» History Whitby

Living in the Whitby yards of yesteryear

alan — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:00:34 +0000

Living in the Whitby yards of yesteryear

This is a little article I’m constructing which is just about what life was like in Whitby, in the old yards when the town was not a tourist attraction but a working fishing port.

I was given permission to photograph and use material from the Whitby Museum which I thank for their help.

Whitby is one of the few mediaeval towns, the outline of which one can clearly see, underpinned by later developments. For their own safety people like to live close to one another and from these origins grew Whitby yards and the community life.

First and foremost, it was community life. You were part of a group that knew and cared about you, as you did about your neighbours. People tended to live in the one house for the whole of their life, often continuing with a married son or daughter assuming the household responsibilities and caring for their ageing parents.

There was a friendliness and a sharing of ones joys and troubles with the other residents. Perhaps they knew most of your business, but then you would in turn be aware of their goings on. Loneliness was hardly possible. The widowed man might find his washing quietly done for him, or maybe some kind of baking left on his doorstep. The newly confined mother would have few worries about the care of her other children they would be with a neighbour. And in due course she would repay the kindness by a like service.

It was a disciplined life, for the fear of what others might think often restrained underhand actions. One was part of that community and had something to live up to. Not that the yards people were saints, one had to show a great deal of restraint, particularly if the offenders happened to be related.

Albert T Pile 1882 – 1981 drawing the yards of Whitby before they had gone for ever !

Albert T Pile 1882 – 1981 drawing the yards of Whitby before they had gone for ever !

alan — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 14:38:24 +0000

Drawing the yards of Whitby before they had gone for ever !

I was in the Whitby Museum again on Friday with my ongoing mission to try and find some old pictures of the yard where my cottages in Whitby. Unfortunately once again I wasn’t successful but I did find some books which describe what life was like living in the fishing yards of Whitby during the 18th and 19th century. I will be going into the subject in a further blogs but I thought for today I would just mention the very fine work of an artist called Albert T Pile, who took great care in the late fifties and early sixtys of drawing some of the unfortunate demolition of the fishing yards of Whitby. Obviously not all of them have gone but he took great care in showing future generations what had been.

If anybody reads this article and has any old pictures of Whitby Yards and particularly Haydock’s Place, which is my yard which is off Flowergate, I would be very grateful if you would contact me. alan@whitby.uk.net Mobile 07813779273

This is a little mini Biography of Albert T Pile MSM, FRSA, SGA, which I have reproduced condensed with permission and also one of his sketches.

Albert T Pile was born in London were he lived the greater part of his life. He was educated at

Albert T Pile 1882 – 1981 MSM, FRSA, SGA

King’s College in London and had ambitions to become a doctor and particularly a medical missionary. To this end he studied anatomy in his spare time, but the pressure of work in the education department was too great and he never realised his ambition.

Albert T Pile 1882 – 1981 MSM, FRSA, SGA

During the First World War he served in the RAMC at St Omer were the wounded men from the battlefield were brought on hospital beds. Pile painted and sketched for pure pleasure and never wish to become a professional artist. The varied locations of his watercolours are explained by them being done while he was on holiday in Lancashire, Cumbria, Devon, Cornwall town of white, Belgium and various parts of southern England. His art and his daily work were completely separate until 1930s when much of Whitehall was being demolished and Pile undertook to record the fastest falling buildings, Though he rarely sold any of his work Pile exhibited widely.

Pile married in later life is life came from Brighouse which is where he retired. Later they moved to Whitby living in the Stakesby area. They had no family he was a quiet retiring man loft at above all else.

It was in Whitby that he furthered his interest in passing and demolishing many of old parts of the town. The yards of Church Street and Boulby bank, together with those that were behind Haggersgate and the Fish Quay are documented with sketches of their gradual disappearance, with dates and times and even record of the number of cottages depicted in each yard are all carefully recorded. Sometimes the creative artist is able to devote his whole life to an artistic talent. It is hard to read that the person who uses his leisure time and retirement can have the ability to produce the amount of creative work of the calibre of Albert T Pile

Whitby Holiday Cottages – Whitby Guide Film - Whitby Holiday Cottage Film Guide – CCTV Installer - Security Alarm Installer – Alan
Davidson’s blog -Dog friendly Whitby Holiday Cottages – Dog friendly Whitby holiday accommodation – Whitby events – Whitby weekend

Whitby Rugby Club

alan — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:44:03 +0000

Membership 2009-10
Social membership is £1.00 per person. Membership is due august/september every year. It is very easy to become a member and when you are issued with your membership card then you can recieve discount at the bar. As Whitby Rugby Club is a private members club you must be a member to have a drink or use the club for any reason when alcohol is being served.
To become a member please see the bar for details.

Players membership!
We must be the cheapest place to play rugby. Players MUST pay their membership of £25.00 and £3.00 per match to have a vote at AGM & EGMs, to get discount at the bar, RFU standard insurance and any kit that we are sponsored with.
Whitby Rugby Club
Pete Stentiford – Fixture Secretary & Webmaster

White Leys Road
Whitby
North Yorkshire
YO21 3PB

01947 602008/

Whitby Holiday Cottages – Whitby Guide Film - Whitby Holiday Cottage Film Guide – CCTV Installer - Security Alarm Installer – Alan Davidson’s blog http://www.whitbyrugbyclub.co.uk

Whitby Rugby Club

Whitby Rugby Club are continuing to grow and would like to thank all of our Sponsors for their support. The Club is here for the continuation of Rugby and sees itself as the main venue to be used by the community for any function, event or social gathering.

Whitby Jet Jewellery From Black As Jet

alan — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:01:13 +0000

We also stock Amber and Bone

Amber is formed from the resin of coniferous trees from at least 40 million years ago.

About Ivory and Bone

There are many natural and synthetic items used in the construction of jewellery items and amongst these are ivory and bone. The international trade in ivory is now restricted in order to protect endangered species from poachers. However there are still plenty of vintage items available, as well as items made from bone and synthetic materials.

This fossilized resin was often transported over long distances through glacial action, to reach various places in Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia and Germany. It even travelled as far as the eastern shores of the British Isles, to Jutland and southern shores of Scandinavia.

The fossil beaches of the Baltic Sea are often erroneously associated with the origin of Amber, but they are in fact the final stop in the materials long journey. There are many natural and synthetic items used in the construction of jewellery items and amongst these are ivory and bone. The international trade in ivory is now restricted in order to protect endangered species from poachers. However there are still plenty of vintage items available, as well as items made from bone and synthetic materials.

Contact details http://www.blackasjet.co.uk/

Telephone: +44 (0)7966 140186.

E-mail contact@blackasjet.co.uk

Whitby Jet

Black as Jet is an online store for Whitby Jet jewellery and its simulants. In addition to Whitby Jet the store section of the site also features Baltic Amber, coloured Diamonds and other vintage jewellery including items made from gold, silver, ivory and bone

Whitby Holiday Cottages – Whitby Guide Film - Whitby Holiday Cottage Film Guide – CCTV Installer - Security Alarm Installer – Alan Davidson’s blog

Whitby certainly is an old town with a deep history, which still retains lots of character today.

alan — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:49:44 +0000

Dracula

In 656, in Anglo-Saxon times, Whitby was actually called Streonshal. This was when Osway was the Christian King of Northumbria and founded Whitby Abbey under its first Abbess, Hilda.
Over two hundred years later in 867, the monastery was brought to the ground by Viking raiders and was not rebuilt for over 200 years until 1078. It was during these times that the town actually established its current name of Whitby (from “white settlement” in Old Norse). Jumping much further ahead in time to the 18th century, Whitby became a town which was primarily focused around shipbuilding and whaling, as well as trading in Alum and the now famous Whitby jet. Whitby Abbey is one of the town’s biggest tourist attractions and, situated on the East Cliff overlooking Whitby, provides fantastic panoramic views over the town, the harbour and beyond towards Sandsend.
One of the most famous characters associated with Whitby is Dracula, the central character of a book written by Bram Stoker, the famous author who was staying in Whitby at the time of writing. Dracula is widely considered to be one of the most famous Gothic figures ever created. Stoker was lodging on the Royal Crescent in Whitby whilst writing Dracula. In fact there is a blue plaque to commemorate this fact on one of the large imposing Victorian terraced properties. It is well known that Stoker was influenced by the local surroundings whilst writing the book, featuring passages such as the ghostly ship ‘Demeter’ pulling ashore with the huge black wolf pouncing from the deck into the darkness. Stoker based both the ship and the beast from ideas while talking to local townsfolk, who told him of the Russian ship ‘Dmitri’ which, like the ship from the book, had previously been beached in the town’s harbour. Local folklore often told of ‘Barguest’, the huge black phantom hound which was said to prowl the Yorkshire Moors, with a particular preference for the Whitby area. It was in the Whitby library that Stoker first came across the name Dracula, when he borrowed a book with the title ‘An Account of the Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia’, written in 1820 by William Wilson. This book included in one of its paragraphs ‘Voivode Dracula’ which is the Voivode Dracula character in battle with the Turks. One item in particular caught the attention of Stoker – Dracula in the Wallachian dialect means Devil!
There is also a statue on the West Cliff of one of the town’s most famous inhabitants, Captain James Cook. All four of Cook’s ships were built in Whitby: Endeavour, Resolution, Adventure and Discovery and it was from Whitby that James Cook embarked on his journey to discover Australia.
The Captain Cook Museum is situated in a 17th-century house very close to Whitby Harbour, the location is where, as an apprentice, he had lodgings. It was whilst living in Whitby that Cook trained to be a seaman which ultimately led to his epic voyages of discovery.
So Whitby has much to attract tourists who like history, or merely enjoy the seaside town. It has numerous themed weekends throughout the year, such as the two Goth weekends, which see the town overtaken by people of all ages dressed in their fine black regal costumes. If you would like to see the up-and-coming events scheduled for the town; please look at the Whitby calendar of events.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

Whitby’s Swing Bridge 100 Year Centenary Celebrations

alan — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:43:27 +0000

I was lucky enough to be able to watch Whitby’s swing Bridge 100 centenary celebrations on Saturday, 8 August 2009 from a prime location the second floor of the Dolphin Hotel which is right next to the bridge itself. I don’t think it would have been possible to have a better view on this gorgeous sunny day.

It was a very popular event and literally thousands of people turned up to watch the various celebrations.

Below are pictures from the opening Day ceremony in 1909 and then 2009.

Whitby Bridge celebrations 1909 and 2009

Much of the credit for organising the event must go to John Freeman a local well-known artist with a gallery in the square.

The History of Whitbys Swing Bridge and its predecessors

At the entrance to the bridge during the afternoon Susan Harty pictured left (who regularly writes articles about forthcoming events in Whitby to inform tourists) was selling an excellent booklet called The History of Whitby Swing Bridge And Its Predecessors. It had been written by John Freeman in a short space of time so it would be ready for the big day itself, with some great articles and pictures.

If you’re interested in the history of Whitby I would highly recommend trying to find a copy. There was also a 100 year certificate on sale.

The certificate to celebrate the 100th centenary of Whitby Swing Bridge

There was a PA system next to the bridge which produced an entertaining commentary throughout the afternoon’s events from local Whitby man I’m afraid I didn’t catch the details of who he was but he certainly kept everybody informed and entertained with some corny jokes.
Various entertainment started at 12:30 PM giving your day I carnival style feel. The entertainment was provided by the Cleveland Police band, Stakesby Steel band, Whitby Jets juvenile jazz band, and playlets by youngsters from the The Paul Nicholas School of Acting, Marske Fishermans Choir sang and the Saltburn Victorian Society dressed up for the day to bring a touch of period drama to the festivities.

Whitby Victorian Society costumes giving the bridge's centenary of flavour from the past

Also a spectacular stunt as the famous Red Arrows flew under Whitby Bridge in formation….. OK I’m fibbing with the last one obviously just a teeny weenie bit impossible Actually the Red Arrows are scheduled to make an appearance Whitby Regatta this year, and if you’ve not seen them before they are certainly worth a viewing especially with the gorgeous backdrop of Whitby.
There were many people from the Saltburn Victorian Society dressed up to the nines making the event extremely atmospheric and giving you some idea of what the original opening ceremony could have been like in 1909.
As the time approached 4 PM the main events of the day were to unfold. Rev Canon David Smith blessed the bridge as there was a sail through by various boats including the current Whitby lifeboat and the 1938 Whitby lifeboat Mary Ann Hepworth which is now used as a pleasure trip vessel by a gentleman called Barry who I believe is a former Whitby lifeboat member.

Whitby Lifeboat from 1938 called Mary Ann Hepworth

Next a group of dignitaries gathered on both sides of the bridge to officially unveil the specially-commissioned plaques marking the anniversary.
Then on the west side, Whitby town mayor Coun Terry Jennison cut the ribbon to reveal the plaque, while on the east side, Scarborough Borough Council mayor Coun Bill Chatt did the honours.

The Lord Mayor of both Whitby and Scarborough and various other dignitaries

They then led their groups, including many in historic costumes, to meet in the centre of the bridge, recreating a famous image from the opening 100 years ago.

In the meantime, huge crowds waited patiently on both sides for the bridge to re-open before the gates were finally unlocked and the massed throngs poured onto the bridge from both sides.

This is a film of eveyone crossing the bridge

Article, pictures and film by Alan Davidson copyright www.whitby.uk.net

Whitby Holiday Cottages – Whitby Guide Film - Whitby Holiday Cottage Film Guide – CCTV Installer - Security Alarm Installer – Alan Davidson’s blog

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

No related posts.

Historic steam boat pays a visit to Whitby

alan — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:34:25 +0000

WHITBY Harbour had a new visitor this week when a spectacular wartime steam ship cruised into town.

Whitby gets steamed up

The VIC 96 is a steam coasting lighter powered by coal and arrived in Whitby on Wednesday evening at 6pm.

She was commissioned by the War Office and built in 1945 by Dunston’s of Thorne and used as a replenishment ship to carry items such as potatoes, coal and ammunition.

One of 98 VICs (Victualling Inshore Craft) built, she spent a large part of her working life in Sheerness and Chatham.

For the past 25 years or so she was at the Steamship Museum in Maryport, Cumbria, where she was in danger of sinking and Vic 96 Trust – a registered charity – was formed to restore her when she was threatened with the scrapheap.

The enthusiasts have spent £600,000 of their own cash transforming her back to her former glory.

The Vic 96, which is being skippered by Derek Gransden, chairman of the Vic 96 Trust, measures 85ft long, 20ft wide and has been sailing at a speed of up to seven knots.

The 10 strong crew set sail from Maryport on 5 July and have been stopping off at various ports along the coast.

She was due to set sail from Whitby this morning at 2am and the crew hope to arrive in Chatham next weekend where she has been offered a berth in Chatham No 1 basin.

The ship will be a working exhibit, attending steam fairs and functions in the UK and hopefully Europe too.

No related posts.

Whitby Abbey

alan — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 19:24:03 +0000

Whitby Abbey is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Great Britain.

It is a dominant feature of Whitby with its gothic ruin overlooking the town from the East Cliff.

The ruin is a reminder of the early church’s power and dedication it is one of Britain’s best loved attractions offering inspiration to thousands of visitors each and every year.

Take a tour of the ruins of Whitby Abbey

Founded in 657AD by Oswy, Whitby Abbey is dedicated to St Hilda, after the first Abbess, Lady Hilda. Famous and first known poet, Cædmon, was attached to Whitby Abbey during the abbacy of St Hilda.

Climb the 199 steps to the abbey to enjoy views of the unspoilt beauty of Whitby Harbour, the Esk Valley and the glorious Yorkshire coastline. Once at the summit why not take a tour of the ruins of Whitby Abbey and discover the eerie charm that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula – just be sure to take a friend for the trip…

If that sounds little hairy scary, you could always have a stroll around one of the delightful gardens surrounding Whitby Abbey, there is also a newly refurbished Youth Hostel close by, certainly one of the finest in the country. With its modern and contemporary interior combined with original period features, this is a great place to stay in Whitby.

Whitby Holiday Cottages – Whitby Guide Film - Whitby Holiday Cottage Film Guide – CCTV Installer - Security Alarm Installer – Alan Davidson’s blog

Old and New Pictures

alan — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:06:33 +0000

Pictures of places of interest in Whitby, as they were and as they are now

Whitby’s 199 steps

alan — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:00:48 +0000

visit one of the most popular attractions in the county

Why would anybody want to climb the 199 steps?

Well for many reasons like the panoramic view of Whitby, to visit one of the most popular attractions in the county Whitby Abbey and St Hilda’s Church or simply just count them to say you’ve been there and done it.

It is very difficult to find a moment when somebody is not walking up the 199 steps, they attract visitors from every corner of the world.
You can start to ascend the climb from the end of Church Street which is on the East Side of Whitby which is generally known as the old part of town with its historic winding cobbled streets and numerous old fishing yards with quaint cottages from bygone years.

There is one train of thought that says there are actually 198 steps because the final step at the top should not be counted it is basically just the top, but the majority of people except there is 199, with the exception of a few that simply lost count while gasping for breath on the way up. Once you reach the top you get a beautiful view across to the west side of Whitby with the Royal Crescent Hotel and famous Whales Jaw bone.

You are now also in the grounds and graveyard of St Hilda’s Church with Whitby Abbey just behind.