Old Boots Ghost
The Unicorn Hotel in Ripon is home to a rather charming ghost known as Old Boots. Tom Crudd, a well-liked boot boy from days gone by, is said to roam these historic halls. His nickname 'Old Boots' was given to him by friends, and it's a testament to his friendly nature that his ghost is described as non-frightening. Guests and staff have reported encounters with Tom's spirit, which seems to bring a touch of warmth and personality to this old hotel.
Historical records show that the Unicorn Hotel has been a staple of Ripon for many years, offering comfortable stays and warm hospitality to weary travellers. Tom Crudd, the boot boy, was an integral part of the hotel's daily operations back in the day. Although the exact date of his passing is unknown, his spirit has lingered on, manifesting as a gentle presence that has been observed by multiple witnesses over the years. The haunting manifestation is characterised by visual and audio experiences, with some reporting sightings of Old Boots going about his business as if still employed at the hotel.
The Unicorn Hotel has been in operation since the 19th century, providing accommodation and services to travellers and locals alike.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Charter Horn Guardian
Wakeman's House, Ripon
Wakeman's House in Ripon stands watch over a centuries-old tradition that refuses to fade. This is the haunt of Hugh Ripley, the town's first mayor, who was consumed by ensuring the correct blowing of the Charter Horn. Legend has it that if the horn isn't blown to his satisfaction, Hugh appears at the attic window, his gaze a disapproving stare over the town. Some say disaster will befall Ripon if the horn is not respected, a notion that adds a layer of intrigue to this peculiar haunting.
Phantom Cyclist of Ripon
Workhouse Museum, Ripon
The Workhouse Museum in Ripon stands as a testament to the town's rich history, but it's not just the exhibits that draw visitors in - a ghostly presence is said to linger here too. Outside the museum, a phantom man has been spotted standing alongside a penny farthing bicycle, a mode of transport that was popular during the Victorian era when the workhouse was in operation. The apparition seems frozen in time, giving onlookers a glimpse into the past.
Calverley Ghost Summoning
St Wilfrid's churchyard, Calverley
In the sleepy Yorkshire town of Calverley, a chilling legend has long been whispered about among locals. They say that if you chant 'Old Calverley, Old Calverley, I have thee by the ears, I'll cut thee into collops, unless thee appears' in the dead of night, the ghost of Walter Calverley will stir. This eerie ritual was allegedly used by local boys to summon the spirit, who would then manifest in a flurry of pins and crumbs scattered across the ground. The final sign of his presence was a haunting whistle through the keyhole of St Wilfrid's church door.
Fountains Abbey Singing Ghost
Fountains Abbey and Hall, Ripon
Fountains Abbey stands majestically near the village of Fountains, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history. As dusk falls, a gentle, unexplained sound drifts through the air - the sweet harmonies of a choir singing in perfect unison. No earthly singing group is based nearby, leaving visitors to wonder at the origin of this enchanting melody. The atmosphere is peaceful, with no sense of malevolence, just a soothing serenade that seems to emanate from the very fabric of the abbey itself.
Harpham Church Drumming Ghost
Area of the church, Harpham
In the quaint village of Harpham, nestled in the Yorkshire countryside, a chilling phenomenon has been observed for centuries. The sound of drumming echoes through the church grounds, striking fear into the hearts of locals. This unsettling occurrence is said to foretell the demise of a member of the St Quinton family. The drumming is believed to be the ghostly presence of Tom Hewson, a victim of a brutal killing at the hands of a St Quinton family member in the 1300s.
The Cowled Monk of Skelton
Church of Christ the Consoler, Skelton cum Newby
Deep in the heart of North Yorkshire, the Church of Christ the Consoler stands as a testament to the region's rich history. It's here, within these hallowed walls, that a most intriguing phenomenon has been captured on camera. In the summer of 1954, Reverend K F Lord inadvertently snapped a photograph that would go on to become a celebrated example of paranormal activity. The image, which has appeared in various ghost literature publications, depicts a cowled monk standing on the altar, clad in black robes, with an elongated, skull-like face that seems to emanate an otherworldly presence.