From the Sea to Burton Constable
In 1825, a sperm whale washed ashore at Tunstall on the East Yorkshire coast. Claimed by Sir Thomas Aston Clifford Constable, it was studied and dissected before its skeleton was brought to Burton Constable Hall.
By the 1830s, the skeleton had been mounted and displayed in the parkland, attracting visitors, scientists and writers. Its story later reached Herman Melville, who referenced the whale in Moby-Dick.
Now housed within the Stables, it remains one of the most unusual objects at Burton Constable, with ongoing work to preserve it for the future.
Support the Conservation of Constable Moby
The whale skeleton, known as “Constable Moby”, is now in need of careful conservation to ensure its long-term stability. Age, past repairs and environmental factors mean that specialist work is required to preserve it properly.
At Burton Constable Hall, we are raising funds to support this work, including structural conservation and improvements to how the skeleton is displayed and cared for.
If you would like to support the project, donations can be made through our website. All contributions go directly towards the conservation and ongoing care of this unique object.
