History

History of Staithes dates to the earliest recording in the doomsday book of Seaton back in 1086. It was later known as the Staithe or landing place of Seaton around the date of 1415 before finally recognised as Staithes around 1523 in some of the early recordings.

Smuggling was rife in Staithes and at the time of 1720 through the 1780 and there are many recordings about smugglers contraband such as Brandy been found by customs officers in local houses and cellars.

The Famous Caption Cook started his apprenticeship in Staithes and in in 1728 he set off on the epic voyage to discover New Zealand and Australia before his sudden death in 1771 where natives killed the young captain.