Founded on this dramatic clifftop site in 1110, in the shadow of the imposing Whitby Abbey ruins, the church has witnessed centuries of change. The oldest parts of the building, including the tower and transepts, date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, though many additions and alterations have been made over time, with the interior largely reflecting the style of the 18th century.
But it's not just the age of the church that draws visitors. The church and its graveyard are famously part of the setting for Bram Stoker's gothic masterpiece, Dracula. Stoker's visit to Whitby in 1890 was a pivotal moment in his writing. He found inspiration in the town's atmosphere and the windswept graveyard of St. Mary's. While researching at the public library, he stumbled upon the story of Vlad Tepes, the real-life figure who would lend his name to the fictional count.
The allure of the novel still echoes through the graveyard. For years, visitors have searched for "Dracula's grave," a fictional tomb in a real place. The story of a cracked, weathered tombstone, where a former rector would direct curious seekers, has become a legend in its own right. The truth is, while some gravestones feature a skull and crossbones—often mistaken for a pirate's mark but more likely a mason's symbol—there is no real Dracula buried here.
The photographs, taken on a beautiful August day in 2018 with a Nikon d3300 SLR, capture the essence of the place. They show the stunning views, the ancient, crooked tombstones, and the solid, weathered stone of the Grade I listed church. Visiting St. Mary's is more than just a trip to a historic building; it’s a journey into the heart of a literary legend and a chance to feel the sea breeze that inspired one of the world's most famous tales.
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| The church stands besides the former Abbey overlooking the town. |
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| Taken across the harbour from West Cliff. |
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| Looking up from the harbour. |
