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Whitby’s renowned Whale Bone Arch is set to be replaced with a bronze replica, officials have confirmed. This iconic structure, perched atop the cliff, is considered one of the town’s most recognizable and significant landmarks but has suffered deterioration over time, necessitating a replacement.
Originally, real whale jawbones were erected on West Cliff in 1964 to symbolize Whitby’s deep maritime heritage. These were replaced again in 2002 with another pair of authentic whale bones. However, the upcoming replacement will be a bronze version, designed to be more durable and to avoid the controversies surrounding the use of real whale parts. Whitby’s mayor, Sandra Turner, highlighted the importance of preserving heritage while acknowledging modern sensibilities: “Nobody wants to think a whale has been killed in this day and age, but at the same time it’s Whitby’s heritage. It’s important we still have something up there which represents that.”
North Yorkshire Council, which owns and maintains the 19-foot-tall arch, stated that the real bones will be removed in September so that a mold can be created from the existing ones for the replica. The new bronze structure is expected to be installed by early next year. A council spokesperson explained that exposure to harsh coastal weather had caused significant damage to the arch, making replacement necessary. Council executive member Mark Crane, responsible for harbors, expressed optimism about the new arch’s longevity: “The new bronze arch will stand for generations, providing a lasting symbol of the town’s unique maritime heritage and ensuring this iconic feature continues to inspire residents and visitors long into the future.”
The replacement project, at an estimated cost of £70,000, is the most expensive option proposed and will be funded by the council. Mayor Turner noted the difficulties in sourcing genuine whale bones today due to legal and ethical restrictions: “The council did try to get a genuine set of jaw bones, but there’s so much legislation to bring them out of one country to another. The biggest problem was locating a pair of jaw bones that were of the size and condition that was suitable.” A report prepared for Whitby councillors cited these “ethical and legal challenges” as primary factors in choosing the bronze alternative. The current bones, obtained from Whitby’s twin town of Barrow in Alaska, come from a whale legally hunted by native Inuit in 1996. After removal, the bones will be donated to the University of York for academic purposes, and a section will remain on display in Whitby Museum alongside bones from the original arch.
Historically, the original whale bones, thought to be from a whale caught in Antarctic waters and donated by a Norwegian whaling company in 1964, represent Whitby’s longstanding whaling heritage dating back to the 18th century. Although whaling was banned in 1986 to protect whale populations, the arch continues to hold cultural importance. Today, the arch and its maritime symbolism play a significant role in marketing the seaside town to visitors and residents alike
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