High on a cliff above the Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby are the gaunt, imposing remains of Whitby Abbey. Founded in 657 by St Hilda, Whitby Abbey has over the years been a bustling settlement, a kings’ burial place, the setting for a historic meeting between Celtic and Roman clerics, the home of saints including the poet Caedmon, and inspiration for Bram Stoker, author of Dracula. Discover how over 2,000 years of history make the Abbey one of England’s most important archaeological sites. And at the interactive visitor centre your family can view archaeological finds spectacular audio-visual displays.
An exciting new addition to Whitby Abbey will be unveiled at the start of the 2009 season. A replica of the famous Borghese gladiator statue, the original of which is in the Paris Louvre, will be installed in the Abbey's 17th Century courtyard to replace the lost statue that previously stood guard on the site. The life-size bronze replica will be the final touch to the revamping of Whitby Abbey's visitor experience centre which includes a new visitor entrance point close to the 199 steps.