Whitby Sights

Whitby Jet

Jet is the fossilised remains of the decaying wood Aruacaria - also known as the Monkey Puzzle tree.  Millions of years ago in Whitby's ancient past, there must have been a large forest covering the area.  It is found in layers trapped within the cliff faces up and down the coast around Whitby.  At one time jet was mined from caves along the coast but these days it is generally found after a cliff fall, or just washed up on the shore (low quality jet).   

Jet has been found in burial mounds dating back 10,000 years during the Bronze Age.  It is thought that jet was probably worn to ward off evil spirits.  The Romans were also fond of jet; excavations of Roman sites have unearthed a wealth of jet objects.  Hairpins, bracelets, medallions and rings all show the Romans liking for the jet material.    

After Queen Victoria lost her husband Prince Albert, she found herself in a permanent state of mourning, black became a fashionable way to express her sorrow.  The jet she wore attracted a lot of publicity and soon jet was sought after.  Whitby had some of the best jet deposits anywhere in the world and soon Jet craftsmen sprang up around the town and the industry bloomed.  Soon local people began digging for this black gold along the coastline.  At one time during the 1870's Whitby employed over 1400 men women and children within the industry.  

You can still find jet jewellery in Whitby today but the industry is now virtually extinct.  Some fine examples of jet jewellery and many archaeological artefacts can be seen at the local museum.