In fact, we know probably less about them than any other species of large whale.

In 1674 a large whale came up the river and was killed on the sands.

In December 2011 a large whale washed ashore on the beach.

The largest whale caught was some 33 m with a weight of over 100 tonnes.

It had to be euthanized because the city didn't have the equipment needed to move the large whale.

How far do you think you'd need to travel to spot the world's second largest whale?

Still larger whales, like the largest sharks, must cut through the food chain if they are to be supported in any numbers.

It is less common, but still occasionally occurs, amongst the other large whales.

It was the first of the large whales to be commercially hunted.

It was, one witness said, "the largest whale I ever saw."