Fitz

Of that, I have absolutely no doubt. It looks amazing. So thank you again to Katie for sharing that story. And if you would like to check out some of Katie's work, she recommends that you visit her on either Instagram or threads at Katie McCall underscore author. And we will, of course, be putting links on the show notes on the website so that you can check it out straight from there.

Of that, I have absolutely no doubt. It looks amazing. So thank you again to Katie for sharing that story. And if you would like to check out some of Katie's work, she recommends that you visit her on either Instagram or threads at Katie McCall underscore author. And we will, of course, be putting links on the show notes on the website so that you can check it out straight from there.

Well, that may have been the last listener story of this episode, but it's by no means the end of the show, for we are about to embark on a spooky adventure through the ancient streets of Whitby, turning up all kinds of stories, myths and legends. So grab a hot drink and a cozy blanket to keep you warm against any unearthly chills and join us as we go on the Trail of Dracula.

Well, that may have been the last listener story of this episode, but it's by no means the end of the show, for we are about to embark on a spooky adventure through the ancient streets of Whitby, turning up all kinds of stories, myths and legends. So grab a hot drink and a cozy blanket to keep you warm against any unearthly chills and join us as we go on the Trail of Dracula.

Last episode we left you high on the East Cliff amidst the ruins of Whitby Abbey, looking out at the landscape of the town and harbour beyond, framed by the archway of the Abbey's crumbling west front, as a bright sunny day fades to the gloaming of a spring evening. Today we'll pick up the next chapter of our explorations, but this time we begin high up on the West Cliff,

Last episode we left you high on the East Cliff amidst the ruins of Whitby Abbey, looking out at the landscape of the town and harbour beyond, framed by the archway of the Abbey's crumbling west front, as a bright sunny day fades to the gloaming of a spring evening. Today we'll pick up the next chapter of our explorations, but this time we begin high up on the West Cliff,

on a brand new, but distinctly less bright and sunny day.

on a brand new, but distinctly less bright and sunny day.

One of the lodging houses, No. 6 Royal Crescent, a cream and salmon painted townhouse with a little balcony and views directly out to sea, has a circular blue plaque fixed on the wall to the right of the front door, at the top of a short flight of steps. In the UK, these so-called blue plaques are a mark of historical significance –

One of the lodging houses, No. 6 Royal Crescent, a cream and salmon painted townhouse with a little balcony and views directly out to sea, has a circular blue plaque fixed on the wall to the right of the front door, at the top of a short flight of steps. In the UK, these so-called blue plaques are a mark of historical significance –

And this one reads, Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, stayed here 1890 to 1896. And of course, because it's Whitby, embossed underneath is a small golden ammonite. The lodging house is part of what should have been the crowning jewel in the Victorian holiday development on Westcliff, sitting as it does in a row of similar houses occupying the prime spot.

And this one reads, Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, stayed here 1890 to 1896. And of course, because it's Whitby, embossed underneath is a small golden ammonite. The lodging house is part of what should have been the crowning jewel in the Victorian holiday development on Westcliff, sitting as it does in a row of similar houses occupying the prime spot.

with unrivalled views out to sea, gardens and promenades at its feet, and the Westcliff Saloon and Theatre just across the road, which would have been a fresh new construction at the time of Stoker's first visit.

with unrivalled views out to sea, gardens and promenades at its feet, and the Westcliff Saloon and Theatre just across the road, which would have been a fresh new construction at the time of Stoker's first visit.

On an aerial map of the town, you can see that Royal Crescent is aptly named, the road arcing 180 degrees around a manicured lawn planted with flowerbeds and scattered with benches for taking in the view whilst getting a healthy lungful of sea air.

On an aerial map of the town, you can see that Royal Crescent is aptly named, the road arcing 180 degrees around a manicured lawn planted with flowerbeds and scattered with benches for taking in the view whilst getting a healthy lungful of sea air.

But from the ground, we can see that the crescent is oddly lopsided, with only 90 degrees of its arc filled in with the guesthouses that sprang up during the town's rise to fame as a 19th century holiday hotspot, and the other half unsatisfyingly empty.

But from the ground, we can see that the crescent is oddly lopsided, with only 90 degrees of its arc filled in with the guesthouses that sprang up during the town's rise to fame as a 19th century holiday hotspot, and the other half unsatisfyingly empty.

Although the development of holiday accommodation had begun on the West Cliff as early as the 1840s, it really took off when railway mogul George Hudson set his sights on the area. And, with his money and attention on the project, soon the East Crescent and Terrace, the Esplanade, North Terrace and the Grand Royal Hotel sprang into being.

Although the development of holiday accommodation had begun on the West Cliff as early as the 1840s, it really took off when railway mogul George Hudson set his sights on the area. And, with his money and attention on the project, soon the East Crescent and Terrace, the Esplanade, North Terrace and the Grand Royal Hotel sprang into being.