By james art From Busby Stoop near Thirsk in North Yorkshire to The Black Horse in Beamish, County Durham, there are many stories of ghostly happenings at these locations.
We look at the story behind why the Black Horse in Beamish is believed to be haunted and the story behind the pub.
On its website, the site highlights that there have been several sightings over the years that have been linked to a former resident of the site who died in the 1800s.
The pub was originally part of a mansion built by Bobby Shaftoe, the famous County Durham MP whose life inspired the well-known northern song ‘Bonnie Bobby Shaftoe’.
However, beyond the local legends and historical roots, there is a darker side to this charming country pub.
The Haunting of George Ridley is the most famous ghost story associated with the Black Horse.
Ridley, a former resident of the cottage-turned-pub, disappeared in 1803 under unknown circumstances.
It was only four years later, in 1807, that his ghostly presence was first reported. His imposing figure was seen wandering the corridors of the Black Horse, peering over the bodies of sleeping children and residents.
Over the years, Ridley’s ghost has been blamed for a series of disturbing occurrences.
Patrons and staff have reported beer glasses mysteriously shattering before their eyes, doors slamming shut without explanation, and muddy boot prints appearing on freshly cleaned floors.
These events usually take place late at night after the pub is closed to the public, further cementing the belief that Ridley’s restless spirit haunts the old building.
The cause of his death remains a mystery, but it is known that he lived there with his wife and nine children, along with another family, all of whom worked in the local coal industry.
The pub’s history as a gambling venue in the 1700s adds another layer of intrigue to its past.
Recommended reading:
Get more content, including the stories that matter to your community, from The Northern Echo for just £5 for 5 months for a limited time only here.
The remote location made it an ideal spot for clandestine drinking sessions and gambling, a reputation that eventually led to it becoming a licensed pub in the mid-1800s.
Despite these ghostly encounters, the Black Horse remains a beloved haunt, with its connection to County Durham’s industrial past, the folklore surrounding Bobby Shaftoe and, of course, ghost stories.
The fact that only a few of the original cottages, including the Black Horse, remain, adds to its appeal as a place where history seems very much alive – or perhaps undead.
There it is – whether you believe in the paranormal or not – the place is steeped in history and has a rich backstory.