Rattling Armour of Upsall
On a stretch of road between the village of Upsall and Thirsk in Yorkshire, a chilling sound can be heard at midnight when the wind blows from the east. It's said that Baron John de Mowbray, who met his demise here, still makes his presence known. Legend has it that after fleeing from the Battle of Boroughbridge, John was caught and beheaded. His armour was then placed in the branches of a tall oak tree, a grim trophy of war. Though the tree and armour have long since vanished, the rattling of the non-existent armour can still be heard, a haunting echo of a brutal event from centuries past.
This eerie phenomenon dates back to the 14th century, a time of great turmoil in England. The Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322 was a pivotal event in the reign of King Edward II, marking a clash between the king's forces and those of Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster. Baron John de Mowbray, a prominent figure of the time, was among those who fought. His attempt to escape along this road ultimately led to his capture and execution. The recurring sound of his armour rattling at midnight, when the east wind blows, serves as a poignant reminder of the brutal fate that befell him. While there's no concrete evidence of the armour's exact location or the tree's existence, the haunting has become a well-known aspect of local folklore.
14th century turmoil during King Edward II's reign
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Radiant Boy of Thirsk
Road to the town from Topcliffe, Thirsk
On the winding road to Thirsk from Topcliffe, a strange and captivating sighting has been reported. This is an area where the ordinary and the paranormal seem to intersect. A witness claimed to have seen a boy, radiant with an otherworldly brilliance, riding past on horseback. The boy vanished as mysteriously as he appeared, disappearing across a field into the night. The image of this luminescent figure has stayed with those who have heard the tale, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this ghostly apparition.
Rotherham Ghostly Publican
Cross Keys Public House, Rotherham
The Cross Keys Public House in Rotherham is home to a rather unsettling presence. A dark figure, believed to be the ghost of a former landlord who passed away in the mid-twentieth century, has been spotted in various parts of the building. This eerie apparition has become a familiar sight to some, and its appearances are often reported by those who work or socialize here. The atmosphere can be quite unnerving, especially when you consider the long history of this establishment and the people who have walked its floors over the years.
Thirsk Cursed Chair Haunting
Thirsk museum, Thirsk
Thirsk Museum is home to a rather unsavory piece of furniture - a wooden chair that's said to bring death to anyone who dares sit on it. They say it's cursed, and if you're not careful, just touching it might bring you misfortune. The chair's dark history has been well-documented, and it's no wonder it's become a focal point for paranormal enthusiasts. So, if you're feeling brave, take a seat - but be warned, it might just be your last.
The Golden Fleece Hotel Ghosts in York
Golden Fleece, York
The Golden Fleece Hotel in York is said to be one of the most haunted pubs in the country. With a staggering number of ghost sightings reported, it's no wonder that visitors and staff alike are on edge. Geoff Monroe, a World War 2 Canadian air force officer, is believed to haunt the hotel after falling from his bedroom window during a drinking spree. His spirit has been spotted by numerous people, as well as other apparitions including a young boy who died in the bar area.
The Hanging Ghost of Busby Stoop
Along Thirsk to Ripon road, Busby Stoop
Busby Stoop, a small settlement in North Yorkshire, is home to a rather gruesome and intriguing haunting. This spot, along the Thirsk to Ripon road, has borne witness to numerous sightings of a ghostly figure, believed to be the restless spirit of Thomas Busby. In May 1703, Thomas Busby met a grisly end, being hanged from a gibbet after committing a heinous crime - murdering his own father-in-law. Locals and travellers alike have reported seeing his shade still dangling from the gibbet, a haunting spectacle that has become synonymous with this stretch of road.
Whispering Fairies of Sowerby
Pudding Pie Hill, Sowerby
Pudding Pie Hill in Sowerby is a spot where the ordinary and the mystical blend together. This unassuming hill has been a site of fascination for locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike, thanks to its unique claim to fame: the whispers of fairies. It's said that if you're adventurous enough to run around the hill nine times anticlockwise under a waxing moon, or if you stick a knife into the centre of the mound, or do both, you'll be rewarded with the eerie and enchanting sound of fairy chatter. The hill, a silent sentinel over the Yorkshire landscape, seems to guard its secrets well, but those who have attempted this ritual claim to have heard the unmistakable murmur of tiny voices.