312 



1 -**, jj 



Camden gays likewise that to her family also 



they ascribe it, that the wild geese, which in win- 

 ter resort in flocks to the pools and rivers in the 

 south parts where frost has not reached, in their 

 passage over certain fields hereabouts, suddenly 

 drop down, to the astonishment of all ; but he as- 

 cribed to this natural causes. 



The ruins of this once beautiful and flourishing 

 monastery, stand on an high cliff, is. E. of the town, 

 and are seen at a great distance in the environs of 

 the place. 



The parish church is situated not far from it ; 

 and the ascent to it and the ruin* of the abbey is by 

 a flght of 200 steps. 



On the south of the abbey is the mansion of the 

 Cholmleys, built principally with materials from 

 the abbey. 



The town of Whitby has lately made a rapid in- 

 crease in population and wealth. So late as the 

 year 1540, it did not consist of more than from 20 

 to 60 houses, with a population not exceeding 200. 

 At that time it is probable there was not a single 

 chimney in the town, excepting that belonging to 

 the abbey. The common way then in towns and 

 cities being to have a hearth in the middle of the 

 room, on which was made the fire ; the smoke as- 

 cending and passing through a large hole at the 

 top of the building. It does not appear that du- 

 ring the long reign of Elizabeth there was a single 

 vessel deserving the name of a ship, belonging to 

 this port ; but the discovery of the alum mines, at 

 the close of that reign, raised Whitby from its ob 



