Mysterious Bear Sighting
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.
Delving into the background of this sighting, it's clear that the appearance of a bear in this part of England is highly unusual. Brown bears are not native to the UK, and the last recorded sighting of a wild bear in England was centuries ago. The witness's account is a singular event, with no corroborating evidence or subsequent sightings. The lack of physical evidence or further reports raises interesting questions about what this creature might have been - a genuine bear, a misidentification, or something more inexplicable.
The sighting occurred in a rural area of Yorkshire.
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.
Escrick Phantom Apparition Hotel Haunting
The Parsonage Hotel And Spa, Escrick
The Parsonage Hotel And Spa in Escrick has a reputation for paranormal activity. The top half of a phantom apparition has been spotted by male staff and guests - but only they seem to be able to catch a glimpse of this mysterious figure.
The Escrick Lady Ghost
Parsonage Country House Hotel, Escrick
Parsonage Country House Hotel in Escrick is home to a rather unusual ghost. This female apparition only makes itself known to male guests and staff, and even then, only the upper part of her body is visible. It's a strange and intriguing phenomenon that has been reported by several people over the years. The ghost is thought to be that of a Victorian lady, but her story is shrouded in mystery. What we do know is that she seems to be a benign presence, not causing any harm or distress to those who encounter her.
The Man in Velvet
Town Hall, Selby
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.
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.
Decapitated Earl of Northumberland
Holy Trinity Church, York
Holy Trinity Church in York's Goodramgate area is said to be haunted by the restless spirit of Thomas Percy, the Seventh Earl of Northumberland. Local folklore tells the tale of a decapitated Thomas Percy, who fumbles around the churchyard searching for his severed head. This grisly fate befell him after he upset Queen Elizabeth I by attempting to raise an army against her. His error of judgement led to his execution, and now his ghostly form is doomed to roam the churchyard, seeking what can never be reunited.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Skipwith Common
