Whitby Landmarks
Think of Whitby and you probably think of three landmarks: the Captain Cook Memorial, Whitby Abbey and the Whalebone Arch.
Here at the Riviera Guesthouse, we are close to all these landmarks.
The one we are asked about most is the Whalebone Arch.
If you want to see the Whalebone Arch, book your stay with us here!
Why Are There Whale Bones in Whitby?
Whitby has a connection to the whaling industry, particularly in the 17th Century.
At this time large-scale whaling took place from Whitby, sustaining many local livelihoods.
Whaling itself took place in the colder waters such as the Arctic ocean.
A local family connected with the industry is the Scoresbys, and you can read about them here
The whales were brought back to our port for processing.
Constituents from the creature include oil for lighting, lubrication and fuel.
Bones were used in corsets, umbrella spokes and more (remember this is before plastic was invented).
Today, of course, whales are protected.
However, in the past, this dangerous living meant at its peak 55 ships operated from Whitby Harbour.
The whalebones are a reminder of Whitby’s historic links to whaling.
The original bones were erected around 1853.
These reached 19ft in height.
These became weathered by the North Sea storms and maritime climate.
In 1963, a replica was donated by Norway. The originals, meanwhile, are stored in the Whitby Archives and Heritage Centre.
Again, the weather took its toll and another replacement set was donated by Alaska in 2003.
They are bowhead whale jaw bones, and are donated from the town of Barrow in the province, one of Whitby’s global sister towns.
The bowhead whale is legally hunted by Inuit communities along Alaska’s Northern Coastline.
The Whale Bone Arch has some of the finest views in Whitby, with uninterrupted views of the West Cliff and Whitby Abbey.
They are also next to the statue of Captain James Cook, whose connections to Whitby are celebrated in the Captain Cook Museum in Grape Lane.
Whale Watching Whitby
As our climate changes, the sea life which visits our section of the North Sea now boasts dolphins, porpoises, seals and minke whales.
The North Sea is known for its rich habitat, and whales migrate towards our shores in Summer to feast on herring and other delicacies.
There have also been sightings of Sei, Fin and Humpback Whales.
You can join a whale watching boat trip from Whitby.
Head down to the Harbour and you will see a variety of ships and boats that you can board and hopefully these incredible creatures.
Whales Teeth
When whales were hunted a couple of centuries ago, another by-product was whale teeth, usually from Sperm Whales.
Whalers would often engrave and carve teeth and some whalebones with detailed images, which is known at scrimshaw work.
Other breeds of whales including the baleen whale, and the tusks of walruses.
The engravings are often very elaborate and are a real work of art.
It is thought the skill we know today came about during Pacific Ocean voyages in the mid 1700s, surviving until 1986 when the ban on commercial whaling was introduced.
However historically, Inuit and Eskimo communities have practised the skill for many centuries.
Scrimshaw as a term is thought to derive from nautical slang meaning to ‘waste time’.
Perhaps more accurately, it was a means of passing time between whaling activities.
Voyages could last anything up to five years, and several weeks could elapse between whale sightings.
So it’s no wonder sailors needed something to occupy them!
Of course today, use of ivory is now protected, however the scrimshaw work is of its time.
If you want to see some examples of scrimshaw work, you can see some in Whitby Museum (LINK) https://whitbymuseum.org.uk/collection/maritime-heritage/
Other Forms of ‘Graffiti’
Whitby Parish Church of St Mary’s is a stunning place to visit and is packed with history, artefacts and more.
Its address is fascinating in itself: you will find this on Abbey Plain, Whitby YO22 4JT.
If you wander around the pews and galleries, you will spot a number of carvings, sometimes referred to as graffiti, adorning the wooden seating areas.
Carried out by perhaps bored parishioners, if you wander around the church, you’ll see how many of them ‘got away with it’!
They are outside of the pulpit, for one thing.
While some constitute dates and initials, many are in the form of sailing ships.
Varying in detail, you can while away a fascinating hour or so spotting these throughout the church.
Examples include various ship types such as a brig, sloops, brigantine and schooners.
There is an example of a steam ship, a paddle steamer, and there is also a carving of a rowing gig or galley with four oarsmen and a steersman.
Other Whaling Connections
There are so many things to see in Whitby, it is difficult to know where to start!
We have our own pedestrian’s guide.
We also love the Heritage Sculpture Trail, featuring sculptures by Emma Stothard, made from steel wire.
These captivating works of art feature, among others, the Crow’s Nest on West Cliff.
Invented by a member of the Scoresby Family (mentioned earlier in this blog), this invention in time helped save many lives.
It allowed sailors to scope the seascapes from his lofty position, attached to the mast.
It was first used in 1807 and included flags, a telescope (or later binoculars), and latterly a speaking trumpet to the community with the decks below.
About the Riviera Guesthouse
Situated on the popular West Cliff, the Riviera provides comfortable en-suite accommodation with stunning panoramic views over the North Sea.
The views are among some of the best in Whitby, stretching from Whitby Harbour Entrance across the sea to Sandsend.
Our guests love the sea views and you will also enjoy a stay in a peaceful neighbourhood within an easy walk into town.
The majority of our 15 bedrooms are sea-facing and all have en-suite facilities, LCD TVs, free and fast Wifi, refreshment trays and large white fluffy towels.
Our breakfasts are another reason why guests return to the Riviera when they visit Whitby.
Choose from a cooked or Continental breakfast, served in our dining rooms with ‘floor to ceiling’ Bay Windows boasting stunning sea views.
It’s a fantastic setting to get ready for the day, before you head out for a day’s adventure in and around Whitby.
