The (not so secret) Haunted History of York

If you’ve actively been reading this blog, you probably know that I spent a glorious semester living in York, England, which is pretty much the best city in the world. Another interesting fact about York is that it’s supposedly the most haunted city in all of Europe (seriously, you guys – the International Ghost Research Foundation did a study on it in 2002 and found 504 hauntings. 504!!!). One reason for the many ghostly sightings is the fact that York has existed for a long time. It was founded in 71 AD by the Romans and has been involved in almost every conquest of England (the Romans, the Vikings, the Normans). There have been battles and bloodshed through York’s extensive history, which have perhaps led to many restless souls. York totally capitalizes on this and offers many opportunities to take ghost walks through the city. I was fortunate enough to participate in 2 ghost walks while living there (pictured above is a photo op with our creepy Victorian guide) and have some excellent stories to share with you all! Grab a blanket and a piping hot mug of tea, and maybe leave the lights on for this ghostly tour of York…

1. The College Street House

Way back in the 14th century, the Black Death was running rampant across Europe. It was tradition to mark the houses of those infected with a red “X” across the door, saving others from entering. Our first haunted location, the College Street House, takes place in the context of the bubonic plague. The College Street House was occupied by a normal family: a mother, a father, and a child. The mother and father both became ill and succumbed to the disease, while the 6-year-old girl, thought also to have the plague, was locked in the home with the dead bodies of her parents. The authorities were wrong, however, and the girl was not sick. Instead, she was boarded up in the house and slowly died of starvation. To this day, ghost tour guides claim to hear crying coming from the home, and sometimes see a shadow of a young girl in the upstairs bedroom window.

2. The Treasurers House

The tale of the Treasurers House is one of the most famous ghost stories in all of York. To give you a little background: the Treasurers House that stands today was built in 1562, home to the descendants of Thomas Young, Archbishop of York. The house had several private owners before being acquired by the National Trust. The story goes that a Roman road had been discovered in the cellar of the home. A teenage apprentice named Harry Martindale was repairing a pipe in the cellar when he began to hear the music of a trumpet. This sound grew louder and louder until a legion of Roman soldiers marched through the wall. They were only visible from the knees up, as the road would have been lower when the Romans were living in York. It was determined the Martindale’s descriptions of the Roman clothing matched those of the Roman soldiers living in York in the 5th century. The Treasurers House was also featured on the first episode of Discovery Channel’s Ghosthunters.

3.The Golden Fleece 

The Golden Fleece is one of the oldest inns and pubs in York, dating back to 1503. It’s located just opposite a famous street called The Shambles (fun fact: Diagon Alley was based on The Shambles for the Harry Potter films!). The Golden Fleece also claims to be the most haunted public public in all of York. Naturally, my friends and I went there for drinks on Halloween. We didn’t experience anything spooky ourselves, but did hear some interesting stories. The ghost most commonly reported by visitors is Lady Alice Peckett, wife of the former owner Lord Mayor John Peckett. Witnesses have also reported seeing the ghost of a World War II pilot. Though his cause of death is uncertain, he is believed to have either committed suicide or fell from a second floor window. Another sighting is known as One Eyed Jack, a man who wears a 16th/17th century red coat and carries a pistol. There’s also the sad tale of a young Victorian boy who was trampled by horses. This boy was a pickpocket, and guests often report feeling tugging on their jackets or finding that money or possessions have gone missing. There are many stories across the internet of ghostly encounters people have had at The Golden Fleece, and it was even filmed for the show Most Haunted. Next time you’re in York, book a room and stay there if you dare…

If you ever find yourself in York, I highly suggest taking a Ghost Walk. They are fun, informative, and just creepy enough. Have a happy and spooky Halloween, blog readers!

With ghostly regards,
Rae