Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Yorkshire Air Ambulance

The Christian festival of Easter and the distinctly unchristian Dracula would appear to have little in common. However, the pretty and rugged town of Whitby unites the two. A synod in Whitby Abbey in the 600’s set the date of Easter, and over 1200 years later, author Bram Stoker was inspired by Whitby. With the ruined Abbey towering over the cliffs, Stoker created Dracula and the shipwreck that brought the Count alive.

Whitby Abbey

Today, the visitor faces the challenge of 199 steep steps leading from Whitby town up to the preserved ruins of Whitby Abbey. On the way to the Abbey, they pass through the fascinating graveyard of St Mary’s. The sea breezes are so strong, older gravestones have deep pits gouged out of the sandstone. Pity the poor pallbearers from Victorian times having to carry the coffin up those steps.

The Abbey is worth touring, although the reformation reduced it to open air ruins. Stand awhile in the centre of this historic building to get an image of how grand and important Whitby Abbey once was.