Whitby of St Hilda (657–680). Part of Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula" was set in Whitby, incorporating pieces of local folklore, including the beaching of the Russian ship "Dmitri". Stoker discovered the name "Dracula" at the old public library. One scholar has suggested that Stoker chose Whitby as the site of Dracula's first appearance in England because of the Synod of Whitby, given the novel's preoccupation with timekeeping and calendar disputes. Elizabeth Gaskell set her novel "Sylvia's Lovers" partly in the town which she visited in 1859 and Lewis Carroll stayed at 5, East Terrace between July and September 1854: his first
Dracula in popular culture legend. While the story is based on the historical 15th century ruler of Wallachia, it also draws inspiration from the vampire legends that surround the Wallachian Prince. Gabrielle Estres’ novel "Captive" retraces the life of Vlad Țepeș, the Wallachian ruler who inspired Bram Stoker's "Dracula". The book combines historical facts and contemporary 15th century pamphlets with the vampire lore created by Stoker. A version of Dracula (who hates the name and is known as Vlad Tepesh) appears first as a supporting character in the "Night Huntress" series by Jeaniene Frost, then in a more central role as the protagonist's love