The famous whale bone arch in Whitby is set to enter a new chapter in its history with a bronze replacement installed to safeguard one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks and preserve its maritime heritage for generations to come.
The current whale bones were installed in 2002 after being gifted by Whitby’s twin town of Barrow in Alaska.
However, years of exposure to the weather on the coast has led to significant deterioration in the arch’s condition, meaning the bones now need to be replaced.
Following a detailed appraisal of a range of options, bronze replicas have been selected as the preferred solution. The new structure will replicate the appearance and scale of the existing arch while providing a durable, sustainable and long-term future for the landmark.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include harbours, said:
The whale bone arch is one of Whitby’s most treasured landmarks and an important part of the town’s heritage.
After exploring all possible options and listening carefully to people’s views, it became clear that a bronze arch offered the best way forward.
It allows us to preserve the character and significance of this much-loved feature while providing a solution that will endure for many decades.
Bronze was chosen as the material for the replacement due to its strength, longevity and ability to withstand the challenging conditions on Whitby’s West Cliff. Over time, it will develop a natural patina, while retaining the distinctive form that has become synonymous with the town’s seafront.
Feedback from residents and visitors has shown a bronze replacement as the most fitting option to reflect the maritime heritage and importance of the internationally recognised symbol of the town, framing the famous views towards Whitby Abbey and attracting thousands of visitors every year.
Creating the new bronze arch, which is set to cost £70,000, is a complex process that will involve producing moulds from the existing bones and manufacturing a bespoke internal framework.
To allow this work to take place, the current bones will be carefully removed in September, with the new bronze arch expected to be installed early next year.
Cllr Mark Crane added:
This is a significant investment in one of Whitby’s most recognisable landmarks. The new bronze arch will stand for generations, providing a lasting symbol of the town’s unique maritime heritage and ensuring this iconic feature continues to inspire residents and visitors long into the future.
Whitby Town Mayor, Cllr Sandra Turner, added:
The whale bone arch means a great deal to residents and visitors alike.
While it is sad to see the current bones reach the end of their life, the new bronze arch will ensure this landmark continues to celebrate Whitby’s history and provide a focal point on West Cliff for future generations.
Following their removal, the existing bones will be gifted to the University of York to support academic and educational research.
A section will also remain in the town, where it will be displayed at Whitby Museum alongside bones from an earlier arch that once stood on West Cliff.
