Whitby Abbey, Whitby (North York Moors)
One of Britain's best loved attractions, the iconic ruins of Whitby Abbey is a must-do when visiting the Yorkshire coast
Summary
- 13th century buildings (or older)
- Gift shop
- Information provided
- Audio guide
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Food and Drinks
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Introduction
Whitby Abbey, one of Britain's best loved attractions is a magnificent reminder of the early church's power and dedication. A visit to this iconic gothic ruin in the famous seaside town, is a must when visiting the Yorkshire coast, where generations have been drawn to this dramatic headland as a site of settlement, religious devotion and literary inspiration.
Delve deep into the Abbey's 2,000 year history with archaeological discoveries on show in the museum and fly through time in the interactive visitor centre which brings the history of the Abbey to life. Discover the stories of St Hild, the 1,500 year old abbess, through to Dracula's Bram Stoker. Enjoy magnificent views of the picturesque harbour town and why not picnic in the beautiful, serene surroundings. The trip up the 199 steps is worth the effort.
History to the present day
Perched high on a cliff, the haunting remains of this once magnificent abbey stand proudly above the picturesque seaside town of Whitby.
The first abbey was founded in AD 657 by the formidable St Hilda, a princess of the Northumbrian royal house, whose Saxon name Hild means 'battle'. Recent archaeological research undertaken by English Heritage suggests that it was once a bustling settlement, as well as the burial place of the Northumbrian royal family. The setting of an epoch-making international meeting between Celtic and Roman clerics, and the home of saints such as the poet Caedmon.
The Anglo-Saxon monastery was destroyed during a Viking invasion in 867, but one of William the Conqueror's knights refounded it in the late 1070s. By 1220, his Norman church proved inadequate for the many pilgrims, and the building of the present church began. After its dissolution by Henry VIII in 1538, the abbey did not suffer as much destruction as many other monasteries, as it was (and still is) used by shipping as a navigation marker. The site then passed to the Cholmley family, who built a mansion largely out of materials plundered from the monastery.
An imaginative visitor centre now sits within the walls of the Cholmley family mansion, part of a major interpretation and access project encompassing the whole of the headland, hailed as one of the most important archaeological sites in England. One of the aims of the project has been to enhance and protect the natural beauty and historic character of this headland. A recent addition to this project is the installation of a ‘Borghese Gladiator’ statue in front of the Mansion House, supporting archeological evidence has confirmed that a similar statue may have stood in this position at the Abbey. English Heritage's research excavations have added to our understanding of Whitby's complex history, including the discovery of a rare 17th-century 'hard garden', inspired by Cholmley's visits to France and Spain and now restored. Continuing research may yield further insights into this multi-layered site.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: Whitby Abbey, North York Moors, , United Kingdom
Opening times:
1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm
1 Oct-31 Mar 10am-4pm
24-26 Dec and 1 Jan Closed
Admission prices:
Adult: £5.50 Children: £2.80 Concession: £4.70 Family Ticket: £13.80
Photographs copyright of English Heritage Photographic Library
