Bombardment Garden

If you are up on West Cliff in Whitby, it's worth taking a look at the Bombardment Memorial Garden, near to the statue of Captain Cook. This was designed by Whitby In Bloom and was installed in 2014.

When I saw on the map there was a memorial garden on Whitby's West Cliff, I certainly didn't expect to see this clever interpretation, which is to remember the coastal attack of 1914. What was extraordinary was that this was the first time in a war in this country that civilians were attacked. Two German cruisers fired shells at Scarborough, Whitby, and Hartlepool. They caused much structural damage and two people died in Whitby. It could have been a lot worse.

Let's look at the garden. The black letter box appears authentic and features the royal cypher of George V (1865-1936), who ascended to the throne in 1910. I guess it is black, so that people do not pop their postcards, but a few coins as a donation in the box.

Whitby In Bloom may have chosen the rose bush as a nod to a romantic cottage garden, and it is likely an Edwardian variety, with its subtle colouring and sweet aroma.

The garden is a reconstructed two-up two-down house of that period and has been theatrically bombed, so only the ground floor remains. There is debris and you can see the shell planted in the front room.

The Victorian/ Edwardian fireplace would grace any home these days. Back then, they were kept clean with black lead polish, which was graphite mixed with oil or wax. It could withstand higher temperatures than boot polish. Coal would have been the main fuel, creating lots of noxious gases.

The team at Whitby In Bloom were certainly creative and has captured the essence of the home. The kitchen is basic with a butler sink. The khazie would have been outside.

Added poignancy with a black cat at the window. I am not sure if it is looking at the devastation or out at the North Sea.

Nearby are a few other interesting bits. Bram Stoker lived at number 6 Royal Crescent. Skipper Dora stands near. You may enjoy a preamble down/up via the colourful beach huts and Whitby Pavilion (café and free toilets).