It's one of our favourite streets to wander down, full of history and peaceful beauty. But is Henrietta Street Whitby's most beautiful street?
Homes formerly belonging to Whitby's fishing community are found on Henrietta Street. The streets are cobbled as when the houses were first built, but the houses have been modernised and refurbished to become popular accommodations for families visiting Whitby. The world-famous Fortunes Kippers is located here; the aromas from the smokehouse still waft through the streets each morning. Henrietta Street is a lane that weaves its own unique narrative into the fabric of this historic town. Let us explore its fascinating history and decide if Henrietta Street is Whitby's most beautiful street.
Henrietta Street, origins and early days
Known to many as East Cliff Cottages, Henrietta Street was also once known as ‘Haggerlythe' way back in 1270 (AD) but was renamed after the wife of Nathaniel Cholmley, Henrietta Cholmley. ‘Haggerlythe' comes from Old Norse and means ‘sloping area of land on cliffs'.
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The 17th century was a period marked by the burgeoning maritime trade and the growth of Whitby as a significant port. Whitby quickly became a busy hub for fishermen, shipbuilders, and traders. Henrietta Street's proximity to the harbour made it a prime location for those whose livelihoods were intertwined with the sea.
The heart of a fishing community
Henrietta Street was at the heart of Whitby's fishing industry for generations. The narrow lanes would have been filled with the sounds and smells of a working fishing port – the clatter of wooden crates, the tang of fresh fish, and the shouts of fishermen returning with their daily catch.
Once a vibrant focal point on the street, the fish market played a crucial role in the local economy, feeding not just the town but supplying fish to markets further afield.
The street's close-knit community of fishermen and their families shared a life dictated by the tides and seasons. It was a life of hard work, resilience, camaraderie, and mutual support, as neighbours relied on one another in need.
Weathering and landslides
The buildings lining Henrietta Street are a testament to their age. Many were constructed from the local sandstone and designed in traditional architectural styles. These structures have weathered centuries of salty sea air and storms, standing as resilient witnesses to the passage of time.
Unfortunately, over the years, landslides have destroyed homes, even moving the deceased from St Mary's Church above into the back gardens of the cottage owners! In 1787, a large part of the street was lost on Christmas Eve.
Modern-day Henrietta Street
Today, Henrietta Street retains much of its historic charm while embracing the modern era. It is a popular destination for visitors to wander along. The street's quaint cottages, many of which have been converted into holiday accommodations, offer a glimpse into the past while providing all the comforts of the present.
You'll smell them before you see them! Fortunes Kippers
Fortunes attract thousands of visitors for its famous kippers. For over 150 years, Fortunes has been smoking and selling kippers using traditional methods that have stood the test of time.
Situated at the end of Henrietta Street, Fortunes' shop and smokehouse are a must-visit spot for kipper enthusiasts. As you descend the 199 steps, the unmistakable aroma of oak smoke grows stronger, guiding you to the source.
Established by William Fortune in 1872, the business has been passed down through generations, with the fifth generation currently at the helm. The Fortune family upholds the tradition of crafting authentic Whitby kippers using time-honoured techniques.
Perfect for photography
Henrietta Street in Whitby is a great spot for photography. The street is lined with quaint cottages. The natural lighting here, especially around sunrise and sunset, can be particularly striking. With its east-facing views, Henrietta Street is ideally positioned to take advantage of the golden hour lighting, casting beautiful hues over the buildings.
Is Henrietta Street Whitby's Most Beautiful Street?
Henrietta Street is more than just a road in Whitby; it is a living museum. From its origins in the 17th century to its role in the fishing industries and its inspiration for photographers, the street oozes the spirit of Whitby. As you walk down Henrietta Street today, you are not merely treading on cobblestones but stepping into a story that has been centuries in the making. So is Henrietta Street Whitby's most beautiful street? For many reasons, we certainly think so!
Henrietta street is ‘featured’ in the book Scravir, while whitby sleeps.