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The first Whitby workhouse was built in 1726-7 on Church Street. In 1793-4, a new workhouse was erected off Green Lane. Being located near Boulby's ropery, the site became known as The Ropery. The new building was L-shaped in layout. Whitby Poor Law Union was formed in 1837 and took over the existing workhouse in that year. In 1860, it was enlarged forming a large U-shape. An entrance block was added at the south, and a school was also erected at the rear of the workhouse. After the inauguration of the NHS in 1948, the former workhouse became St Hilda's Hospital and provided geriatric care. St Hilda's closed in 1978 and the surviving buildings are now occupied by small business units.