Whitby Abbey, Yorkshire, was founded in 657, with Abbess Hilda in charge: it became a double monastery, monks and nuns. In 664 the Synod of Whitby took place here, to decide between the Celtic and Roman tradition: Roman won.
  In the late 9^th century abbey suffered Danish raids, and was abandoned for 200 years. Following the arrival of William the Conqueror in England the abbey was re-established as a Benedictine monastery; it remained a successful institution until 1540.
  The runs suffered considerable damage in World War 1, being bombarded by German warships.