Ravenscar was the location of a late 4th century Roman signal station, part of a chain that extended along the Yorkshire coast.

[2] To the north of the village is the old Peak alum works,[3] now a National Trust site, but once an important part of the dyeing industry.

Because of the long trek to its rocky beach, Ravenscar never achieved popularity, and the development was left unfinished – a town with sewers and streets but no houses.

Ann's son, the eccentric Rev Dr Richard Willis, built the gardens and battlements which surround the house.

It was sold by auction in 1911 after the company went bankrupt, and after several changes of ownership and use as a billet in wartime it was acquired by the present owners, who are associated with Classic Hotels.

[11] The fictional character Roger Comstock in the Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson has the royal title "Marquis of Ravenscar".