Whitby, Past and Present

Whitby was the port where Captain Cook became a seaman

The town lies in North Yorkshire on the mouth of the river Esk. The river flows through a narrow gully to reach the sea. On the cliffs above are the ruins of Whitby Abbey founded by St. Hilda in AD 658. The famous Synod of Whitby was held here in AD 664. The first recorded Saxon poet, Caedmon, lived and worked there.

Whitby has long had a reputation among mariners as a safe harbour and the main refuge between the Humber and the Tyne. By the 18th century the port was substantial. There were three roperies, several large ship-building yards, and even a dry-dock.

Prosperity was founded on shipping coal and alum. Whitby men owned some 250 ships trading all over the world. The town with its many taverns, places of worship, and fine new houses, was busy and lively. From the late 18th century it became an important whaling port.

The characteristic ship built in Whitby yards was the collier-bark, often known as a ‘cat’. The ‘cat’ was a sturdy, broad-beamed, three-masted sailing ship ideally suited for the coastal trade between Newcastle and London.

It was these qualities which recommended Whitby ships to the Admiralty when they were preparing for the voyage of discovery which propelled James Cook to fame.

For his 9 years in Whitby, see James Cook in Whitby.

Whitby Today

Whitby has around the same number of people living here as in Cook’s day. Much of the old town remains with its narrow streets, chapels and churches, steep yards, market place, picturesque alleyways and fine 18th century houses built by prosperous shipowners.

The town retains its unspoilt atmosphere and is popular with holidaymakers, not only for the spectacular sandy beaches, but also the ancient monuments and museums of the town.