Whitby history in postcards – old postcards of Whitby
The first postcards to be issued in the UK appeared in 1870. They were plain white cards on both sides and had a pre-printed stamp. These were only issued by The Post Office.
1894 saw the first picture postcards, with a small picture on one side and the other side for writing the address. Then in 1899 what we know as the standard size postcard was introduced with a large picture on the front and space for the address on the back. It wasn’t until 1902 that the ‘split back’ was introduced, giving the sender a little room to write a message.
Between 1902 and 1914 hundreds of thousands of postcards were issued and the sending and collecting of postcards became a craze. Of course, we still buy postcards of places we visit either as a memory of our trip or to send to friends and family today.
We’ve come across some delightful old postcards of Whitby, some of them dating back to pre-1902.
![](https://shoreline-cottages.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SAM_1318-1200x900.jpg)
Tate Hill pier.
![](https://shoreline-cottages.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SAM_1307-1200x900.jpg)
The Drawbridge which was opened in 1835 then replaced by the present Swing bridge in 1909.
![](https://shoreline-cottages.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SAM_1322-1200x900.jpg)
The Fish Market. The postcard shows Hannah Dryden Smith who was well known for selling fish to the locals from a basket which she carried on her head. You can read more about Hannah Here
![](https://shoreline-cottages.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SAM_1327-2-675x900.jpg)
The Old Market Place.
![](https://shoreline-cottages.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SAM_1301-1200x900.jpg)
St Ann’s Staith. This postcard would have been published before 1902 as it has a space on the right of the photograph to write a short message, before the ‘split back’ cards were issued.