Thursday, February 24, 2011

Whitby's Prehistoric History

The town of Whitby includes a long human history with finds dating all the way up back to the 6th Century; however that is where most of the human finds stop. That's not to express the area does not have more history to supply though, because the rocky beachside cliffs have offered up other treasures over the years. Fossilised plants, creatures and minerals can be found in the area and they offer a fascinating window to Whitby's prehistoric past.

Many of the finds have inspired the neighborhood myths and folklore, along with being of scientific importance, which includes lead to area of the town's unique reputation. The area is so abundant in fossils how the North East of Yorkshire coastline was nicknamed the 'Dinosaur Coast', mainly because it has produced fantastic Jurassic and Cretaceous specimens, as well as having the best geology of that time period. A number of the biggest finds have included an entire pterosaurs' skeleton, large dinosaur bones and an abundance of ammonites, a vacation to the local Whitby Museum is a good way to experience some of these finds.

The Whitby Museum contains over 6500 brilliant fossil and mineral specimens, that makes it one of several largest collections of fossils in the 'Dinosaur Coast' on earth. Many of these fantastic fossils are of international importance, such as the pterosaurs' skeleton mentioned previously, or perhaps the finds of bones from large marine reptiles such as Plesiosaurs, Ichthyosaurs and a crocodiles. The location can also be well known for its abundance of ammonites, which are the fossils most on the beaches, which explains why the town has an ammonite because it's local emblem.

This abundance of fossils has lead to the area becoming liked by both amateur and professional fossil hunters alike. The geology with the area also boosts it's popularity even more, because landscape is primarily formed of shale and clay, meaning after nearly all rainy day new fossils are beaten up in the open. This means that you'll find many fantastic specimens just strolling down the beaches in your community and keeping up your eyes open. Runswick Bay, just north of Whitby, has even been voted the very best beach combing venue in the country.

So if you are staying in one of many fantastic Whitby hotels or various other kind of Whitby accommodation, taking a trip right down to the beach is a great means of spending a household outing and you also can't predict what you will find.