The Ghosts of Ye Olde Starre Inne: Spirits Beneath the Shambles



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Tucked away down a snickelway just off York’s famed Stonegate lies Ye Olde Starre Inne, a pub so old, it predates many of the countries in today’s world. With a license dating back to 1644, this timber-framed tavern has seen centuries of drinkers, drama, and dark deeds. And with that kind of history comes an inevitable air of the supernatural. Today, Ye Olde Starre Inne is known not only for its ales, but for its ghosts and lots of them.

A Pub With a Grim Past

The pub is thought to have served as a field hospital during the English Civil War, treating wounded soldiers following the Siege of York in 1644. With rudimentary medical care, many didn’t survive, and the cellars became their final resting place. Locals and visitors alike believe that the spirits of those who suffered and died in the bowels of the pub still linger to this day.

The Hauntings

The Moaning Soldiers

Perhaps the most famous ghosts at Ye Olde Starre Inne are the groaning soldiers of the Civil War. Patrons have reported muffled cries, agonized moans, and even the sounds of phantom footsteps echoing from the cellar when no one is there. Some say they’ve seen shadowy figures in bloodied uniforms vanish through solid walls, or felt cold, oppressive energy when descending the stairs to the cellar bar.

The Phantom Woman

A ghostly woman in Victorian dress has also been seen on several occasions, often described as drifting silently across the upstairs rooms. No one is certain who she is, some believe she may have been the wife of a former landlord, others suspect a mourning nurse from the war. She’s most often spotted near the fireplace, staring into the flames before disappearing completely.

The Spirit of the Cat

In true York tradition, Ye Olde Starre Inne is said to be haunted by the ghost of a cat. During renovations, a mummified cat was found bricked up in one of the walls a common practice in centuries past, believed to protect against evil spirits. Paranormal investigators and staff have since reported the feeling of a small animal brushing against their legs when nothing is there, and even the sound of purring in the quiet of an empty bar.

Chilling Atmosphere

With its low ceilings, uneven floors, and candlelit corners, the pub maintains an atmosphere steeped in the past. Staff have told stories of glasses shattering on their own, lights flickering, and even being tapped on the shoulder by unseen hands. One manager reported locking up at night only to hear loud footsteps pacing behind them, even though the building was empty.

A Pint with a Poltergeist

Today, Ye Olde Starre Inne is a popular stop for both tourists and paranormal enthusiasts. Many of York’s ghost tours end—or begin right at its door. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, few can deny the eerie stillness that settles over the pub late at night, long after the last call. Would you dare raise a glass in the company of the dead?

Fun Fact: The iconic sign spanning Stonegate that marks the entrance to the inn was erected in 1733 and is the oldest surviving pub sign in York.