By 1753, the English ports of Hull and Whitby had significantly expanded their operations into Arctic bowhead whaling. This expansion was driven by the lucrative market for whale oil and other products, which were essential for lighting and lubrication in the 18th century. The growth of Arctic whaling not only impacted local economies but also raised concerns about sustainability and the ecological consequences of overexploitation.

The entry of Hull and Whitby into Arctic whaling in 1753 contributed to Yorkshire's maritime heritage, celebrated in regional English poetry. Poets like William Wordsworth and John Clare often reflected on the relationship between local identity and the sea, intertwining themes of nature, industry, and community in their works.