Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Whitby Abbey is a ruined monastery, located overlooking the North Sea on the East Cliff above Whitby, Yorkshire, in the North Riding. The monastery was first founded in AD 657 by Oswy, King of Northumbria, as Streoneshalh. In 664 the Synod of Whitby took place at the monastery. Streoneshalch monastery was laid waste by Danes between 867-870 and remained desolate for more than 200 years. It was re-established as a Benedictine monastery by Reinfrid, one of the soldiers of William the Conqueror. The Benedictine abbey thrived for centuries as a centre of learning until its dissolution in 1540, following which its ruins have remained a landmark for sailors. The Abbey House (aka Cholmley House) was built in 1672 by Sir Hugh Cholmeley, possible incorporating part of the Abbott's house. Whitby Abbey Cross is a mediæval stone cross associated with the abbey. The monument is within the council area of North Yorkshire.
Historic England Scheduled Monument 1017941.

Place Type: Ecclesiastical Monument
Historic County: Yorkshire
Division of County: North Riding
Lat, Long: 54.48837,-0.60717094
Grid Reference: NZ 9032 1122
Civil Parish: Whitby CP
Council Area: North Yorkshire CA
Strategic Authority Area: York and North Yorkshire SA
Police Area: North Yorkshire PA

GBPN ID: 319942
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Whitby_Abbey,_Yorkshire_319942

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