The Haunting History of the Golden Fleece Pub in York
The Golden Fleece is an inn and pub in York, England, with a rich history and more than a few ghostly tales. This seemingly narrow building holds many secrets, known well to the locals but easily overlooked by a passerby. For those in the know, the Golden Fleece is famous for its haunted history, said to be home to at least 15 ghostly residents.
A Historic Establishment
Origins of the Golden Fleece
The Golden Fleece first appeared in the York City Archives as far back as 1503. It’s believed that the inn was initially owned by members of the Merchant Adventurer’s Guild, who traded in fleeces and wool—hence the golden fleece hanging above the entrance. The building has been an inn since 1656, though it officially received its license in 1668. By the early 18th century, the inn was owned by John and Alice Peckett, with John serving as the Lord Mayor of York around 1702. The backyard of the inn is named “Lady Peckett’s Yard” in her honor.
Prime Location in York
The Golden Fleece is located on Pavement in the center of York, overlooking the medieval shops of The Shambles and with a clear view of York Minster. It sits adjacent to the medieval timber-framed Herbert House, a Grade I listed building. Despite its narrow appearance, the inn is surprisingly deep once inside. It was restored and rebuilt in the 19th century and was designated as a Grade II listed building by English Heritage in 1983. The pub is on the ground floor, with four guest rooms above, making it a charming yet eerie place to stay.
The Ghosts of the Golden Fleece
York is known for its hauntings, and the Golden Fleece is no exception. At least 15 different ghosts are said to haunt this building, each with their own stories and personalities. Here are some of the most frequently encountered specters:
Lady Alice Peckett
Many guests report seeing and hearing a woman going up and down the stairs in the middle of the night. This ghost is believed to be Lady Alice Peckett, known for moving furniture around when she doesn’t agree with its placement.
The Canadian Airman
Another commonly sighted ghost is that of Geoff Monroe, a Canadian airman who fell to his death from one of the upper windows during WWII. He appears on the third floor in the middle of the night, wearing his full military uniform, silently gazing at guests.
One-Eyed Jack and the Grumpy Man
Two rather unpleasant ghosts are One-Eyed Jack and the Grumpy Man. One-Eyed Jack, dressed in a 16th or 17th-century red frock coat and carrying an old-fashioned pistol, is often seen in the bottom bar. The Grumpy Man, who is usually seen with One-Eyed Jack, sits at the bar glaring angrily at people. If approached, he mutters curse words before vanishing, leaving a feeling of dread.
The Victorian Boy
A kinder ghost is the Victorian Boy, believed to have been trampled to death by a horse while playing in front of the pub. He rarely interacts with the living but is known for pulling innocent pranks, often accompanied by soft giggling. He is frequently seen in the bar area.
Roman Soldiers in the Cellar
Long ago, Roman soldiers walked the grounds where the Golden Fleece now stands. Many people have reported seeing Roman soldiers in full armor marching through the cellar and disappearing through the walls. These apparitions do not acknowledge the living and are thought to be residual imprints from the past.
The Cellar’s Dark History
The cellar of the Golden Fleece has its own grim history. Those sentenced to death by hanging were executed at Baile Hill. The bodies of these criminals were then taken to the Golden Fleece’s cellar, where they remained until claimed by their relatives. This dark history is believed to have left a significant mark on the building.
The Golden Fleece Today
At the beginning of this year, the Golden Fleece made headlines when the skull of Elizabeth Johnson was stolen from the pub. Elizabeth was sentenced to death by hanging on August 23, 1800, for intending to defraud the Bank of England with a forged £1 banknote. Fortunately, the skull was returned a few weeks later. Another (fake) skeleton named Saul also resides in the pub, adding to its eerie ambiance.
Despite its haunted reputation, the Golden Fleece remains a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re there for a pint or an overnight stay, you never know who—or what—you might encounter.
Conclusion
The Golden Fleece is more than just an old inn; it’s a historic landmark steeped in stories of the past, both fascinating and chilling. With its rich history, prime location, and numerous ghostly residents, the Golden Fleece continues to captivate those who visit. Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or a skeptic, the Golden Fleece offers a unique glimpse into York’s haunted past.
FAQs
1. Is the Golden Fleece really haunted?
Yes, according to numerous reports and eyewitness accounts, the Golden Fleece is said to be haunted by at least 15 different ghosts.
2. Can you stay overnight at the Golden Fleece?
Yes, the Golden Fleece has four guest rooms available for those brave enough to stay overnight.
3. Who are some of the ghosts at the Golden Fleece?
Some of the well-known ghosts include Lady Alice Peckett, the Canadian Airman, One-Eyed Jack, the Grumpy Man, and the Victorian Boy.
4. What is the history of the Golden Fleece’s cellar?
The cellar was used to store the bodies of criminals who were executed by hanging until their relatives claimed them, adding to the building’s eerie history.
5. Where is the Golden Fleece located?
The Golden Fleece is located on Pavement in the center of York, overlooking the medieval shops of The Shambles and near York Minster.