Thursday 26th July 2001
Weather:
Warm & sunny
A late afternoon stroll around Whitby
From high up on West Cliff we get a good view of Whitby harbour's twin piers
It's late afternoon / early evening but there are still a few people on the beach and children paddling in the sea
The
breeding pairs of herring gulls are rapidly on the increase -
some locals have asked for a cull to bring the numbers down
- I still love to see and hear them though, Whitby just wouldn't
be the same without them
. 
We strolled along the West Pier enjoying a bag of fish and chips
This
pier was first mentioned in the reign of Henry VIII who ordered
its maintenance with timber from the 'King's Wood'
- it was rebuilt in 1632 with stone in a timber frame.
At one time, the head of the pier boasted a six-gun battery which
was dismantled after the Napoleonic Wars.
. 
The ornate lamp-posts look as though they've had a recent coat of paint
. 
The
extensions, made of concrete and timber complete with decking, do
much to reduce the swell in the harbour
- completed in 1912, today they form a delightful promenade,
though they are closed to the public during heavy seas
. 
The
handsome lighthouse (above left) on West Pier was built in 1831 -
it is 80 feet high in the form of a Greek Doric column
complete with an octagonal lantern
The
smaller lighthouse (above right) on East Pier was erected in 1854
The craft passing below it is a former lifeboat, now, deservedly,
enjoying safer seas taking people out on pleasure trips
In the far distance, looking south-east beyond East Pier, can be seen Saltwick Nab
Closer
up, the contours of parts of the Nab show remaining evidence of
former alum works
- over the years it has been the site of many a shipwreck
Looking across the harbour towards the Abbey and St Mary's Church
Much
work has been done in the past year below the cliffs to
strengthen the land against further erosion
from the battering storms of the North Sea
Last year's cliff-fall can be clearly seen below the abbey ruins - the houses are part of Henrietta Street
Looking the other way, as the sun gets lower, we enjoy the view across today's calm waters towards Sandsend Ness
Leaving West Pier we walk along Pier Road glancing back across the peaceful harbour towards its mouth
Today's modern lifeboat can be seen moored (centre right) - let's hope it stays there without being called upon . . .
The tranquil view south-east from the swing-bridge
I just love this place - here, tidy stacks of lobster pots line the harbour sides . . .
. . . while the boats are ready to take them out to sea another day, maybe tomorrow . . .
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