The Man in Velvet
Selby Town Hall has been the site of a rather intriguing encounter. A member of staff was locking up the building one evening in April 2010 when they spotted a dark-haired man dressed in a long velvet jacket standing on the balcony. The staff member called out to the figure, expecting a colleague or perhaps a lost visitor. To their surprise, the man moved towards the staircase, which was the only exit. The staff member unlocked the door to let the figure out, but when they looked again, there was no one there. It was as if the man in velvet had vanished into thin air.
Built in the 19th century, Selby Town Hall has a rich history, having hosted numerous events and served as a hub for local community activities. While there's no concrete evidence linking the man in velvet to a specific historical event or person, the encounter has left a lasting impression on the staff member who witnessed it. The fact that the figure seemed to disappear into thin air has sparked interest among paranormal enthusiasts, who speculate that the town hall may be haunted by a restless spirit. Further investigation is needed to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic encounter.
19th-century Town Hall with a rich history
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Veiled Woman of Osgodby
General area, Osgodby, Selby
In the sleepy Yorkshire village of Osgodby, a chilling encounter has been etched in local folklore. It's said that a farmer, driving his horse and trap through the quiet lanes one evening around November 1910, was startled when a female figure stepped out in front of him. She bid him 'goodnight' with a gentle smile before vanishing into the nearby trees. The sudden appearance and disappearance of this ghostly woman left the farmer shaken. Later, a cyclist also claimed to have seen the apparition, describing her as a woman dressed in a black veil.
Phantom Airman of Burn
Wheatsheaf Public House, Burn
The Wheatsheaf Public House in Burn, Yorkshire, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. Locals and visitors alike have reported sightings of a phantom airman dressed in a great coat, roaming the premises. This spectral figure is said to appear most frequently on Mother's Day, which falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent. The airman's presence is a mystery that has captured the imagination of many, leaving one to wonder about the story behind this ghostly apparition.
Pregnant Wife of Cawood Castle
Cawood Castle, Cawood
Cawood Castle stands tall in the Yorkshire countryside, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of history. One of the most enduring and tragic tales from the castle's past is that of a pregnant woman who met a brutal end at the hands of her husband, William Barwick. On Easter Tuesday, 1690, William committed a heinous crime, murdering his wife and hiding her body in a nearby pond. The following day, a witness caught a glimpse of the ghostly apparition of Mrs Barwick, pointing to the very spot where her corpse lay concealed. This chilling sighting led to William's arrest and eventual downfall.
Mysterious Bear Sighting
Skipwith Common, Skipwith
Skipwith Common, a tranquil spot in rural Yorkshire, was the unlikely setting for a bizarre encounter in February 1975. A man reported seeing a dark brown bear standing approximately 150 centimetres high. The creature's sudden appearance must have been quite startling, but what makes this sighting even more intriguing is that no trace of the bear could be found later. It's a puzzling incident that has left many questions unanswered.
Dragon Slayer of Kellington
Marshy forest, Kellington
Deep in the marshy forest near Kellington, a legendary battle took place between a brave shepherd named Ormroyd, his loyal dog, and a fearsome dragon. The beast had been terrorising the countryside, and Ormroyd was determined to put an end to its reign of terror. With his trusty dog by his side, he faced the dragon and, after a fierce fight, managed to slay the creature. However, their victory was short-lived, as Ormroyd and his dog succumbed to their injuries soon after. The exact date of this event remains a mystery, but the tale has become an integral part of local folklore.
Gretford Church Poltergeist
Church vaults, Gretford
Deep beneath the pews of Gretford's ancient church lies a vault where restless spirits are said to reside. It's here that a mischievous poltergeist was blamed for moving coffins back in 1867. The exact nature of this entity remains a mystery but its actions were certainly unsettling for those who encountered it. Imagine the shock of discovering coffins had been rearranged or shifted from their original positions.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Town Hall
