St Mary’s, Whitby

St Mary's church in Whitby

St Mary’s, Whitby

Where is it – England, Yorkshire and the Humber

Who looks after it –  Church authorities 

What is it –  Church, Free access, Literary 

When is it from – Georgian, Medieval

St Mary’s, Whitby, is an extraordinary church. In some ways, it doesn’t seem like a church at all, more like a museum. It is densely packed with box pews, apparently with enough seating for 2,000 people.  Full of Whitby’s history and stories, it contains a raft of intriguing features, including a triple-decker pulpit, hearing trumpet and Saxon baby coffin. Dating from the 12th century, it is actually older than the famous abbey ruins next door although the interior largely dates from the 18th century. Bram Stoker used its churchyard, on top of Whitby’s east cliff, as a scene in his Dracula novel (more information about this below). The churchyard is fascinating and much loved by vampire fans – though, sadly, eroding with the cliff. Watch out for Caedmon’s Cross.

 


Address

Abbey Plain, East Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO22 4JT 

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