to the ruins of Whitby Abbey, where Cædmon, the earliest recognised English poet, lived. The fishing port emerged during the Middle Ages, supporting important herring and whaling fleets, and was where Captain James Cook learned seamanship.

History

Whitby's history dates back to the Middle Ages when it was known as Streanæshalch. The town gained its current name, meaning "white settlement" in Old Norse, due to its association with the 7th-century Whitby Abbey, founded by Saint Hilda. Whitby Abbey became a center of learning and is the site of the first known Anglo-Saxon poetry. The town's port grew significantly in the 18th century, becoming a hub for the whaling industry and later, a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque views and historical significance.

Geography

Whitby is divided by the River Esk, with the majority of the town lying on the east side of the river. The town's geography is characterized by its steep streets and narrow alleyways, climbing up from the river to the cliffs above. Whitby's beaches, such as Whitby Beach and Sandsend Beach, are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Economy

Historically, Whitby's economy was dominated by the maritime, fishing, and whaling industries. In the 19th century, the town developed a strong mineral industry, with the discovery of alum shale in the region. Today, tourism is a major contributor to Whitby's economy, with the town's heritage sites, including Whitby Abbey and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, drawing visitors from around the world. The town also hosts the bi-annual Whitby Goth Weekend, a festival that celebrates goth culture and music.

Culture

Whitby is renowned for its cultural heritage, including its association with the gothic tale of Dracula by Bram Stoker, who was inspired by the town's abbey and coastline. The Whitby Goth Weekend attracts visitors interested in the gothic and alternative scenes. Additionally, the town's maritime heritage is celebrated through various events and museums, including the Captain Cook Memorial Museum.

Transport

Whitby is connected to the rest of North Yorkshire and beyond through a network of roads and public transport. The Whitby railway station offers services to Middlesbrough and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a heritage steam railway that runs through the scenic North York Moors National Park.

Education

Whitby provides education through several primary and secondary schools, including Caedmon College and Eskdale School. The town also has a campus of Scarborough TEC, offering further education and vocational courses.

Notable People

- James Cook, the British explorer, navigator, and cartographer, served his apprenticeship in Whitby. - Cædmon, the earliest English poet known by name, was a monk at Whitby Abbey. - Bram Stoker, the Irish author of Dracula, was inspired by Whitby's atmosphere and history.