In 1889, the antiquarian journal Old Yorkshire published “A Ramble in North Yorkshire,” a vivid account of Staithes and the surrounding coast. Part travel writing, part folklore collection, and part social commentary, it captures how Victorian visitors viewed the village and its people. Some of the descriptions are wonderfully observant. Others are deeply patronising by modern standards. The anonymous author was fascinated by what they saw as the “quaintness” and superstition

We were delighted to welcome Nicola Chalton and the team from 3-Minute Arts CIC to Staithes Museum recently, as part of their Moors & Coast creative writing series. The group spent time exploring our archive collections, gathering inspiration from the photographs, letters, and local histories that bring Staithes’ story to life. Local historian Bill Hinchley also generously offered to provide a walking tour of the village - exploring the atmosphere and history of the villave.

Among the many treasures in Staithes Museum’s collection is a fascinating handwritten account of the village’s past, titled History of Staithes, by Annie Weatherill Cole (née Crispin). This document, found in a ring binder during our cataloguing process, provides a vivid, firsthand glimpse into the everyday lives, traditions, and industries of Staithes in the early 20th century. Annie’s history captures a time when fishing, shipbuilding, and mining were the backbone of the vi

A 19th-Century Diary Now Digitally Preserved Can you read this attractive handwriting? This is the diary of Alexander Robertson. Born in Dundee on July 2, 1845, Alexander embarked on an incredible journey in 1869, setting sail for Shanghai and documenting his travels around the world. His diary provides a vivid account of life at sea, detailing the events on board, the ever-changing weather, and precise latitude and longitude coordinates of his voyages. A New Chapter for an O