House & Family History: Whitby Abbey was founded by Oswy, King of Northumbria, around 656, destroyed by the Vikings circa 870, and re-founded as a Benedictine monastery in the 11th century by Reinfrid, one of William the Conqueror's soldiers. In 1541, as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, Whitby Abbey was acquired by Richard Cholmley, who converted parts of the former abbey buildings into a private house. In the 1670s Sir Hugh Cholmeley, 4th Bt., built an addition, alternatively called Cholmley House, New House, or the Banqueting House, onto the existing buildings. After losing part of its roof during severe gales in the late 18th century, Cholmley House began a slow decline that was only partially reversed in the 1930s, when the Ministry of Works (later English Heritage) took over the house and abbey ruins. In 2002 the newly-restored, Grade I-listed Cholmley House was reopened as the shop, visitor reception center, and museum for the abbey site. The Grade I-listed Abbey House is today a hostel ([email protected]) run by the Youth Hostel Association.

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Grade II

Past Seat / Home of: Richard Cholmley, 16th century; Sir Hugh Cholmeley, 1st Bt., until 1657; Sir William Cholmeley, 2nd Bt., 1657-63; Sir Hugh Cholmeley, 3rd Bt., 1663-65; Sir Hugh Cholmeley, 4th Bt., 1665-89; Cholmeley family here from 1541 until 1791. Fane family, 1791-1866. Sir George Charles Strickland, 19th century; Strickland family here from 1866 until the 1930s.

Current Ownership Type: English Heritage

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01947-603-568

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk

Historic Houses Member: No