The Old White Swan, York

The Old White Swan is one of York’s most loved and oldest drinking establishments. The place represents a collection of about nine buildings with a rather colourful history dating all the way back to the 16th century.

The timber-framed structures seen at the rear of the courtyard are truly medieval. Also, in the courtyard there is a stone rock – of four steps – that in the past was used as 'mountings' to help passengers get aboard stagecoaches.

On the 5th of August 1781 the pub made history when Mr. O'Brian, the world's tallest man at the time – 8 feet tall, came visiting. By permission of the Lord Mayor he was exhibited to the public at the cost of one shilling, charged by the landlord.

Similarly to many other historic pubs in the city, the Old White Swan lays claim to be haunted and has its own ghostly tales to tell. One of them has it that the pub once served as a secret meeting place for papists who planned fleeing to France. Apparently, their ghostly figures have been seen huddled around the fire one morning. What's remarkable is that the fire itself was re-lit after the staff had extinguished it earlier. Also, there are tales of furniture being flung around by themselves and muffled voices and footsteps. Wicked stuff!!!