Hobs have been described as small, hairy, wizened men. Hobs were viewed as kind but mischievous spirits, helpful to local people in need. One famous hob lived near Runswick Bay in a hobhole; this hob was believed to be able to cure young children of kink-cough (whooping cough)."Whitby Myth and Folklore: Hob", Whitby Online Parents would bring their ailing young to the hob's cave dwelling and recite the following:John Christopher Atkinson (1868). A Glossary of the Cleveland Dialect (1st ed.)."Hobhole Hob!
