Villages by the Sea

A visit to Staithes in North Yorkshire

In the early 19th century Staithes was as one of the largest east coast fishing ports, and even now the harbour building renovations reveal the seaside village's impressive financial boom. Archaeologist Ben Robinson explores the harsh North Yorkshire coastline that surrounds Staithes, as he finds out how the village was built to be a safe haven. It was also a settlement rich in the natural resource of shale. Contributors include local author Peter Appleton and fellow archaeologist Caroline Barrie Smith