I Love Tea Cups

I Love Tea Cups

Sunday, September 11, 2011

199 Steps and Dracula


Hello Everyone,
My journey continues on Saturday June 18th.  Traveling to a town of Hartlepool, England.
Hartlepool founded in the 7th century AD, around the Northumbrian monastery of Hartlepool Abbey, founded in 640 on a headland overlooking a natural harbour.
   


After visiting Hartlepool's Maritime  museum. The group hopped on the coach and traveled over a short distance to the town of Whitby to see more history according to Bede.


The North Sea at Whitby, England.


Please join me for lunch in a cave at Whitby, England. An option to walk down to the entrance or take the elevator.  I took the elevator.
LOL


Well there are 199 steps to the top of the hill to visit the church and graveyard that are featured prominently in chapters of Dracula.  I walked up 199 steps to see the sights.


Along the way there is always a Tea Room!!!


St. Hilda's Abbey


Graveyard on top of the hill... is filled with weathered tombstones and monuments to sailors, fishermen, Royal Navy seamen and lifeboatmen.


Bram Stoker the author of Dracula visited Whitby and drew on a coastguard account of an actual grounding of a Russian schooner to write his book. Stoker notes about the scenery and the weather and landmarks and I can vision Bram Stoker sitting on the hill with the weathered  tombstones looking down to the Black Sea working on the unforgettable story over in his mind...


From 1890 to 1896, Whitby was the home of Bram Stoker, who set an important scene in Dracula  (1897) at the church.

For a moment or two I could see nothing, as the shadow of a cloud obscured St. Mary's Church.  Then as the cloud passed I could see the ruins of the Abbey coming into view; and as the edge of a narrow band of light as sharp as a sword-cut moved along, the church and churchyard became gradually visible... It seemed to me as though something dark stood behind the seat where the white figure shone, and bent over it. What it was, whether man or beast, I could not tell.  


In the center of the church is a large charcoal stove, still in use, with the flue rising to the ceiling.


The nave is filled with box pews, some of which say "For Strangers Only." Each is cozily furnished with a carpeted floor and upholstered cushions. Above are galleries to seat more of the large congregation.


I love this sign!!!


The focus of the congregation's attention is the triple-decker pulpit (1778), with candleholders and tester.  Fixed to the back of the pulpit are two ear trumpets used by a 19th-century vicar's wife who was hard of hearing.


A tribute to
'Captain James Cook'
who set sail for the South Seas.


And, then I walked down  199 steps to town.  What a awesome experience!!!



Sunday June 19th.  Attended St. Ninian'S Church (Anglican Catholic Church)


We eat lunch with the parishioners at the wonderful restaurant by the jetty in Whitby, England.


Thank you for visiting My Cozy Corner

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xo
Betty

3 comments:

  1. Betty, I really enjoy traveling with you! 199 steps ... ACK!!! St. Hilda's Abbey and the graveyard ... very spooky looking .. Dracula there?!!!! Fun post. (I must remember to cover the pews .....!!!!!!!)

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  2. Hi Betty and what a wonderful post! I've been to Whitby too and it was so magical! My daughter and son in law used to live in Otley and went to visit them a couple of times and of course - trips! :)Love your snaps!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  3. Betty, I remember reading Dracula, decades ago. I found your tour through photos fascinating. Thanks!
    -Karen

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I'm so delighted that you have visited my blog...
Thanks for your comments as I enjoy reading them.
Betty

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