Haunted Histories: York’s Living Ghost Stories
Posted on Tuesday 17 June 2025
Haunted Histories will uncover the ghost stories as experienced and told by the people who live in and around the City of York. Ghosts are an established part of York's tourist and heritage landscape, but most residents do not have a voice in these stories. The well known tales are mostly found within the city walls, focusing on long deceased gentry, plague victims, wronged women, or orphaned children. They tell of Vikings, Romans and highwaymen.
But what these stories don’t tell are the everyday stories of the people who live in York's residential areas; the everyday experiences or sightings made by people in York’s residential areas. They do not show how stories change as they are passed down through generations, swapped between friends and family members, shared across the bar in pubs, or whispered in school corridors. These stories, which are largely untold, have much to reveal about York and the people who live here. This is where you come in!
We are looking for people who have had a ghostly experience in York, or heard one passed down by a family member or friend. These stories will form a new database of York ghost stories, as experienced and told by the people who live here. Join us at a local library or submit your story online!
Workshops:
Come and share your story in a group. More information is available on the project website.
- Tang Hall Explore Library, The Centre @ Burnholme, Mossdale Ave., Tang Hall, York YO31 0HA
18 June, 2-3:30pm - Acomb Explore Library, Front St, Acomb, York YO24 3BZ
23 June, 2:15-3:45pm
Drop ins:
The research team will be available at the following dates and times. No need to book, just come along!
- Huntington Library, Garth Road, Huntington, York YO32 9QJ
17 June, 2-5pm - Dringhouses Library, Tadcaster Rd, Dringhouses, York YO24 1LR
28 June, 10:30am-12:30pm