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Staithes

Staithes photos (57 available)

Old photo of Staithes

Staithes maps (2 available)

Old map of Staithes

Staithes books (23 available)

Staithes memories

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Cleveland memories

Power Boats

Whitby, the Upper Harbour c1955

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.

Whitby, the Bridge 1913

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.

Whitby, 'Gemini' 1891

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.

Whitby, a Group of Fisher Children 1891

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 Staithes & Cleveland books

Staithes, the Bridge 1886

The nets strewn across the railings of the bridge emphasise the importance of this small harbour; in 1887, it boasted over 80 cobles and yawls, employing over 200 fishermen. The boulders and rocks are placed strategically along the mudflats to protect the banks from sea erosion and to safeguard the houses close by. Whitby
An extract from from"Picturesque Harbours Photographic Memories".

Staithes, 1886

The village is said to have begun as the result of a shipwreck when survivors from a French ship scrambled ashore and decided to stay. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Staithes was a fishing port of some standing, being a centre for cod, haddock and mackerel, with enough fish being landed for the North Eastern Railway to run three of four special fish-trains every week.
An extract from from"North Yorkshire Photographic Memories".

Staithes, 1886

Upright staves are inserted at the water’s edge. These reinforce the efforts we saw in photograph 18208 to diminish the sea’s force and to protect the cramped houses and banks. This harbour dries completely at low water. In common with Whitby, it was the establishment of a railway service, in 1883, which affected community lifestyles drastically. Staithes
An extract from from"Picturesque Harbours Photographic Memories".

Staithes, c1885

This view and view No 79002 show how Staithes nestles in the shadow of the two mighty cliffs. The stream flows through the village, and is crossed by a sturdy replacement to what was once a wooden bridge.
An extract from from"Yorkshire Coastal Memories Photographic Memories".

Staithes, c1885

Disturbed water at the cliff base indicates the power and force of the seas as they surge into the bay and crash against the beach. Calm water contrasts with turbulence as it flows into the creek. Something possibly washed in with the tide has attracted the attention of a man, stooping in concentration on the water’s edge.
An extract from from"Picturesque Harbours Photographic Memories".