The Ghosts of Treasurer’s House, York: Roman Legends & Phantom Housekeeper



Nestled just north of York Minster, Treasurer’s House is one of England’s most celebrated haunted locations. This 12th-century townhouse now belongs to the National Trust, yet it is the site of chilling apparitions and unexplained events that continue to fascinate visitors and ghost-hunters alike.

Roman Legionnaires in the Cellar

The most famous ghost story is from 1953, when 18-year-old apprentice plumber Harry Martindale, working in the cellar, claimed to hear a distant trumpet before witnessing a troop of Roman soldiers march through the wall. Strangely, he only saw them from the knees up, an illusion later explained by the cellar’s floor being higher than the ancient Roman road beneath. Years later, archaeologists uncovered this Via Decumana just where Martindale had stood. His detailed memories, green tunics, round shields, leather-sandal straps were later corroborated as historically accurate for a 4th-century Roman auxiliary unit.

Other Spectral Residents

Treasurer’s House hosts other spooks beyond the Romans:

• George Aislaby, a 17th-century owner, is said to haunt the rooms.
• Unseen animal spirits—a phantom cat and dog—have been spotted in the café and sitting rooms.
• A mysterious grey lady often seen sitting in chairs or drifting silently through halls, evoking unease.
• Reports of invisible breezes, clocks stopping simultaneously, curtains moving, furniture shifting, and even a gentle push urging guests from chairs.

Frank Green: Home’s Original Ghost?

Frank Green, the fastidious collector who restored the house in the late 19th century, donated it to the National Trust in 1930 on the condition it remain unchanged. He reportedly vowed to haunt it if his rules were broken, and some believe his presence lingers. Whenever rooms are altered or items moved, unexplained noises and flickers are often attributed to him enforcing order.

Haunted or Historical Echo?

Residual energy: The Roman march may be a “stone tape” effect replaying past events imprinted under specific conditions.
Intelligent haunting: Alterations to the house seem to draw responses that suggest a watchful spirit perhaps even Green himself.
Topography & expectation: Built over ancient routes and steeped in centuries of history, the house is fertile ground for spooky sightings, especially when framed by storytelling tours.

Visiting Today

Treasurer’s House offers guided cellar and attic tours showcasing the Roman ghost story. Visitors often report feeling sudden chills, noticing timepieces stopped at the same moment, experiencing inexplicable drafts—or glimpsing furry visitors in quiet rooms.

Final Thoughts

From Roman spectral legions to phantom pets, a silent grey lady, and the spectre of a meticulous homeowner, Treasurer’s House is a rich tapestry of haunting experiences. Its blend of architectural echoes, historic resonances, and active legend creates one of Yorkshire’s most compelling ghostly legends.

Would you dare descend into the cellar at night, or sit quietly in one of the antique chairs?