Staithes
is famous for many things, it's past fishing
industry has now sadly declined although one
or two boats can still be seen in the harbour
offloading their daily catch.
The
area also has a long association with mineral
production and was once a major export centre
for alum to be used as a fixative for dying
cotton. Indeed in the late 1700's and early
1800's alum was so valuable a commodity that
it was actually dearer than gold!
Staithes
was also the boyhood home of Captain James Cook
where he worked in a chandlers shop before embarking
on a distinguished naval career.
Many
artists are drawn to the area by it's outstanding
natural beauty and this led to the creation
of "The Staithes Group" of painters
whose works are now highly sought after. |