York’s Bedern Hall hides a haunting past that blends historical tragedy with chilling ghost stories that still unsettle visitors today.
Just a short walk from the bustle of Goodramgate in York, tucked behind narrow lanes, lies Bedern Hall, a beautifully restored medieval building now hired for weddings and events.
But those familiar with York’s darker past might hesitate after dusk. Some say Bedern isn’t entirely at peace.
Once a Place of Music… Then Misery
Bedern Hall was built in the 1300s for the Vicars Choral of York Minster – priests responsible for singing daily services.
By the 1800s, the area had changed. The grand hall still stood, but the surrounding streets had become a poor, overcrowded slum.
It was during this time that the York Industrial Ragged School was established nearby. Intended to care for the city’s most vulnerable children—orphans, the homeless, and the forgotten—it quickly gained a grim reputation.
Conditions were harsh. Disease and starvation were common.
The man in charge was George Pimm, a local beadle who became the subject of chilling local lore. He was said to have neglected the children terribly.
Historical records suggest that at least 13 children died under his care, and that he hid their bodies to continue collecting their allowances.
Pimm was eventually committed to an asylum, where he died—rumoured to have taken his own life after claiming he could still hear children crying.
Some stories go further, alleging murder – that Pimm deliberately killed the children in his charge. But there is no solid proof of this.
These parts of the tale likely grew over time, shaped by horror, sorrow and guilt.
Strange Sounds in the Night
Whether the history alone is enough to unsettle you, many believe something of that suffering remains.
Locals and visitors alike have reported eerie encounters, especially near Bedern Arch, a narrow passageway just off Goodramgate.
People have heard:
- Children laughing—when no one is there
- Footsteps behind them—yet the alley remains empty
- Sudden cold spots or the feeling of a small hand gripping their own
- Sobbing or screams from empty spaces
One man’s dog reportedly froze and refused to go near the archway. Moments later, he heard giggling and whispering in the dark.
A Haunting That Hurts
Unlike many ghost tales, this one isn’t about angry spirits or dramatic curses. It speaks to something more human—and more heartbreaking.
Paranormal investigators often describe what happens here as a residual haunting—a kind of emotional imprint left by trauma.
Whether or not you believe in ghosts, this story reminds us of the real lives of children who were failed by society, hidden away and largely forgotten.
That sadness lingers.
The Haunting Today
Today, Bedern Hall is open to the public. It does not advertise itself as haunted, but once you know the story, it is hard not to feel a chill as you walk its alleyways, especially at twilight.
In recent years, the tale of Bedern’s phantom children has resurfaced – thanks to ghost walks, TikTok videos and YouTubers visiting the site at night.
Many have shared their own spooky moments. Others come simply to pay quiet respect.
If you find yourself in York, don’t just stick to the main tourist trail. Take a detour through Bedern. Listen. Look around.
And if you feel a small, cold hand grasp yours in the shadows—you’re not the first.
Find out more about Bedern Hall at its website.
Have you experienced something strange in Bedern? Tag @SpookyIsles or share your story in the comments below.
