See how Whitby Abbey steps changed between 1931 and 2026. Drag the slider to compare the historic photograph with the modern view.
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The 199 Steps in Whitby, North Yorkshire, have been a significant feature since at least 1370, providing the most direct route from the town to St Mary's Church and Whitby Abbey. Originally constructed from wood, they were replaced with stone in 1774, using 103 tonnes of stone from a nearby quarry. These steps have long been associated with funeral processions, with resting places at intervals to assist pall-bearers during the steep climb. The exact number of steps has been a subject of debate, with counts ranging from 190 to 200; however, a major restoration in 1877 confirmed the number as 199. The steps are also mentioned in Bram Stoker's 1897 novel "Dracula," where a shipwrecked dog ascends them to reach the churchyard. (en.wikipedia.org)
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