The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Whitby June-July 1945
Despite being shot during the closing stages of the Second World War, Whitby appears full of tranquillity and peace.
From the collection of:
Overview
Fishermen, holidaymakers, and wartime Whitby residents can be seen quietly going about their business in this amateur film, which features many of Whitby’s most well-known landmarks.
Whitby has been a popular summer holiday destination in Yorkshire for decades. In addition to revenue from fishing, the town’s economy relies heavily on tourism. Whitby Abbey is arguably the most notable structure in the town. It was established in 657AD and disestablished by Henry VIII in 1538. The Abbey now lies in ruins and is protected by English Heritage.
Related
Watch for free
Cook's Tour Cook's Tour
Amateur film 1968 7 mins Location: Whitby
The bicentenary of Captain James Cook’s first epic naval voyage is celebrated by Whitby townspeople in this jubilant short film.
Watch for free
Yorkshire Riviera Yorkshire Riviera
Amateur film 1958 19 mins Silent Location: Redcar
A nostalgic dip and drive around the North Yorkshire coast in the sun-kissed 50s.
Watch for free
By Gosh It's Hot/A Day Out at Whitby By Gosh It's Hot/A Day Out at Whitby
Home movie 1964 31 mins Silent Location: Leeds
Eating, dancing in the front room, playing football in the garden, walking around Whitby, a birthday party, a wedding – just being common people, only with a Jewish twist.
Watch for free
Prospect of Whitby Prospect of Whitby
Documentary 1965 23 mins Silent Location: Whitby
Whitby seen through the work of Frank Meadows Sutcliffe.
Watch for free
Stranger on the Shore: Hounds of Whitby Stranger on the Shore: Hounds of Whitby
Short documentary 2016 11 mins Location: Whitby
The second in Michael Smith and Maxy Bianco's trilogy of films on Britain's coastal edgelands, in which they explore the spooky enchantment of Whitby.
Watch for free
Camwell Personal Film: Whitby & Battersby Branches Camwell Personal Film: Whitby & Battersby Branches
Amateur film 1958 21 mins Silent Location: Battersby
North Yorkshire bound through the lens of 'Cam' Camwell
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Watch for free
Horace Ové on Pressure Horace Ové on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.
Watch for free
Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.
Watch for free
Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film
Inside Film 2023 17 mins
Actor Herbert Norville discusses working with the pioneering filmmaker on his groundbreaking 1975 drama, Pressure.
Watch for free
Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective
Inside Film 2023 77 mins
An impassioned discussion on the life, work and legacy of the eminent filmmaker Horace Ové, chaired by Samira Ahmed.