History

In Jan 2020 a three part series “Dracula” developed by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat was broadcast on the BBC, which featured Whitby in a few scenes. 

To accompany the series a documentary “In Search of Dracula” was aired at the same time. Presented by Mark Gatiss the documentary filmed in Bram’s View apartment and around Whitby.

Theres a copy on DVD in the apartment for our guests to watch.

 

Published in1897 Dracula is widely considered to be one of the most famous Gothic figures ever created. Being a frequent visitor to Whitby Stoker was influenced by the local surroundings whilst writing the book, using the town as a backdrop for some of the scenes described in the book. Stoker locates the opening part of his tale in Whitby and it's harbour area.

Bram Stoker first holidayed here in 1890 and stayed at no 6 Royal Crescent when it was a guesthouse run by a Mrs. Veazey (there is a commemorative plaque by the front door). Whilst staying here and listening to stories told by the townsfolk fact was weaved into his tale.

It is also suggested that whilst sitting in a local inn at dusk pigeons tapping at the sight of their own reflections in the glass became the inspiration for Dracula tapping on Lucy's bedroom window with his long finger nails.

 

Stoker carried out some of his research into East European folklore at Whitby library and it was here that he first came across the name Dracula, when he borrowed a book with the title ‘An Account of the Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia’.