WHITBT. 



fcurity, and by opening a channel of commerce ad- 

 vanced the town to a degree of maritime impor- 

 tance. . The successful progress of the alum works, 

 established by Mr. Chaloner of Guisborough, ex- 

 cited a spirit of emulation, and works of a similar 

 kind were erected in 1615, near Sandsend within 

 three miles of Whitby. These speculations opened 

 two branches of trade at the port of Whitby ; one 

 for supplying the works with coal, and the other for 

 conveying the alum to distant parts. After this 

 ship building was commenced. Up to the year 163, 

 the piers was constructed of wood, with a few loose 

 stones put in the framing. In that year the stone 

 piers began to be built, through the influence of Sir 

 Hugh Cholmley. For the support of the piers there 

 is paid a duty of a half-penny per chaldron on all 

 coals shipped at Newcastle, or its dependences, ex- 

 cept in Yarmouth vessels, and the sum raised by 

 this duty, together with the duties levied at Whit- 

 by, on salt, grain, and foreign goods landed here, 

 and on butter, and fish shipped hence, amounted 

 to 2000. a year From the funds thus provided the 

 harbour has been improved, and an east pier built, 

 eince the year 1702; which extending 115ft. into the 

 sea, protects the town from the fury of the German 

 ocean. When the west pier was lengthened in 1734-, 

 its circular termination was formed into a battery 

 with embrasures for five pieces of cannon, which 

 have since been increased to six ; and since the 

 erection of the quay, a battery which before exist- 

 ed near the Scotch-head, has been strongly rebuilt 



in the form of a crescent, with a small tower at eacl 

 Ei 



