haunted york
Historic York is Europe’s most haunted city – and that’s official! It is filled to the gills with cobbled streets with strange-sounding names and the odd ghostly presence or three......
Mad Alice Lane
One scary place is Mad Alice Lane, home of poor Alice Smith. In 1825 she was taken to the castle and hanged for the ‘crime’ of insanity – but sssh! They say that her restless spirit haunts the alleyway.
(image York tourism)
The Treasurer’s House
Mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records for hosting ‘Ghosts of Greatest Longevity’. One of the city’s most famous ghostly events took place in 1953 when a plumber saw Roman soldiers appear through a wall. He described their uniforms and equipment in precise detail. This was later verified by experts as members of the 9th Legion, stationed at York over 1,600 years ago. Spooky or what?
The York Dungeon city walking tours on Fridays, Saturday, & Sundays leave from outside the York Dungeon at 12:00 pm, 1.30 pm, 3 pm and 4.30 pm. Guests must pre-book tickets via the website, Tours are limited to just 15 peasants - oops sorry, people - so early booking recommended to avoid ‘orrible disappointment and tantrums from the young 'uns. Andy Turner, General Manger of the Dungeon said, “We are excited to bring our family favourite dungeon experience out of the shadows and onto the streets of York. The York Dungeon has been an experience for so many before, yet never like this. Guests can learn about York's history while visiting landmarks and there may be a few spooky surprises along the way.”
So folks, don't miss this fabulous tour and now, please keeping reading because there are many more spectacular spooks in this lovely city....
York Museum
Mr Jonas the museum caretaker had locked up for the evening. Off he went downstairs to the flat he lived in with his wife. Not log after, they heard footsteps in the museum so both went upstairs to see what was what. A man was walking around dressed in Edwardian clothing. Mr J spoke to him at which point the man - an apparition - vanished! Once would be enough, you would think, but no , Mr Jonas saw the mysterious figure on another occasion when he was with a colleague. No-one has come forward with any suggestions as to who the Edwardian gentleman might have been in life or why he likes to visit from time to time.
Mad Alice Lane
One scary place is Mad Alice Lane, home of poor Alice Smith. In 1825 she was taken to the castle and hanged for the ‘crime’ of insanity – but sssh! They say that her restless spirit haunts the alleyway.
(image York tourism)
The Treasurer’s House
Mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records for hosting ‘Ghosts of Greatest Longevity’. One of the city’s most famous ghostly events took place in 1953 when a plumber saw Roman soldiers appear through a wall. He described their uniforms and equipment in precise detail. This was later verified by experts as members of the 9th Legion, stationed at York over 1,600 years ago. Spooky or what?
The York Dungeon city walking tours on Fridays, Saturday, & Sundays leave from outside the York Dungeon at 12:00 pm, 1.30 pm, 3 pm and 4.30 pm. Guests must pre-book tickets via the website, Tours are limited to just 15 peasants - oops sorry, people - so early booking recommended to avoid ‘orrible disappointment and tantrums from the young 'uns. Andy Turner, General Manger of the Dungeon said, “We are excited to bring our family favourite dungeon experience out of the shadows and onto the streets of York. The York Dungeon has been an experience for so many before, yet never like this. Guests can learn about York's history while visiting landmarks and there may be a few spooky surprises along the way.”
So folks, don't miss this fabulous tour and now, please keeping reading because there are many more spectacular spooks in this lovely city....
York Museum
Mr Jonas the museum caretaker had locked up for the evening. Off he went downstairs to the flat he lived in with his wife. Not log after, they heard footsteps in the museum so both went upstairs to see what was what. A man was walking around dressed in Edwardian clothing. Mr J spoke to him at which point the man - an apparition - vanished! Once would be enough, you would think, but no , Mr Jonas saw the mysterious figure on another occasion when he was with a colleague. No-one has come forward with any suggestions as to who the Edwardian gentleman might have been in life or why he likes to visit from time to time.
Holy Trinity Church
A phantom haunts the churchyard of 15th-century Holy Trinity Church in Goodramgate. In his lifetime, he was Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland, executed for plotting against Queen Elizabeth I. His head was displayed on a pole and according to local legend, he has been looking for it ever since.
York’s pubs
York’s pubs have more spirits than those behind the bar. The Snickleway Inn purports to have nine ghosts, while the 14th-century Golden Fleece has a grumpy old man who mysteriously disappears into thin air….
The Grey Lady
When it comes to spirits, you'll always find a Grey Lady. York lays claim to one too, she haunts a room behind the dress circle in the Theatre Royal. In medieval times this was part of the old Hospital of St Leonard, run by nuns. She fell in love with a nobleman and the pair became lovers. Ah, the scandal! They were found out and she was locked in a windowless room which was bricked up. It's now part of the theatre. However the good news is, if you spot her, then it's a good omen for the production.
A phantom haunts the churchyard of 15th-century Holy Trinity Church in Goodramgate. In his lifetime, he was Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland, executed for plotting against Queen Elizabeth I. His head was displayed on a pole and according to local legend, he has been looking for it ever since.
York’s pubs
York’s pubs have more spirits than those behind the bar. The Snickleway Inn purports to have nine ghosts, while the 14th-century Golden Fleece has a grumpy old man who mysteriously disappears into thin air….
The Grey Lady
When it comes to spirits, you'll always find a Grey Lady. York lays claim to one too, she haunts a room behind the dress circle in the Theatre Royal. In medieval times this was part of the old Hospital of St Leonard, run by nuns. She fell in love with a nobleman and the pair became lovers. Ah, the scandal! They were found out and she was locked in a windowless room which was bricked up. It's now part of the theatre. However the good news is, if you spot her, then it's a good omen for the production.
St William’s College
The College harbours a 16th century ghost with a guilty conscience. Back in the day when two impecunious brothers were lodging there they decided to rob a wealthy priest from the Minster. They mugged him, stole his jewellery and purse and slit his throat. The younger brother was overcome with remorse and the older sibling feared he would give the game away so reported his younger brother to the authorities and turned a blind eye as he was tried and hanged for murder. The elder brother died soon after, racked with guilt. No wonder his unhappy spirit paces the floors of St William’s College.
Appetite whetted for more ghosts?
Visit DARK TALES OF YORK to book a ghost tour and learn all about York's mysterious past. Fan of phantoms? Take a look at my book page, I've written three books about the paranormal including Paranormal London, Haunted West End and Paranormal Scotland. Guaranteed to give you some sleepless nights (or at least, a shiver or two down your back.....)
The College harbours a 16th century ghost with a guilty conscience. Back in the day when two impecunious brothers were lodging there they decided to rob a wealthy priest from the Minster. They mugged him, stole his jewellery and purse and slit his throat. The younger brother was overcome with remorse and the older sibling feared he would give the game away so reported his younger brother to the authorities and turned a blind eye as he was tried and hanged for murder. The elder brother died soon after, racked with guilt. No wonder his unhappy spirit paces the floors of St William’s College.
Appetite whetted for more ghosts?
Visit DARK TALES OF YORK to book a ghost tour and learn all about York's mysterious past. Fan of phantoms? Take a look at my book page, I've written three books about the paranormal including Paranormal London, Haunted West End and Paranormal Scotland. Guaranteed to give you some sleepless nights (or at least, a shiver or two down your back.....)