Discover Your Coastal Retreat

Heart Stone Cottage offers a unique blend of history and comfort, nestled in the picturesque village of Staithes. Experience the charm of a traditional fisherman’s cottage while enjoying modern amenities and breathtaking coastal views.

Staithes is a historic fishing village on the North Yorkshire coast of England, steeped in maritime and artistic heritage. Here’s an overview of its rich history:

1. Fishing and Maritime Heritage

  • Origins: Staithes dates back to at least the medieval period, but grew significantly in the 18th and 19th centuries as a thriving fishing port, particularly for herring and lobster.

  • Cod and Herring Boom: At its peak, hundreds of fishermen worked from Staithes, and the village was bustling with life centred around the sea.

  • Staithes Lifeboat: The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) had a station here due to the treacherous coast, reflecting the dangers local fishermen faced.

2. The Staithes Group (Art Colony)

  • In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Staithes became a hub for artists, known as the Staithes Group or Staithes School.

  • Inspired by French Impressionism, about 30 artists—such as Laura Knight and Harold Knight—lived and worked in the village, drawn by its rugged charm and natural light.

3. Captain Cook Connection

  • The famous explorer Captain James Cook was apprenticed as a grocer’s boy in Staithes around 1745 before moving to Whitby, where he began his maritime career.

  • A heritage centre in the village commemorates his early life and the area’s seafaring past.

4. Geology and Fossils

  • The cliffs surrounding Staithes are rich in Jurassic fossils, making it a significant site for geologists and fossil hunters.

  • The area is part of the Cleveland Ironstone Formation, and there was also ironstone mining activity in the 19th century.

5. Modern Day

  • While commercial fishing has declined, Staithes remains a picturesque and culturally rich destination.

  • It is part of the North York Moors National Park and the Cleveland Way, attracting walkers, artists, and holidaymakers.