With Michael Bortoft as a guide, Augustinian members wondered the streets of Ravenscar and reviewed the attractions of this resort that never developed, as claimed by the promoters. The developer’s story was revealed, from conception to bankruptcy.

It started with such enthusiasm, said Michael, a new resort with wonderful views half way between Whitby and the over-crowded Scarborough, with a railway service. What could go wrong?

In the 1890’s 300 ground workers laid out drains and roads.  The developers, the Ravenscar Estate Company, mapped out plots of every size and in 1898 offered 79 of them by auction. A further 111 were offered in 1900.

In the end only a handful of plots had houses built on them. Michael’s photographs show how isolated each now looks. He described them, including a vicarage of unusual design by an American architect.

So what went wrong?  Michael suggested some answers. The town was on top of a 600 foot cliff frequently hit by bad weather and with a difficult access to the sea. This put off buyers. The developers borrowed heavily and the few plot purchasers only paid 10% of the price each year.

The developers were declared bankrupt in 1911 and the remaining land was sold off.  The National Trust took over the site in 1977.

The Vote of thanks was given by Bro Chris Lambert.