Whitby: A Town Built on Shipbuilding
A Rich Maritime History
The River Esk: A Vital Artery
The River Esk played a pivotal role in the rise of Whitby as a bustling shipbuilding hub. Its deep waters and sheltered harbor provided the ideal conditions for shipyards to thrive. Skilled craftsmen flocked to the town, their expertise shaping the vessels that would sail the world's oceans.
From Fishing Boats to Collier Barks
The shipyards of Whitby were not limited to constructing small fishing vessels. They specialized in building robust and capacious collier barks, known as "cat-built." These ships were designed to transport coal, a vital commodity during the Industrial Revolution.
The Earl of Pembroke
Among the many ships built in Whitby was the Earl of Pembroke. Originally known as a Whitby Cat or Collier, this vessel was constructed to carry large quantities of cargo across the seas.
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