A little Glimpse into Staithes 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.
In the early 1800 there was many storms that brought havoc the fishing village in in one occasion some land was washed away near to the Crab and Lobster pub that left some smugglers once hidden contraband in what was known as “smugglers Gin holes”
1875 saw the new lifeboat house built where the Alum works used to be and this served the town that had over the years lost many lives in storm seas but later closed around the 1920`s due the shortage of men to man it. This happened again during the coming years until finally been re-opened in 1978 and known as the Staithes and Runswick bay lifeboat.
Staithes also had a Viaduct and its own railway which was used as part of the coast line mining on the north-east coast. This viaduct was later dismantled after Staithes lost its railway station around 1958 as mining stated started to come to end.
During the later years Staithes become known as a very popular location for Artists and has its own town festival where many artists houses are opened for visitors to look around. This has become a very popular event and sees with a great many visitors over the weekend usually held in September.
Walkers are common in Staithes and cliff walks form part of the Cleveland way and are very popular with stop off points such as Port Mulgrave and Runswick Bay.
Visit Captain Cook and staithes heritage centre in the old chapel just up from Rock Lea cottage on the high street.
Take a fishing trip as advertised in local pubs or notice boards in the sea front just over the small beach.
The Staithes lifeboat station is also a worthy attraction as it holds many years of history and records all written down to view in boards in the lifeboat station house roof
Browse the shops in Staithes, although only a small village the art gallery is a must and some of the smaller shops sell antiques and local crafts. A range of more modern shops are available at the top of the town near the main road where you will find a CoOp which is ideal for your food shopping.
Further afield you have Wind surfing up at Saltburn beach and while there be sure to drop into the Yorkshire Pie and Mash Shop restaurant (www.yorkshirepieandmash.co.uk) this charming little restaurant offers great Pie and Mash themed food served in 1940`s style served on traditional tin plates and pot of local tea all in remanence of WW II but don’t forget to mention your guests of Rock Lea in Staithes.
Whitby is just ten miles down the road and offers great shopping as well as a look around the abbey. Do not forget to check old Whitby town as this offers similar charm to Staithes with old quirky cottages on the cliff side.
Coming inland a little you can visit the set used by the popular Heart Beat series in Goathlands on the north Yorkshire moors. Steam train rides from here are also available direct to Pickering but please check time tables as they tend to run most in the summer period.
There are plenty of other visitor attractions around the area and local shops carry many of the tourist information packs to help plan your break away
Some pictures taken in and around Staithes
