The White Horse and Griffin, located on Church Street in Whitby, North Yorkshire, is one of the town’s most historic and atmospheric inns. Established in 1681, it has played host to mariners, merchants, and travellers for centuries, earning a reputation not only for its historical significance but also for the supernatural tales that have become entwined with its legacy.
The inn’s origins are closely linked to Whitby’s maritime heritage. It served as a coaching inn and was a favoured haunt of famous explorers, most notably Captain James Cook, who is believed to have dined there before embarking on his legendary voyages. William Scoresby, another renowned seafarer, is also connected to the inn. Whitby, during the 18th and 19th centuries, was a bustling port, and establishments like the White Horse and Griffin were central to both legitimate trade and the town’s less savoury activities, including smuggling.
Yet, it is the inn’s haunted reputation that has fascinated locals and visitors alike. The most persistent ghost story is that of Mrs Bower, a landlady in the 19th century known for her stern and unwelcoming demeanour. She was reputed to be harsh and judgemental, often making snap decisions about her guests. According to local legend, Mrs Bower met a tragic end when she slipped on the outside steps of the inn, fatally injuring herself. It is said she died alone, her cries for help unanswered. Many believe her restless spirit lingers, and guests have reported a distinct feeling of unease in the areas associated with her life and death. Some speak of a heavy, oppressive atmosphere, as if someone is watching or judging them, especially near the staircase where she fell.
Another ghostly presence said to haunt the inn is that of a young servant girl, sometimes referred to as Sarah. The story goes that she died in a tragic accident, falling through a beer hatch into the cellar below and breaking her neck. Some versions of the tale suggest she was pregnant at the time, adding a layer of sadness to her story. Visitors and staff have reported unexplained cold spots, sudden chills, and fleeting glimpses of a young woman in the cellar and nearby areas. These occurrences are often accompanied by an overwhelming sense of sorrow.
The inn’s Victorian past further adds to its supernatural allure. During this era, the fascination with spiritualism and the afterlife was at its height, and the White Horse and Griffin reportedly hosted séances and gatherings for those eager to communicate with the dead. Some believe that these activities may have contributed to the inn’s haunted reputation, potentially inviting more restless spirits to linger within its ancient walls.
Outside the inn, the streets of Whitby are themselves steeped in ghostly folklore. The tale of the “Oyster Man” is one such story, involving a street vendor who accidentally killed a man in self-defence and subsequently died of remorse. His mournful cries are said to be heard in the vicinity of the White Horse and Griffin, further enhancing the area’s eerie reputation.
Paranormal activity reported at the White Horse and Griffin encompasses a range of phenomena. Guests have described sudden drops in temperature, unexplained noises, and the feeling of being watched or followed. Some recount hearing footsteps on empty staircases or seeing fleeting shadows where no one should be. The sense of being unwelcome, particularly in certain rooms or on the steps where Mrs Bower died, is a recurring theme in many accounts. During the 1980s, the inn even offered a reward to anyone who could spend a night alone in the building, but no one managed to complete the challenge, deterred by the oppressive atmosphere and strange occurrences.
Despite renovations and the passage of time, the White Horse and Griffin retains its reputation as one of Whitby’s most haunted locations. Its blend of maritime history, tragic tales, and persistent reports of ghostly activity have made it a focal point for those interested in the supernatural. Whether or not one believes in ghosts, the stories and experiences associated with the inn have become an integral part of its character, ensuring that the White Horse and Griffin remains a must-visit for anyone seeking both history and mystery in Whitby.
