Sermons and Lectures by George Young

Volume containing over 60 sermons in shorthand given by George Young of Whitby

George Young was born in East Calder, Scotland on 15 July 1777. Born without his left hand he was encouraged into education. He spent four years studying literature and philosophy at the University of Edinburgh and then a further five years studying theology as required by the Presbyterian Church. He was licensed to preach the gospel in March 1801. In January 1806 he entered the ministry at Cliff Lane Chapel in Whitby and was to remain there until his death in May 1848.

Many of his sermons and lectures were published and he also wrote about a range of subjects including botany, geology, the history of Whitby and Captain Cook. He published a two volume 'History of Whitby and Streoneshalh Abbey' (1817) and along with his friedn and local artist John Bird published 'Geological Survey of the Yorkshire Coast' (1822) and 'Scriptural Geology' (1838) where he sought to align geology with the teachings of the scriptures. He was a founding member of the Whitby Botanic Garden in 1812 and the Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society in 1823 serving both Society's as Secretary. He died of influenza on 8 May 1848 and is buried in St Mary's Churchyard with the ceremony being conducted by his friend William Scoresby junior.

Access will be granted to any accredited reader

Donated by Dr Ethel Townend, 21 Aug 1952

The Journal of Thomas Etty, 1800-1988 [Ref U DX189]

Papers of Thomas Joseph Haslam and Anna Maria Haslam, 1868-1932 [Ref U DX66]

Other archives:

Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society material is held by Whitby Museum