Whitby Sights

Church Stairs (199 Steps)  

The Church Stairs or the 199 Steps were originally made from wood, the earliest reference of there construction dates to around 1400.  The steps we see today are around 200 years old and they were completely renovated in 2005/06.  As you climb the stairs, you notice various landings where seating is available.  These landings were originally designed to assist the coffin bearers on there long journey to reach the cliff top graveyard.  In the past people have preferred to be carried up the steps rather than being taken via the ‘hearse road' Green Lane. 

In Bram Stokers novel Dracula after the shipwreck of the Demeter, Count Dracula climbs the 199 steps in the shape of a dog and takes refuge in a grave. Historical events recall a ship called the Demeter crashing on the rocks a few years before Stoker visited Whitby.    

When Cholera broke out during the 19th century, the dead were transported over the river to Tate Hill Pier. At night they were carried up to the top of the 199 steps.  During the hours of darkness, it is thought that the men carrying the diseased bodies, smoked clay pipes to ward off the infection.

Visitors today come from a far to climb the famous steps and even count them on the way up.  Some even debate as to whether there are in fact 199 or only 198 steps.  If you do decide to count the steps you will probably miss some great views accross the harbour.