Runswick
Runswick maps (2 available)
Map of Cleveland
Beautifully hand-drawn and coloured, dating from around 1840
Personalised maps
Create an historic map centred directly on any postcode!
Runswick books (23 available)
- 9 photos on Runswick appear in 4 Frith books - View photos of Runswick
- Read extracts and see photos from these books on Runswick and Cleveland
Runswick memories
Read and share memories of Runswick and Cleveland inspired by Frith photos
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Cleveland memories
Power Boats
The wooden clinker built boat, painted white in the lower right of the picture, was one of a pair of fast boats that the late Arthur Shippey and Tom Louis ran from coffee house end steps. They would call loudly ""half hour trips round the bay now"" -- ""come on down"". Tourists were happy to pay 1/6d for the pleasure of getting soaked to the skin.
As a small boy living close to the harbour in Baxtergate, I was well known to Arthur (who lived next door) Tom liked a drink in our pub, so I was always allowed to take a free ride when things were quiet. I can tell you that this was a huge thrill.
I ...read more here
A memory of Whitby contributed by Jim Evans
The swing bridge.
This is a swing bridge - it swings horizontally. It actually swings out in two halves to rest over the pointed timber structures that can be seen in the river. These timber structures are known locally as 'dolphins' and are sometimes used when maintenance of the bridge arms is required. The large building on the far side of the river at the end of the bridge to the right is the Dolphin Hotel. Presumably it takes its name from the bridge dolphins.
A memory of Whitby contributed by The Frith Memory Archivist
The Peart twins.
The children are twin boys. Matthew Peart on the left and Robert Peart on the right. Robert was drowned at the age of twenty when he was swept overboard near St Petersburg on 19 July 1908.
A memory of Whitby contributed by The Frith Memory Archivist
The Peart family.
This is the Peart family. Amelia the eldest aged 17 holds her baby brother George. Next to her on the rock is Robert Leadley Peart and at her side is Robert's twin Matthew. Next to Matthew is Jane (known as Ginny) and then Tom.
Ginny was born 18th September 1884 and was six years old in this photograph.
Robert (on the rock) was drowned aged 20 on 19th July 1908 after being swept overboard at St Petersburg.
George was also drowned in the sinking of HMS Hogue on 22nd September 1914. He was 23.
There were also two other brothers not shown in the photo - David who died aged 53 years on 11th July 1925 and William who ...read more here
A memory of Whitby contributed by Susan Storr
Extracts From Runswick & Cleveland books
The older houses of this charming little village, like many others on this coast, are built hanging precariously onto a cliff. The villagers once relied almost solely on fishing. There would have to be a high tide before these little cobles could be launched.
An extract from from"Yorkshire Coastal Memories Photographic Memories".
The steep, winding stairs and the difference in levels of the houses show how the buildings cling to the steep cliff, the summit of which rises high above. To the right of the cottage are crates with small holes in them; perhaps this was the home of a pigeon fancier!
An extract from from"Yorkshire Coastal Memories Photographic Memories".
This picturesque view shows how far out the tide would recede. The road leading up the cliff from the village looks a steep, arduous walk. To the far left of the road, a lone camper has pitched a tent on a piece of grassy land.
An extract from from"Yorkshire Coastal Memories Photographic Memories".
Jet mining was a large industry here, and involved cutting into the cliff. Craftsmen who manufactured it into beautiful ornaments and jewellery bought the jet. In the cliff that was used for the mine there was a cave, Hob Holes: legend had it that a hob man, or goblin, lived there who could cure whooping cough.
An extract from from"Yorkshire Coastal Memories Photographic Memories".
Whalers, fishermen and smugglers were once regular visitors to the bay. Erosion has always been a problem here. In 1682, a landslide destroyed every dwelling except one. No lives were lost, as the village was evacuated in time. Another landslide in 1858 demolished an iron smelting works.
An extract from from"Yorkshire Coastal Memories Photographic Memories".