Whitby Sights

Artistic Whitby

Whitby has been attracting artists, writers, sculptors, photographers, film and television producers and of course tourists for a long time.  Whitby has had a worldwide influence for hundreds of years.  Caedmon (a herdsman) is thought to be the father of English poets and Bram Stoker wrote Whitby into his classic novel "Dracula". 

Whitby has many works of art, which are on display throughout the town.  The west side of Whitby is home to the famous Whale jawbone, which was presented to Whitby by Norway in 1963.  Whitby's fishermen have an 80-year history of whaling from 1753 to 1833.  The famous Whaler William Scoresby is represented by the Crows Nest (which he invented) which can be found near the Dock End.     

The monument to Captain Cook is situated adjacent to the Whalebone and includes an engraving of one of his four famous ships the Resolution.  The Ships Cat higher up the river near the marina pays tribute to the ship builders of Whitby.  The Endeavour classed ships known as Whitby Cats were used for carrying coal to the Thames and bringing timber back on there return journey.  Cat is an acronym of "coal and timber ship" .

At the Railway station there is a metal train sculpture full of flowers and towards the bridge out side the HSBC bank you can sit on ammonite seats and take in the views.  Crossing the bridge to the east side of town is the lifeboat house.  At the door of the Duke of York, there is a sandstone tankard, which displays Whitby landmarks carved by Darren Yeadon.  Lying abuts to Tate Sand's is an artists impression of Caedmon and below is a replica of the Endeavour which is also a flower display.  At the top of the 199 steps (or the church stairs) is Caedmon's memorial cross, St Mary's Church and the ruined Abbey. 

The picturesque town of Whitby will undoubtedly remain an inspiration to painters and artists for many years to come.