The Man with the Big Nose Ghost
The Cock and Bottle Inn on Skeldergate in York is home to a rather intriguing spectre known as the Man with Big Nose. This ghostly figure is thought to be that of George Villiers, Second Duke of Buckingham, a Royalist and alchemist who once owned the site where the inn now stands. He's described as having black wavy hair and, rather notably, a large nose. It's said that Villiers' attachment to the location explains his reluctance to leave, even in death. Over the years, patrons and staff have spotted him wandering around the public house, adding to its reputation as one of York's most haunted inns.
Built on the site once owned by George Villiers, Second Duke of Buckingham, it's little wonder that his ghost is said to haunt the Cock and Bottle Inn. Villiers was a prominent figure in the seventeenth century, known for his royalist sympathies and his interest in alchemy. The inn itself has a long history, dating back to a time when the site was a popular stopping point for travellers. The ghostly apparition of the Man with Big Nose has been reported by multiple witnesses, who describe him as a tall figure with black wavy hair and a noticeably large nose. His presence is a major draw for those interested in the paranormal, and the inn remains a popular destination for ghost hunters and tourists alike.
The site was once owned by George Villiers, Second Duke of Buckingham, a Royalist and alchemist.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Hunmanby's Ghostly Young Girl
Swan Inn Inn, Hunmanby
The Swan Inn in Hunmanby has a reputation for being one of Yorkshire's most haunted pubs. It all started back in 2013 when the local press reported that the site had not one but two phantoms. The first is a young girl with scraggly hair who is often seen clutching a teddy bear. Her presence seems to be connected to the inn's uncertain future, as these sightings began when the pub was under threat of closure. Locals and visitors alike have caught glimpses of this little girl, and her image has become a talking point among those interested in the paranormal.
Ghostly Women of Ilkley
Mallard Inn Inn, Ilkley
The Mallard Inn in Ilkley is said to be haunted by two ghostly women. Staff at the inn have reported that these apparitions make their presence known, one upstairs and the other by the bar, although no visual sightings have been confirmed. It's a curious case, with the ghosts seemingly content to exist in the background, not making any effort to interact with the living. The atmosphere at the inn is reportedly unaffected by the presence of these ghosts, with staff and customers alike describing it as welcoming and warm.
Hanging Highwayman Ghost
Feathers Inn Inn, Pocklington
The Feathers Inn in Pocklington is home to a rather unsavory spirit. A footpad who met his demise in the inn's yard is said to still linger, ensuring he isn't forgotten. This highwayman was hanged for murdering a serving girl in the pub, a crime that shocked the local community. His presence is a grim reminder of the darker side of history.
The Shadowy Figure of Ship Inn
Ship Inn Inn, Swinton
The Ship Inn in Swinton, Yorkshire, has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the region. It's said that a dark, insubstantial figure was blamed for a series of strange occurrences that led the landlord to move his family out. This eerie presence was reportedly seen wandering the premises, leaving residents and visitors alike to wonder about its origins. The figure's presence was accompanied by unexplained events such as glasses shattering without reason and doors locking and unlocking themselves.
Poltergeist Inn Ghost
Grove Inn Inn, Wakefield
The Grove Inn in Wakefield has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in Yorkshire. This boisterous ghost, identified as a poltergeist, had a habit of smashing reflective surfaces and moving heavy furniture around. It's said that the spirit was particularly malevolent, with one landlady claiming that it tried to smother her as she lay in bed. The inn has been a hotspot for paranormal activity since the 1950s, with numerous reports of strange occurrences.
Ghost of Guido Fawkes
Guy Fawkes Inn Inn, York
The Guy Fawkes Inn in York is a place where history and paranormal activity collide. This 16th-century inn is the birthplace of Guy Fawkes, the infamous plotter behind the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. It's little wonder then that his spirit is said to roam the premises. However, what form he takes is anyone's guess. Some claim to have caught glimpses of a figure that could be Guido himself, but details are scarce. Adding to the eerie atmosphere are the reported presences of two children who tragically died of cholera in the area.