Ghost tours of North Yorkshire
September 08, 2023Thinking of doing something different this Halloween?
How about a road trip visiting some haunted spots in North Yorkshire?
Harrogate
Begin with a Ghost walk around Harrogate: https://www.harrogateghostwalk.com
Starting at The Pump room museum, you will be taken on an eerie walk around Harrogate at night. This is the perfect way to get yourself into the mood for Halloween and the week ahead.
The ghost walk takes place on the first and last Friday of each month, so make sure you plan your outing in advance.
Tickets available online: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/harrogate-ghost-walk
York
One of the oldest cities in the UK, York has a rich history with both Vikings and Romans having frequented the streets.
York Museum Library: https://www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/exhibition/historic-library-2/
The story of the haunted book. Visitors to the library had noticed the same book being left out during the day. The book was always in the same place but each time on a different page as though someone was reading it. At the end of each day the book would be returned to the bookshelf only to reappear in the same place the following morning. The book in question was a very old philosophy book and had never been taken out or requested.
One evening long after closing time the night warden noticed the apparition of an elderly man walking through the library and taking the philosophy book off the shelf. The spirit then sat down and began to read. Once he had turned the page he disappeared. It is thought that once he has finished reading the book his soul will at last be at peace.
Full story available as part of an anthology: https://thegreatyorkshireshop.co.uk/products/haunted-yorkshire-book
Stonegate: The most haunted street in York
A young woman is said to have fallen to her death from one of the shops down Stonegate Street. Her apparition has been spotted waving and singing to visitors. Other times her footsteps and the sound of her angelic singing have been heard. Once a young woman working in Jack Wills reported seeing another young woman walking through a wall in the old changing room where a door used to be. Could this have been the same woman? I will leave that to you.
Full story available as part of an anthology: https://thegreatyorkshireshop.co.uk/products/haunted-yorkshire-book
The Lost Roman Legion
Anyone growing up around York has heard this haunting tale and yet I could not find a single article about it. Mysterious.
All I can do is tell the story as best as my memory serves.
One night a young maintenance man was doing some work in the basement of the Treasurers House in York, when suddenly he saw what appeared to be the remnants of a Roman legion including an officer riding a bedraggled horses. The man was known for drinking, so no one took his account seriously until another man, also working down there sometime later reported seeing the same apparition. This man was a known sceptic but most importantly was able to provide more details such as the fact that they seemed to be walking slightly above ground level, as in where the old Roman road would have been. Furthermore, he was able to provide details of their armour and their legion colours all of which indicted they were in fact the lost Ninth legion who disappeared on their way from Scotland. Their uniforms were worn and “nothing like the movies”.
Ripon
This picturesque town is home to many a haunting tale.
Workhouse Museum
Unsurprisingly serval ghosts have been sighted in and around this Victorian workhouse. The sounds of screaming, footsteps and crying have all been heard echoing through the halls.
One particular tale is that of Harriett Rodwell, a woman who was a permanent resident back in the late nineteenth century. It is believed that she took her own life by hanging herself from the old staircase. The staircase has since been walled up, however gurgling noises have been heard coming from there. Could it have been the sounds of Harriett eternally choking?
Another sad tale is that of a five-year-old boy who was locked up in a cupboard as punishment. The matron who had put him there had had to leave suddenly due to some urgent news. In her haste she had forgotten to release the boy or tell anyone where he was. Upon her return the boy was discovered barley alive and passed away soon afterwards. The matron died in childbirth a few months later. It is said her ghost walks the old part of workhouse wailing for her part in the boy’s death.
Full story available as part of anthology: https://thegreatyorkshireshop.co.uk/products/haunted-yorkshire-book
Today the workhouse is a museum and popular tourist destination. Why not visit? https://riponmuseums.co.uk/product/workhouse-museum-garden-ticket/
Ripon Cathedral: https://www.riponcathedral.org.uk
During the days of the workhouse a fisherman named Bryan Tunstall drowned fishing in the river. Visitors say they have seen him wondering the embankment near the workhouse and fishing near the waters edge. His headstone still lies in the grounds of Ripon Cathedral. Some have even said they have seen him visiting his own grave and laughing at the humorous inscription detailing his death.
Full story available as part of anthology: https://thegreatyorkshireshop.co.uk/products/haunted-yorkshire-book
A name which has become synonymous with North Yorkshire is that of Slingsby, Sir Charles Slingsby to be exact who was involved in a terrible tragedy known as the Newby Hall Ferry disaster. Whilst crossing the river in pursuit of a fox the raft capsized causing the deaths of Slingsby and several other noblemen. There have been numerous sightings of men dressed for foxhunting and horses climbing out of the river. There have also been haunting sounds of anguish, like that of men in distress.
Full story available as part of anthology: https://thegreatyorkshireshop.co.uk/products/haunted-yorkshire-book
Thirsk
Not far from Ripon is the village of Thirsk. If you have not been completely rattled by what you have discovered in Ripon how about stopping by for a quick sit down. Only be careful where you rest…
Busby’s Chair
This is the tale of a cursed chair. It all began in the 1800s with a man named Thomas Busby, a most unsavoury character. One day he got into an argument with his father-in-law Daniel Auty, who was found dead in the constables (police) stables.
Busby was convicted and hanged for the crime. His last wish was to have a final drink in his favourite chair. The chair was taken from his house and placed on the gallows where after enjoying his final drink Busby put a curse on the chair that anyone who sits upon it would soon die.
Various tragic accidents have befallen those who have dared to sit on Busby’s Chair. The most recently in 1967 when two young men sat in the chair and subsequently died in a car accident on their way home. In 1971 a builder sat in the seat and afterwards plummeted to his death.
Today the chair resides in the Thirsk Museum, pinned to the wall to prevent any more accidents befalling weary travellers. However, there is some speculation over the chair’s authenticity.
This is a just small sample of tales surrounding Yorkshire. To read the stories in their entirety and others you might like to refer to Haunted Yorkshire by Nick Tyler available to purchase online: https://thegreatyorkshireshop.co.uk/products/haunted-yorkshire-book
and on request when staying at Artists Cottages. On that note… for a haunt free stay (as far as we know) come to Artists Cottages. The perfect places to plan your visits to Thirsk, Ripon and York. Check out our booking page and book your stay today!
