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2. Views of Whitby Abbey
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The great historical date of Whitby is the Synod of Whitby in 664 due to the fame and prestige of its abbey. The original abbey was founded by St Hilda, Abbess of Hartlepool in AD 657. The monastery was destroyed by the Danes in 867. However by ~1078 the abbey was flourishing again but most of what you see today dates from the 13th century (rebuilding started ~1220) i.e. all that remains of the great architectural heritage of this monastic building that the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the late 1530's, 'stone pillaging' and the wild North Sea Coast weather destroyed.
Some of the medieval heads, on display in the visitor centre, found by archaeologist excavating the ruins of Whitby Abbey
View of Whitby Abbey , St Mary's Church, typical red tiled houses and the 199 steps up to them as seen from Westcliff. For more on St Mary's Church see page 13
The great medieval ruins of Whitby Abbey in the early morning sunlight (above) and evening light (3 below).
Also in the visitor centre is this beautifully crafted strap end from a belt dating from the 9th century and no doubt the work of an expert silversmith.
More of the carvings found by archaeological excavations at Whitby Abbey. On the left is part of a stone commemorating an important woman, possibly Abbess Aeilred, who died here ~AD714. On the right is part of a late 8th to early 9th century stone with a fine carving of an animal inscribed on it, it may have been part of a gravestone.
Details of the east end in the early morning light.
Some of the fine work of the medieval stonemasons can still be found, albeit somewhat eroded by weather of 700-800 years.
Some details of the weathered stonework and the old medieval cross by the Abbey. Its remarkable how these structures have survived the elements on such an exposed cliff top.
A profile of the upper parts of this great monastic ruin - viewed en route to the hostel or cafe!
The view from near the Abbey Cross. -
Near the Abbey visitor centre a statue has been erected to replace one lost from 300 years ago.
It is based on the Cardinal Borghese marble gladiator statue that was found in excavations in Italy in 1611. The original marble statue was signed by the sculptor Agasias of Ephesus and dated to 101 BC but probably based on an earlier model. This life-sized sword toting warrior is made of bronze.
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North Yorkshire * docspics photos images pictures © Phil Brown |
from Church Street up into the Abbey ruins, click on a picture to view the
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