Tribute to Whitby Seafarers

Over the years Whitby Civic Society has put up a number of plaques to commemorate people and events connected with the town, but apart from statues to Captain Cook and William Scoresby there has been nothing to remind people of the major importance of seafaring to the development of Whitby.

It seemed appropriate that a tribute should be erected to all seafarers, whose names are mostly unknown, and that this Tribute should be rather more significant than the usual blue plaques to individuals

The possibility of a public art work was investigated and advertisements for artists circulated locally and via the Arts Council web-site . The existing safety storm gate on the pier was plain and functional and was needing replacement, so a design of a galvanised steel gate portraying various aspects of seafaring was submitted, and met with general approval. The gate was designed and constructed by James Godbold, a local blacksmith, who has specialised in making gates and railings in the area over many years. The plaque to accompany the gate lists some of the seafaring activities being commemorated and also the major contributors.