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The Crying Girl of York

5 College Street, York, North Yorkshire Apparition Medieval

In the heart of York, at 5 College Street, a haunting has been reported for decades. This former residence is said to be the site of a tragic event during one of the city's plague outbreaks. A young girl, the only survivor of her family, was allegedly bricked up inside the house with her deceased parents. Her desperate cries for help were ignored, and she eventually starved to death. Today, visitors claim to see the girl's apparition at the window and hear her sorrowful cries echoing from within the building.

Historical records confirm that during the plague, entire families were often quarantined in their homes to prevent the spread of disease. In this case, the girl's family succumbed to the illness, but she remained healthy. The brutal decision to seal the doorway was made to protect others, but it ultimately led to the girl's demise. Witnesses have reported seeing the girl's ghostly figure and hearing her cries, which are said to be a heart-wrenching reminder of her tragic fate. The haunting is characterised by visual and audio phenomena, with many claiming to have experienced both.

Historical Context

The plague ravaged York during the medieval period, leading to widespread death and quarantine measures.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Private Residence
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Private Property, No Public Access
Date / Era
Twentieth century
Postcode Area
YO1

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