Some bits and bobs (the boring bits) before we start. 

This is an audio guided tour through some of the most haunted parts of York. 

The premise is simple, progress through the tour and listen to each audio where you will hear chilling stories about that particular place. 

The text will also be available for reading should you need it, and you can go backwards and forwards on your quest at your own volition. 

If there is a fault with your page or you close it accidentally don't worry, you will be able to just reopen it from the start, but we recommend NOT CLOSING the internet page the walk is on. 

We would strongly recommend the use of headphones and to purchase the game for each person on the tour (£4 per person). 

But mostly, have fun....keep your eyes peeled and make sure you are keeping close as a group on this haunting walk. 

When you are at your start point of the York Castle Museum (YO1 9RY) press play on the next page for your intro audio.

Good evening: men, women, boys, girls, pets, creatures, and all other worldly things

We welcome you to this haunting walk around our fantastic city, where we will discover ghostly beings, haunted houses and delve into the gruesome and macabre history that York has to offer.

First and foremost, the boring bits. We will be walking across public highways and paths, so please do look after yourselves, and be aware of other pedestrians as you make your journey. Take special care when crossing roads; as we wouldn’t want to add more deaths to the tour would we?

The tour will be mapped out for you on the app, however do feel free to stop off in-between locations for a drink, some food or to sample any of the wonderful shops that York has to offer. There is no time limit to your tour, and the ghosts will still be there when you decide to continue.

All set? Ready, steady, ghoul.

“Tell me that you could hear it
Three taps under the floorboard.
Don't say I'm losing it, as I could have sworn,

That I locked all these windows fairly tight.
Shut the door, Hear a knock
She starts turning off the lights

And from the corner of my eye, I saw you dressed all in white
I saw you pass right by, But maybe I had too much wine

Saw her walk Through a wall,
Turn her head and look at me In a York hotel hall”

We start our tour here, at the York Castle Museum. One of, if not the most haunting places in York.

Standing proud since it was built by William the Conqueror in 1068, the museum has had various uses throughout the years: being utilized as both a debtors prison and a female prison, before being converted for use as the museum and working mill in the mid 1900’s. Whilst being used as a prison it’s most notorious inhabitant was Dick Turpin, the infamous 18^th century highwayman, horse thief and murderer, who was held at the prison before being sentenced to death at the York courts in 1739: to be hanged until he was dead. Like its rival city Lancaster, York’s method of hanging favoured the short drop. This meant that the fall from the hanging platform was small, not allowing the noose to snap the neck, allowing an instantaneous death, but rather let the rope slowly tighten around the throat of its victim, the poor soul suffocating helplessly as the baying crowds watched on. The body writhing in agony as death leisurely took a hold. 

Its rich history perhaps gives us an insight as to why many of its previous inhabitants would not want to leave, and forever torment those that walk the grounds.

One of the museums most famous ghosts in residency we know very little about however she has made many recent appearances in the background of pictures taken by holiday makers.

A little girl, of no more than 8 years old has often been seen and heard throughout the old castle. Dressed in a Victorian outfit, it provides a snapshot of the era she may be from.

With a disturbing look and a dead-pan stare you can almost see the suffering in her face. Those who have been in contact with the ghost reports a feeling of uneasiness and goosebumps breaking out all over their body.

Perhaps history can teach us a little about her? Although specific records are hard to find, we do know there was no lower age limit to be sentenced to prison, with hundreds of 7,8 and 9 year olds in prison at any one time in the 1800s. Described by John Garwoord in 1853 “The writer has visited the prisoner awaiting execution, under sentence of death for murder, and he has visited the female wards of a prison. Both these are very pitiable sights to behold, but the swarms of juvenile prisoners are a still more pitiable sight.” Perhaps she was a street urchin, born into a life of poverty, and when whippings and beatings did not help, she was thrown into jail with the very worst of society. We know conditions in Victorian prisons to be a pitiful state, with archives showing up to 5% of all prisoners could die in prison due to the conditions. Could she be one of the many? Another statistic due to the wicked treatment by the jailers. We know at least she found a friend in here, as often, workers at the museum reports chilling singing from two female voices, one older, and one younger. The singing is from vacant parts of the museum and is said to be accompanied by the patter of footsteps, getting quickly closer and closer.

One other very famous resident is here at the museum is that of a small, Edwardian, man who often paces the floors of the museum. His first appearance came in 1953. After a long day the then caretaker, Mr Jonas, was settling down to relax in his accommodation below the museum, when he heard hurried, panicked footsteps above. Rushing upstairs thinking he had locked a visitor in for the night he spotted the man marching quickly along the museum gallery. Wandering over he called out to the man who did not respond but continued with his pacing. Getting closer Mr Jonas placed a hand onto the shoulder of the man, who “poof” disappeared.  Leaving Mr Jonas in a state of disbelief. The man has made several appearances since, to other people; however always appearing in a state of anxiety; he obviously isn’t looking forward for what is to come; and is very reluctant to leave his prison…..

Just before we move on…a chilling story from York’s dark past, involving the monument of Clifford’s tower that you can see rise greatly upon the hill. Take yourself back to the year 1190, and anti-Jewish sentiment was on the rise across England. Sadly, after an accidental house fire in York, a local mob deemed this as fitting justification to blame, and then attack the local Jewish population. Fearing for their lives, the Jewish community sought safety within Clifford tower, which at that time was not the stone structure you see today, but wooden tower.

With the keep besieged and surrounded by the locals, the lead Rabbi of the group suggested an extreme measure to prevent being killed by the mob: collective suicide. The tower was set on fire, to prevent the bodies being mutilated. Not wanting to die from the fires, the men of the group proceeded in killing their wives and children before taking their own lives. Those who did not want to die by their own hands surrendered; promising to convert to Christianity in the hope of saving their lives. Their pleas were met on deaf ears; with every single Jew killed and mutilated; with their bodies being displayed around the city walls.

I think a stiff drink is well deserved now, let’s head on….to a place filled with spirits.

1: Head past Clifford’s Tower towards the main road, then turn right onto Tower Street and continue onto Clifford Street.

2: Safely cross the road and turn left just after York Dungeons onto Cumberland Street

3: Walk to the end until you reach the river

Standing before the river Ouse, the powerful river surging before us, this spot gives us a great view across the city, giving us a little time to mention some ghastly and ghostly stories that we will not cross paths with on the tour.

Another famous haunt of the City, is the now closed York brewery, who do more than just sell spirits, they like to keep them as guests too.

Located on Toft green, the brewery comprises of a labyrinth of rooms, and was previously both a morgue and a vicarage…host to many a departing from this world. This would explain why, for many years now patrons of the brewery would notice tables, drinks and everything in between suddenly moving around the room, and heavy, pounding footsteps rushing towards them. One particular ghost is not very fond of visitors at all. A tall, thin man, wearing a stovepipe hat enjoys storming around the narrow halls, slamming doors, causing mayhem and leaving his cold, wet breath tingling across your neck…not a spirit to be had after 10pm!

The brewery backs onto Micklegate bar, a particular bloodied part of York; as upon the walls of the Bar were placed the heads of all those executed in York; a warning for those who dared to trouble the City. One of the more famous episodes of this was following the Jacobite uprising in the 1700’s. Following a crushing defeat, 22 Jacobite rebels were sentenced to death following their capture. Not content with the usual method of execution, the decision was made to dispose of these rebels in the most inhumane of ways.

Hands tied behind their backs, and a rope around their neck, they were dragged to the gallows by a horse; their body burning on the stone floor. Led up to the gallows, they were hung by the neck; however, with no drop at all, to prevent the neck being broken. As they gasped for their life; slowly losing breath, before they died, they were dragged down from the noose, to be disembowelled whilst still alive, their bodies mutilated and cut into pieces. All 22 heads were cut from the bodies, and whilst 20 were sent on a tour of the country as a warning to others, two were placed on the city walls to gaze down upon the city in shocked horror. Sadly, it was thought at this time that if the head was removed from the body, then the body itself would not be allowed entry in heaven. So not only was this a warning to other would-be-rebels, but it also guaranteed those executed into an eternal life of hellfire and damnation.

Another cheery story to warm the cockles await…follow the instructions and I shall meet you there.

1: Walk up King Street, turn left then cross over the road at the traffic lights.

2: Continue straight onto high Ousegate and continue onto Pavement.

Looking across the street, standing below the ovine sculpture is the doorway to York’s most haunted pub: The golden fleece. With records of the pub going back to 1503, it certainly has been around long enough to host habitants that would rather not leave the comfort of the warm, cosy bar. It has also been host to those on death row, providing them with a final meal before their hanging on Baile Hill; whilst also allowing storage of the deceased in their cellars; after their execution.

Landlord, after landlord: manager after manager all reports extra-worldly apparitions and spooky goings on.

One particular manager moved in, dismissing any premise of the haunting history as just old wife’s tales and stories to entice the tourists in; she soon changed her mind. As she settled down at the bar at end of her first day, a drink in one hand, she started to go through the days takings. However, just bas she started, she caught of glimpse of something, or someone out of the corner of her eye. Fearing it was a drunk who was not content with going home for the night, she turned towards the figure to give then a piece of her mind….however the phantom had disappeared. As she turned back towards her seat; a shining spirit moved quickly towards her, knocking over her drink before vanishing into the wall. Shaken, she took a seat; before her ears pricked up with the muffled sounds of footsteps….getting louder, and louder…closer and closer. This was quickly followed by the chilling rattle of a bunch of keys, and heavy breathing moving towards her. When she thought she could take no more she felt an ice-cold hand rush up her spine…sending her screaming towards the exit. She wasn’t a non-believer for long that’s sure.

A famous inhabitant of the pub is said to be that of Lady Alice Peckitt, the wife of a former mayor of York who lived in the very house next door to the pub. It is unsure why she decided to remain on site, however there have been dozens of sightings of Lady Alice, roaming the corridors endless, waking guests up with loud, heavy footsteps in the early hours of the morning.

There are many other regular sightings within the pub: one being a Canadian Airman, Geoff Monroe, who died by being thrown out of the window on the third floor in the middle of the night. Whilst his body was found covering the street with blood, his spirit remained in the pub, and guests often report waking in the middle of the night with Geoff, head to toe in his full military uniform stood over them. Another resident is a young boy, aged only around 8 who can often b e seen in the front entrance to the pub. Dressed in Victorian clothing, this young lad sadly met his fate when he ushed out of the pub, and was run down by horses. His presence remains as a need to keep a watch out for danger when leaving the pub.

And lastly, we cannot forget One Eyed Jack. Often found propping up the downstairs bar, dressed in a red coat, white wig and 3 cornered hat; a pistol in hand and a sharp glint in his eye. He can be seen quickly pacing up and down the bar…keeping an eye (just the one) out for trouble.

So, if you are bored of your group this evening, and in need of making a few more friends, this is the perfect stop off for a light refreshment and some new acquaintances

1: Turn to your left, and then left again following the path onto The Shambles

2: Continue to the end then turn right into King’s Square

3: Turn left onto Low Petergate

Can you see a pattern emerging…another pub, more ghosts? It does seem the pubs in York offer an incredibly good reputation for those supernatural spirits to linger on. Ye Olde Starr Inn, dating back to the year 1644, bringing you warmth, music, beer and a host of paranormal activity. During the civil war, the cellars beneath the pub were used as a makeshift hospital, tending to those injured soldiers from the battle grounds. The cellars are even older than the pub itself, and not so surprisingly this is where you may bump into a vision of the night.

The most common sighting, or rather hearing, within the cellars are the piercing screams of the royalist soldiers. One can only imagine the scenes down there in the 17^th century. With brutal battles being fought, bodies left to die and rot on the field were brought by the medics to the nearest place for mending. In a world before anaesthetic, surgeons would have to remove the mutilated limbs of soldiers with nothing more than a saw and a stick of wood between the teeth. Blood pouring from the wound as tears streamed from the eyes of the dying soldier, his screams filling the streets with pain; those screams have never left. On a quiet night you can still hear the wincing cries of the soldiers. In addition to the screams, a forlorn looking lady dressed completely in black can often be seen walking up and down the staircases of the pub. It is said she represents the death left behind; all the widows left in despair following the conflict. Forever hoping their man will return. 

Now a tale of the super”cat”tural. It was widely known in Yorkshire that there was a custom of bricking cats up within a building to help bring luck and prevent fire to the premises. Thankfully, this has long been left behind, however so have two black cats; whose ghostly images can be seen patrolling the bar area. And we have a good idea of where they may have been buried within the walls as there are strange goings on that happen in the pillar that stands between the door and the bar. Very regularly, dogs brought into the pub will suddenly get angry, and bark, snarl and growl loudly; looking to attack the pillar for no reason. There is a tale of a dog getting so cross it charged at the pillar, managing to knock himself out in the process; obviously, the cats had the last laugh on this one.

Turn around and find the shop front a few doors down that you can see in the image.

Now turn around, and your will see a doorway to number 35 Stonegate only a few short steps away. Here lies another haunted residence of York; which is in fact…possibly home to the most number of ghosts in York, if not the UK. There have been confirmed sightings of 14 different spirits here!

There has been a dwelling on this site for well over 1000 years, however the property you see today was built in 1482. After work was done to the house in the 1990’s it is said the ghosts within the house were awoken, as since then the ghostly activity has skyrocketed.

The whole tour could in theory be on this one house alone, however we will just pay attention to one special guest, who is widely known as “Tom” the inhabitant of the second floor, known as the seance room.

Tom lived in the properties for years, and as he aged, he became more fearful that the house would be robbed at night. So as the Minster bells tolled midnight, Tom banged his walking stick on the walls loudly, to warn off anyone thinking of making a nightly entrance into his home. Thankfully, Tom lived out his life peacefully, dying at a ripe old age in his bedroom. His neighbours, although upset at his passing would now at least be able to sleep peacefully through the night now; or at least they thought. For following on from his death, with the apartment lay empty, every night the walls would rattle with the sound of the berating of his walking stick; disturbing all those trying to sleep at night. Many passing pedestrians in the street have claimed to hear the banging, just after midnight, as calmness sweeps across the City; Tom remains on guard…protecting his property until the last. Now…..on we go. To the one. The only. The Minster.

1: Walk back on yourself down Stonegate looking to the spires of York Minster

2: Follow the path onto Minster gates and come across the Cathedral

York Minster, the tallest building in York by decree, standing proud over the City since It was finished in 1472. From its humble beginnings of a wooden structure for catholic worship in 637ad, it has become one of the greatest religious buildings known; with the great east window at the side of the chapel containing the largest expanse of medieval stained glass you will find anywhere in the world. Although not as haunted as some of our previous locations; after nearly 1500 years of standing it does of course welcome a couple of supernatural hosts.

If you look across the pews; surveying the many heads bowed in prayer, it may look like there any many people deep in their thoughts and prayers. Clergymen, layman and everything in between will fill the seats in revered silence.

However, if you look closer, you may well find all is not what it seems. Often…with his head bowed and lips muttering, you will see a former worker of the Minster: Dean Gale. A paler version of his former self, Dean died within the Minster in 1702; aged just 26. He was a dedicated disciple of the Minster and his spirit remains settled into his favourite pew; where he can be seen listening intently to sermons; or joining loudly in with a hymn.

There have also been many stories of one supernatural naval officer who returned to the minster for one person, following a deathly pact. In the 1820’s and travelling to the minster as part of a group trip, two ladies on the tour decided to breakaway a little and slowly meander through the isles: taking in the breath-taking architecture and iconic sculptures. As they wandered; suddenly a man; dressed in full naval uniform appeared before them, and a deathly chill crept up their back.  Slowly he leaned in to one of the women; his mouth pressed upon her ear and whispered; before suddenly walking off and fading into the darkness.

In horror, she turned to her friend her face pale with shock. The man in fact was her brother, who died at sea many years earlier whilst in the Navy. As a child they had made a pact together, that whoever was first to die; would return to the other and tell them if there really was an afterlife. This was proof now to her that he had ventured to pastures new; and had returned to soothe her worries about death.

Lastly, there are two more regular visitors that have been seen by workers of the minster and members of the public. One being that of a man; dressed head to toe a fine Elizabethan dress, who can often be seen near the entrance, and lastly; a stone faced monk; who slowly patrols up and down the nave.

Tw more steps left, however not far too travel. Follow the path round to the treasurer’s house and then lastly; minster yard.

1: Follow Minster Yard to the right, keeping the Minster directly on your left

2: Turn left onto Minster Yard, then right onto Chapter House Street.

3: Look for the alcove for Gray’s Court Hotel.

Looking from Gray’s court; it allows you a wonderful view of the old house, built initially in the 11^th century, before being remodelled over the years into the fine house you can see before you. Previously home to the treasurer, you can now enter for a small admission to have a tour inside the house. However, it is not what you can see on the inside that intrigues us, but rather what happens below the floorboards of this haunted residence.

Possibly the most well-known sighting of ghosts here in York; lies under the house, within the cellar of the property.

When under the tenure of Frank Green in the 1950’s, a party guest reported to Frank that he had witnessed what looked like roman soldiers in the cellar. Dismissed as alcohol induced apparition; this was quickly forgotten, and life moved on.

The in 1953, Frank asked a local apprentice-plumber to repair some pipe work in the cellar. Harry Martindale was more than happy to take up the job and set to work with gusto. After several hours of work, Harry was busy moving pipework up a ladder when he heard what appeared to be a loud horn blasting out in the distance. This noise began getting louder, and closer, the trumpet notes growing in force. Looking on in shock, harry then saw a roman soldier emerge through the wall; quickly followed by cart house, and then a further 9 or 10 pairs of soldiers. The soldiers marched in tandem, the horn still blaring; about 15 inches below the floor; their feet obscured by the boards. Harry: terrified at the sight fell off his ladder; scrambling into the corner as the romans continued to march hurriedly through the cellar. Wearing the green uniform of Roman legionnaires; they carried round shields on their left arms and daggers on their right hip. Marching onwards they disappeared through the cellar, and Harry quickly hurried back up the stairs and rushed outside, where the marching soldiers were no longer to be seen.

Initially, yet again his claims were dismissed as nonsense, a young man who had taken on too much; however soon after archaeologists discovered  a roman road under the building, approximately 15 inches below the floor!!  Also, the description that harry gave; knowing absolutely nothing about Roman fashion; matched up perfectly to historical knowledge of the dress of a roman soldier.

Over the years Martin continued to profess his truth, always declining any form of monetary payment for his story, which has since been backed up by the eyes and ears other contractors working here.

So, keep a close eye for a battalion of soldiers tonight; we wouldn’t want to be making any trouble for them, would we?

Now one more stop…. only round the corner. I will see you soon in Minster Yard.

1: Return the way you came, turning left back onto Minster Yard

2: Then look for the window on the picture you can see

To finish our journey, a quick tale of death, famine, and plague to send you home with happy thoughts tonight.

Look up at the house you can see in the picture and pick out the small single window to the right of the main window. Look closely, as often there are reports of a pale, ashen young girls face appearing in the window, a look of pain on her whitened face.

The story goes back to the year of 1665, when the great plague took hold across Europe causing death and destruction. Among communities, the local population were weary of those who fell ill; shutting them up and not allowing them to pass on the disease. This poor girls’ parents became poorly, and locked themselves away, sparing the young girl from contracting the plague. As the parents died, and with the door locked the young girl cried out of her window, asking for help. The locals: fearing she may have the plague; decided not to help; but to brick up her doorway; leaving her to starve to death with no other company but the already decaying bodies of her parents.

Screams and cries filled the yard for days; until silence fell on the building. Doctors venturing into the property following her death reported she was clear of the plague.

Onlookers to the building routinely see her pained face in the window, as she desperately tries to break free and breathe in some clean air.

So it seems wherever you venture in this City, you are bound to bump into something of the night, whether it be the sharp point of a Romans swords, a spirit not wanting to leave his bar or numerous ghouls who refuse to leave their place of rest.

Keep safe this evening. Travel well, and before you think you are safe at home, make sure you check you room twice, and hope you have not brought home an extra friend this evening.

And just lastly, look to the large wooden doors in the middle on Minster Yard. Engraved upon one of those doors is a little mouse, which when rubbed is said to bring luck to those who touch it. So search for the mouse, give it a stroke and hope it keeps you safe tonight.

Many thanks for all your time.