We all have places that we regard as special. St. Mary’s Church at Whitby holds that special quality for me. During the Summer I was there, proudly showing my Polish neice, Basia, our English Heritage. A lovely elderly gentleman was holding court, comfortably seated, with coffee in hand. He explained that he was waiting for his wife to finish walking the dog, a task he was no longer up to. Whilst he did so, he was more than happy to entertain all comers, with tales of the church and it’s history.
Reluctantly, we pulled ourselves away. My own elderly gentleman (dad) was waiting in the car, not able to walk too far himself, and we still had awe-inspiring Whitby Abbey to see. Before we did so, we were urged to come back again in December, when the church would be alight with dozens of Christmas trees. On Monday I returned, and this is what I found.
Trees in every style and colour
Each sponsored by a local business
A local gallery
Craftware
Gift shops
Natural products
Modern style
Ornate
Traditional
The Captain Cook Museum
Put the kettle on Ma! Teashops galore.
And, of course, the fishmongers
Just to complete the occasion I was treated to a carol service from one of the local schools, busy rehearsing for the real thing. They sounded wonderful.
Small voices raised to celebrate the birth of Jesus
St. Mary’s is a delightful church. The tower and basic structure date from Norman times, around 1110. A hodge podge of styles have been added since, but it is the box pews that draw the eye, each carpeted and upholstered with cushions. Overhead galleries are rarely used today, but the large charcoal stove is an essential element with our coastal chill.
Whitby is probably best known for its association with Bram Stoker. He lived there from 1890 to 1896, and set an important scene from Dracula at the church. I imagine that the graveyard on a dark Winter’s night is a scarey place indeed, but the church interior is a joyous space. It was described by Simon Jenkins in “England’s Thousand Best Churches” as “part folly, part museum, part large parlour”. You should see it for yourself, and I can think of no better time than when the Christmas trees are in residence. (10.00- 15.00 daily until 3rd Jan., excepting Christmas and Boxing Day)
The graveyard and Whitby Abbey
St. Mary’s from the Abbey grounds
Looking back at church and Abbey from Whitby pier
It is a bit of a climb up to St. Mary’s and the Abbey, but it’s also possible to get there by road if you can’t manage the steps.
Do you have a special place to share? Please do.
restlessjo 
A beautiful place! Hard to imagine this overrun by tourists! Am I strange for loving the natural products and the ornate tree equally? 🙂
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No, they were all gorgeous! Even better, lots of them made me smile. I should have taken more closeups. Next year…
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wonderful post Jo – love all the trees!
wishing you and yours a very happy Christmas xx
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Thanks, Aly. And you! On the last lap now. (lapland now? No, definitely TOO cold)
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
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Wonderful set of photos!
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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Thanks, Francine. It’s a very lovely place at this time of year.
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Hi, I’ve nominated you for “Blog of the Year 2012” contest here on: http://www.wintericemagic.wordpress.com
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Whoa, thank you! That’s my second star today- I’m really twinkling. It’s my sixth too, so an extra big thanks. (I’d hug you but I can’t quite reach!) Merry Christmas!
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:D:) Merry Christmas to you too! :D:) And congrats for your award! 😀
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Beautiful photos !
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Many thanks! Whitby is lovely. Lots of cobbled, winding streets. Better off season, too, when it’s not so busy.
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Lovely array of Christmas trees. That graveyard certainly looks scary!
Have a great Christmas and all the best for New Year.
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Many thanks, Sami! Have a lovely sunny Christmas (on the beach?) and a cracking New Year.
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Love the fishmonger one! I wouldn’t have thought you could make that Chrismas-y, but they did it!
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Brilliant, isn’t it? There were lots of clever ones I didn’t really capture, but there’s a limit, Kate, even for me!
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I have a Star over here for you and your blog
Eunice
http://nutsfortreasure.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/merry-christmas-its-award-time-lol-too-grab-your-star/
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Oh, bless you dear. I can twinkle ever more brightly! Hope that you too have a wonderful festive season, Eunice.
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I love STARS that Twinkle and Shine Brightly!
You too
Eunice
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St Marys, and Whitby generally, is close to my heart as I studied Bram Stoker’s Dracular for my A level English lit. I’ve visited twice now and it never fails to be atmospheric – I had to sit on that bench! Love the Christmas tree idea.
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How macabre, Suze! I’ve never read it but I wouldn’t want to find myself alone in that graveyard on a dark night, though I’m sure it would be hauntingly lovely. (sorry! couldn’t resist) Merry Christmas to you, hon. Have a fab time.
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I love Whitby. Another of my favourite places. Spent some time there a couple of years ago. Thanks for sharing.
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You’re welcome! I like it better in the Winter when it’s more quiet and atmospheric. The trees were a beautiful treat.
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I agree. I spent a couple of weeks with the sisters up at Sneaton Castle, and it was November. Lovely peaceful time.
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Wow, so many beautiful trees in one place. Thanks for the post. Merry Christmas 🙂
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It was quite special, Christine. Have a wonderful Christmas too dear.
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What a delightful tradition! You have captured it beautifully too.
Thanks for this lovely snapshot of Christmas in Whitby.
Happy Christmas!
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And to you too, Madoqua. I was like a big kid for a while. Many thanks!
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Ha ha! Loved the fortune kippers! And thanks for reminding me of a wonderful time I had in Whitby a few years ago.
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Thanks, Julie. Yes, they made me smile too. You all set for departure? Have a wonderful Christmas.
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Thanks, you too! Almost packed – just trying to squeeze in a couple more blog posts before we leave 🙂
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Beautiful photos, Jo. Thanks for taking us on a wonderful explore!
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Thanks, Naomi. Whitby is a very busy, touristy place in the Summer. Much better in the off season.
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That is why I love traveling off season. Merry Christmas, Jo!
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And you too, hon.
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🙂
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I loved too, they are so beautiful Christmas trees. Thank you dear, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, love, nia
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Hope Chistmas is special for you, Nia. I would love to see your tree.
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Lovely set of photos, Jo. Thank you. Wishing you a peaceful; and joyous Christmas season.
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Thanks so much, Lizzie. I wonder, with a name like Joy, were you a Christmas baby? Have a fabulous festive season.
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Yes, near enough – December 18th, and a first child for my parents. Blessings.
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love those Christmas trees and the Nativity
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I should have taken more close ups, because the sparkling lights spoilt some of my photos. Still, there are only so many Christmas trees you can look at, aren’t there, Tania!
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