Skip to main content

St Mary's Ghostly Apparitions

St Mary's Churchyard, Scarborough, North Yorkshire Living Apparition Unknown

St Mary's Churchyard in Scarborough is home to a haunting that's as intriguing as it is unsettling. On the eve of St Mark's Day, 24 April, a chilling phenomenon occurs. As the clock strikes midnight, the spirits of those destined to die between this date and next year's St Mark's Eve are said to appear in the churchyard. These ghostly apparitions, referred to as The Future Dead, are believed to walk into the church, a procession of souls who are yet to meet their maker.

This eerie tradition has its roots in local folklore and is tied to the Christian calendar. The concept of The Future Dead walking among the living on St Mark's Eve is a harrowing reminder of mortality. While there are no recorded witness accounts of this event, the legend has endured for generations, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The apparitions are said to be a manifestation of the living, a premonition of deaths to come, rather than restless spirits of the deceased.

Historical Context

The haunting is tied to the Christian calendar and local folklore.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Churchyard
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
No Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
24 April (St Marks Eve) (reoccurring)
Postcode Area
YO

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0.3 mi

The Arguing Men of Hardraw Scar

Waterfall, Hardraw Scar

Deep in the Yorkshire countryside, the picturesque Hardraw Scar waterfall is home to a most unsettling phenomenon. During thunderstorms, the cries and shouts of three men can be heard echoing through the valley. Legend has it that these men were once friends who clashed in a fierce argument, resulting in the tragic death of one of them. The exact circumstances of their fatal dispute are lost to history, but the echoes of their anguished voices live on, forever trapped in the turbulent waters and stormy skies.

Waterfall Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.3 mi

Edith Sitwell's Ghost Signal

Sitwell House, Scarborough

Sitwell House in Scarborough has a reputation for being one of the town's most haunted locations. In 2009, a ghost hunt on the site captured some compelling evidence of paranormal activity. The team reportedly received a signal from the ghost of poet Edith Sitwell, who has a connection to the house. This intriguing encounter has left many questions about the nature of the haunting and Edith's presence.

Historic House Victorian
Read Full Story
UFO 0.3 mi

Scarborough Glowing UFO Disc

Reasty Hill, Scarborough

Reasty Hill on Silpho Moor is known for its rugged beauty and mysterious landscapes. On a chilly autumn evening, 21 November 1957, a glowing light appeared in the night sky, captivating the attention of locals. The sighting was followed by the discovery of a forty-six centimetre disc covered with strange hieroglyphics by three men investigating the UFO. This unusual find has become a fascinating piece of Scarborough's paranormal history.

Moorland Post-War
Read Full Story
Crisis Apparition 0.3 mi

The Headless Woman of Scarborough

Three Mariners, Scarborough

The Three Mariners in Scarborough is home to a rather unsettling phantom - a headless woman. This ghostly apparition is said to appear to sailors and others who stay at the inn, serving as a warning not to venture out to sea. Those who ignore her warnings and set sail are usually met with a tragic fate, often drowning at sea. The headless woman is a harbinger of doom, and her appearances are not to be taken lightly. Her presence is a stark reminder of the dangers of the sea and the importance of heeding warnings.

Historic Inn Georgian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.4 mi

The Lady in Red Haunting

Grand Hotel, Scarborough

The Grand Hotel in Scarborough, a stunning Victorian-era building, has been a popular seaside destination for over a century. However, its grandeur and beautiful views of the North Sea have been marred by reports of paranormal activity. One of the most enduring and intriguing ghost stories associated with the hotel is that of the 'Lady in Red'. This phantom woman, dressed in a vibrant red gown, has been spotted by numerous guests and staff members over the years, often in the hotel's opulent corridors and rooms. Her presence is frequently accompanied by other inexplicable occurrences, such as unexplained laughter, singing, and even poltergeist-like activities.

Hotel Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.5 mi

The Black Swan Hotel Ghost Child Apparition

The Black Swan, Helmsley

The Black Swan Hotel in the charming town of Helmsley has a long history, and with it, a mysterious ghostly presence. Guests have reported hearing the faint sounds of a young child's laughter, screams, and crying, which seem to emanate from rooms 15 and 16. The child's apparition is believed to be connected to the remains found in the chimney breast adjoining these rooms. Despite the unsettling sounds, guests have not reported feeling frightened by the experience.

Hotel 17th century
Read Full Story