Years of exposure to the weather on the coast has led to significant deterioration in the arch’s condition, meaning the bones now need to be replaced.
They were removed on Tuesday September 1, with ethical bronze replicas set to replace them early in 2027.
5. Whitby's whale bones removed
One of the whale bones is loaded on to the back of a van. Photo: Duncan Atkins
6. Whitby's whale bones removed
Captain Cook looks out on his new, temporary bone-less surroundings. Photo: Duncan Atkins
7. Whitby whale bones removed
Scaffolding up by the whalebones shortly before their removal. Photo: Duncan Atkins
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