Whale Bone Arch

The Whale Bone Arch stands at the top of the West Cliff in Whitby, a fishing town on the North Yorkshire coast. It is made from the lower jawbones of a whale arched into a gateway shape. The original arch was put up after 1853 and has been rebuilt at least twice because wind and sea spray damaged the bones. The arch is one of Whitby’s best-known landmarks and a reminder of the town’s whaling past. Local records show it was first raised to celebrate the industry that once brought wealth to the port. Over time the real whale bones wore away, so replacements have been fitted to keep the shape standing. Visitors reach the arch by walking up the cliff path from the harbour. From the arch they look straight down to the beach and across the wide North Sea horizon. The stone base and iron railings around the arch frame the view of the harbour entrance and the lighthouse on the headland.