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Whitby Abbey
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- Name
- Whitby Abbey
- Continent
- EUROPE
- Alt Name:
- -
- Country:
- United Kingdom
- Period:
- High Medieval (1000AD–1300AD)
- Sub-Region:
- Northern Europe
- Date:
- 1200AD - 1299AD
- City/Town:
- Whitby
- Figure:
- -
- Resorts:
- Whitby,
- Related:
- Durham Castle, Durham Cathedral,
Helmsley Castle, Fountains Abbey,
about Whitby Abbey
Whitby Abbey is a picturesque cliff-top ruin of the 13th century church of a Benedictine abbey in Yorkshire.
An Anglo-Saxon monastery was actually first founded here by Northumbria’s King Oswy in 657AD, but nothing remains of this now. Instead, the jagged walls and arches that stand here are what are left of a later gothic church, part of an abbey begun in 1220 by the Normans.
Whitby Abbey has several claims to fame, although mostly from its first incarnation. The site has been the residence of Caedmon the cowherd as well as a royal final resting place. What’s more, Dracula author Bram Stoker used the site as inspiration for his dark novel.
Over time, Whitby Abbey has suffered from a series of destructive elements, having been ravaged by invaders, dissolved by Henry VIII and pummelled by wartime bombs.
Today, Whitby Abbey is open to the public under the remit of English Heritage. There is also a modern visitor centre which tells the story of Whitby Abbey as well as having exhibitions of finds from the site, including from the 7th century abbey.
Just as empires rise and fall so do entry fees and opening hours! While we work as hard as we can to ensure the information provided here about Whitby Abbey is as accurate as possible, the changing nature of certain elements mean we can't absolutely guarantee that these details won't become a thing of the past. If you know of any information on this page that needs updating you can add a comment above or now.
contact details
Address: Abbey Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO22 4JT
Phone: Contact English Heritage
useful information
Directions:
Located in Whitby, approx 0.5 miles from Whitby Train Station (3hrs by train from Leeds). Approx 72 miles southeast of Newcastle Upon Tyne and 73 miles northeast of Leeds. By car, follow the signposts on the outskirts of town to get straight to the site. If you’re at the harbour, it can only be reached via 199 steps.
Ticket Information:
Generally open April-Sept 10am-6pm daily, 10am-4pm the rest of the year. Closed Tuesday-Wednesday Jan-March and in Oct. Entry £6 adults, £3.60 children, £5.40 reduced. Family tickets available.
Links:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/whitby-abbey/
http://attractions.yorkshire.com/thedms.aspx?dms=13
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USER COMMENTS
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26 Mar, 2012
In 1914, Whitby Abbey was shelled by German battlecruisers Von der Tann and Derfflinger, aiming for the signal post on the end of the headland. Scarborough and Hartlepool were also attacked. The Abbey sustained considerable damage during the attack, which lasted ten minutes, look out for the shrapnel damage from the shelling.
Worth the climb