Saltwick Nab (Remains of Alum Quarry)

Saltwick Nab, part of Saltwick Bay, is approximately one mile (1.6 km) to the east of Whitby, on the east coast of North Yorkshire, England

The first record of quarrying of alum at Saltwick Nab was recorded by Sir Hugh Chomley, who lived at Whitby Abbey, in the 17th century. The alum quarries were built on promontories and were 590 feet (180 m) in length and 115 feet (35 m) in depth. The quarries eventually closed in 1791. The features seen today on the nab are as a result of quarrying, not natural erosion by wind and water.

Alum is a chemical used principally in the textile industry for fixing dyes. It is not found in a natural state in Britain but can be manufactured from some types of shale. During the medieval period in Britain alum was imported, mostly from Italy. Domestic production began in the north of England in the early 17th century. The industry flourished in the north for 200 years until the mid-19th century when it was overtaken by new techniques using shale from coal mining, whilst after 1880 aluminium sulphate replaced alum for most industrial purposes.

Saltwick Nab alum quarries are listed under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The site at Saltwick Nab preserves important evidence of the quarrying and processing activities. In addition to the 19th century workings, remains of the early industry and its development are preserved.