The Black Swan
Medieval York pub haunted by the ghosts of phantom children and mysterious figures from its centuries of history.
The Black Swan in York, dating back to the 16th century, is one of the city’s most haunted establishments. The pub’s most disturbing paranormal activity involves the apparitions of phantom children, believed to be victims of the plague that devastated York in the 17th century. Witnesses report hearing children’s laughter and the sound of running footsteps when no children are present in the building.
Staff members have encountered the spirit of a woman in Tudor-era clothing, often seen on the upper floors. She appears to be searching for something or someone, moving through rooms with a sense of urgency before vanishing. Some believe she may be connected to the children’s spirits, possibly a caretaker or mother figure from the plague years. The activity intensifies during evening hours, with multiple witnesses reporting the same apparitions independently.
The pub also features traditional poltergeist activity, including objects moving without explanation, doors opening and closing on their own, and unexplained knocking sounds from empty rooms. Cold spots appear frequently, even in summer months. The Black Swan’s position in York’s ancient Peasholme Green area, steeped in medieval history, may contribute to its intense paranormal reputation. Regular customers have become accustomed to the supernatural presence, treating the resident ghosts as part of the pub’s character.