The Golden Fleece in York is widely recognised as York's most haunted pub and one of Britain's most haunted sites. Built in 1503 and situated in the heart of York, this quaint and traditional pub is thought to be haunted by Lady Alice Peckett and up to fourteen other spectres.
Historical Background
The Golden Fleece was originally built as a coaching house and is mentioned in the York City Archives as far back as 1503, when it was owned by the Merchant Adventurers' Hall. The building derives its name from its dealings with local wool traders. From 1656, it began operating as an inn; however, it was not officially licensed until 1668. The back yard of the inn is named "Lady Peckett's Yard" after Alice Peckett, the wife of John Peckett, who owned the premises as well as being Lord Mayor of York around 1702. The inn was rebuilt in the 19th century, and in 1983, it was designated as a Grade II listed building by English Heritage.
The Macabre Cellar History
The pub's cool cellars have a sinister past, having been used to temporarily house the bodies of those hanged on the Knavesmire until their families collected their corpses. Those sentenced to death by hanging were hanged at Baile Hall, and the dead criminals were taken to the Golden Fleece, where they were left in the cellar. Former Fleece employee Ricky Mann told GhostMag that staff regularly hear laughing from the cellar and refuse to enter alone following disturbing experiences.
- Lady Alice Peckett - The Most Famous Ghost
Many guests have reported seeing Alice wandering the corridors of the hotel, moving furniture around and walking up and down staircases in the small hours of the night. It is said that Lady Alice is searching for her lost husband, whose portrait still hangs in the inn. She is known for rearranging furniture when she disagrees with its placement.
- The Airman - "Geoff Monroe"
An airman stayed at the Golden Fleece in 1945, and it's unclear whether he threw himself or was pushed from the window of room four on the pub's third floor. After a night of heavy drinking, he was found dead, and according to legends, his spirit is still stuck inside. Guests say they have seen a dark figure in a full military uniform standing over them. An overwhelming sense of sadness and sudden temperature drops are often felt in the Minster Room, particularly close to the window from which he fell.
Recent Discovery
Recent research by York ghost hunters revealed that "Geoff Monroe" doesn't actually exist. An American woman supposedly visited by the ghostly airman while staying at the Golden Fleece literally 'dreamed up' the name - she woke in her sleep and wrote 'Geoff Monroe fell from the window Golden Fleece', then rang up the pub from America. It turns out that a man did die after falling from a Fleece window, but it happened in 1944, and the airman involved was British, not Canadian.
The Victorian Boy
Perhaps the most tragic tale connected with the Golden Fleece is that of a young Victorian boy who is believed to have been trampled to death by horses in the coach house. This very kind and harmless ghost rarely interacts with the living, but he is known to pull innocent pranks on people, with soft giggling heard when that happens. The Victorian Boy is often seen in the bar.
Other Spirits
- One Eyed Jack: A man known as One Eyed Jack is often seen wearing a 16th-17th century red coat, carrying a pistol, in the bottom bar of the pub.
- The Grumpy Old Man: A grumpy old man is regularly seen in the bottom bar.
- Roman Soldiers: Many people have seen Roman soldiers in full armour marching through the inn's cellar until disappearing through the walls. They don't acknowledge the living and are more likely a physical imprint of long ago.
- The Landlord: A landlord who hung himself in the bar is among the spirits.
Media Recognition
The pub was investigated by the Most Haunted television programme in 2005, and according to a recent Reddit survey, it holds the title of the 'most haunted pub in the country'.