A History of Whitby

This History of Whitby page is a 'work-in-progress.' Please let me know if you have any dates that you feel should be added!

• 657 AD: King Oswy, the Christian King of Northumbria, builds a monastery at Whitby.
• 657-680: St.Hilda is the Abbess at Streanshall (Whitby Abbey).
• 657-680: Caedmon, the first English poet, lives for part of these years at Streanshall during the time of St.Hilda.
• 664: The Synod of Whitby rules in favour of the Roman date of Easter in Northumbria (rather than the Celtic date).
• 867: Vikings land on the coast and destroy the monastery.
• 1078: William de Percy refounds the monastery.
• 1159: The tradition of the Penny Hedge begins in Whitby.
• 1540: Henry VIII dissolves the monasteries, including Whitby Abbey.
• End of 16th century: Thomas Chaloner of York (after travelling to Italy) develops a thriving alum industry in the area.
• 1747: Captain James Cook is taken on as a merchant navy apprentice in Whitby by John and Henry Walker (prominent ship-owners).
• 1753: Whitby sees the first whaling ship set sail for Greenland.

Listen to 'History of Whitby' (Music by Alan J Moore)

• 1775: Subscription Library founded.
• 1784: A Subscription Theatre is built.
• 1812: Botanic Garden work begins.
• 1814: A News Room is built by subscription.
• 19th century: the 199 steps are converted from wooden 'stairs' to stone steps.
• Mid-19th century: Whitby jet is at its peak of popularity.
• 1914: The Rohilla hospital ship sinks off Whitby. Also, in this year, Whitby is attacked by two German warships.
• 1994: Whitby Gothic Weekend is founded.
• 2006: The 199 steps undergo a major restoration.

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