Spirits and snickleways

York is a beautiful city, layered with buildings and sights from throughout its long history.

Founded by the Romans in 71AD, York has been at the centre of many notable moments in British history. With centuries of stories to tell, it’s easy to see why York is rumoured to be one of the most haunted cities in the UK.

Felix, BA Business of the Creative Industries
Lucas, BA Business of the Creative Industries

1. THE YORKSHIRE MUSEUM’S UNTIDY GHOST

The Yorkshire Museum sits in the grounds of St Mary’s Abbey. You might expect a spook in a ruined monastery, but in fact the ghost of Alderman Edward Wooler has been spotted in the Museum Library, leaving behind a trail of scattered books.

2. THE ROMAN SOLDIERS OF TREASURER’S HOUSE

A trumpet blares, then soldiers march through the solid walls, their bodies cut off at the knees! Recent excavations revealed that Treasurer’s House is built on a Roman road, known as Via Decumana. Could it be that the sightings are a flashback to Romans walking along the old road?

3. A PRANKSTER AT THE GOLDEN FLEECE PUB

This pub is renowned as the most haunted pub in York. One tale is of the cheeky Victorian boy who came to an unfortunate end on the road outside. He likes to play tricks on the pub's customers, and if you fall victim to one of his silly pranks, you’ll likely hear him giggle. We guess ghouls just wanna have fun!

4. BLACK CATS OF YE OLDE STARRE INNE

York’s oldest pub, tucked down a snickelway off Stonegate, is home to perhaps the city’s cutest ghosts. Two black cats are often spotted near the bar, but patrons bend down to stroke them, to find only thin air. A bit spooky, right? It’s thought that these are the spirits of two cats who were buried in the walls of the pub – a tradition to ward off evil and protect against fire, thankfully no longer practised!

An exterior image of the Golden Fleece pub in the centre of York. It is an old building with a golden ram handing over the door.

An exterior image of the Gloden Fleece pub in the centre of York. It is an old building with a golden ram handing over the door.

3. A PRANKSTER AT THE GOLDEN FLEECE PUB

This pub is renowned as the most haunted pub in York. One tale is of the cheeky Victorian boy who came to an unfortunate end on the road outside. He likes to play tricks on the pub's customers, and if you fall victim to one of his silly pranks, you’ll likely hear him giggle. We guess ghouls just wanna have fun!

4. BLACK CATS OF YE OLDE STARRE INNE

York’s oldest pub, tucked down a snickelway off Stonegate, is home to perhaps the city’s cutest ghosts. Two black cats are often spotted near the bar, but patrons bend down to stroke them, to find only thin air. A bit spooky, right? It’s thought that these are the spirits of two cats who were buried in the walls of the pub – a tradition to ward off evil and protect against fire, thankfully no longer practised!

5. BRING HOME YOUR OWN GHOST FROM THE SHAMBLES

Once a street full of butchers’ shops, the Shambles is now a tourist hotspot, known for its crooked buildings. One of our favourite shops here is York Ghost Merchants, where you can choose your own ghost to take home with you – so adorable!

6. IS DICK TURPIN HIDING IN THE TREES?

The infamous highwayman, known for brutally robbing wealthy travellers, came to his end on the gallows at the Knavesmire in York. Eventually he was buried in St George’s Churchyard. His ghost is said to walk along the nearby river path, waiting in the trees for unsuspecting passers-by.