Mysterious Britain & Ireland

Specific Location: Scarborough

Apparitions / Hauntings

St. Mary’s Church, Scarborough

St Mary’s Church is a Grade I listed building dating from the 12th century, though much of it was rebuilt in the 17th century after it was damaged during the siege ofScarborough Castle during the English Civil War in 1644. In ‘Haunted Churches’ (1939), Elliott O’Donnell (27 February 1872 – 8 May 1965) refers to a woman keeping vigil at St Mary’s on St Mark’s Eve.

Folklore / Legends

Hairy Bob’s Cave

On the seafront at the foot of the cliffs around Scarborough Castle, a hole in the cliff, about a metre deep can be found – this is known as Hairy Bob’s Cave. It is clearly man-made and little more than a hole in the rock but, the origins and reasons behind its existence have been the source of legend and folklore in the town for over a century.

Hauntings

Scarborough Castle

The castle is said to be haunted by the headless phantom of Piers Gaveston, the favourite of Edward II.

Apparitions / Haunted Pubs / Hauntings

The Three Mariners Inn, Scarborough

The Three Mariners Inn – which is now a museum dedicated to the history of smuggling in the area – dates back to the 1300s and, is the earliest licensed premises in Scarborough.

It is said to be haunted by a headless woman, who warns fishermen of impending disaster.

Festivals / Folklore / Robin Hood

Scarborough

Scarborough also has a Robin Hood legend. On one of his adventures he joined the small fishing fleet, but turned out to be a useless fisherman, as he forgot to bait the hooks.