199 steps: Why were Whitby’s famous steps built and what is the history behind one of Yorkshire's most popular tourist attractions?

The Whitby 199 steps are a Grade I listed structure located between the Old Town and St Mary’s Church. The steps have become a popular tourist attraction, particularly after being mentioned in the book Dracula by Bram Stoker. It is thought to have been inspired by the wreck of the brigantine Dmitry which ended up stranded on Collier’s Hope in the outer harbour.

The steps still exist in several locations on the incline to provide mourners a place to ‘rest’ the coffin they are carrying during funerals. It is thought that the last coffin to be carried up the steps was a previous rector of Whitby, Reverend George Austen, whose funeral was in 1933. They were regarded by some locals as the dedication of Christians in the town, having to go through trials and tribulations to worship. The steps were made out of wood until 1774 and painted in bright colours.

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