WHITBY, ENGLAND

                                         An Interesting City

          A large whale bone archway, near the harbor, greets visitors to Whitby, known as the gem of the northeast coast.  From 1750-1850 it was the sixth most important seaport in the UK primarily transporting coal to London. The Esk River runs through the city. A swing bridge provides passage from the populated side of the city to the abbey side.

            At one time there were three ship building yards in Whitby. In fact, Captain Cook’s Endeavor was built in Whitby. Rope making, fishing, whaling, and alum mining were once important industries.

            Whaling provided oil for lubricating machinery, softening leather, and making soap and candles. Whitby was one of the first European cities to have gas lamps—with whale oil.

            William Scoresby, a farm boy, attended school until age 9, then he worked on the farm until 16 when he broke family tradition of following in his dad’s footsteps and went to sea. He sailed on the Speedwell and was captain of many ships. In 1753 he started whaling. He is credited with inventing the crow’s nest.

            At age 10, William Scoresby Jr. stowed away on his father’s ship. At age 13 he apprenticed, at 18 was a mate, and a captain at 21. He invented the marine diver to measure salt and temperature of water at different depths. He did over 300 experiments of the effect of magnetism on a compass and on a ship.

            He left the sea at age 33 pursuing the ministry. Leaving the sea meant a huge pay cut for the young Scoresby. However, he continued experiments and scientific studies publishing many scientific papers. In 1825 he studied the effect of pollution on the air and environment, but his studies were short lived, no doubt because of industry pressure and influence.

              St. Hilde, a 7^th century abbey, dominated Whitby.  After wandering around the town we tackled the 199 steps up to the abbey and the nearby St. Mary’s church. We had a nice view of the harbor once at the top. The abbey is much smaller than Rievaulx but a gorgeous gothic structure.

            England is full of old churches, abbeys, and castles. One can visit only so many and, although each has its own history and background, that is usually enough.