Walking with the Ghosts of Durham

Spooky season is upon us! To celebrate we joined Andrew Ross - the Durham Ghost Whisperer and Durham Tourism Superstar nominee to explore the historic streets of Durham City after dark, to hear haunted tales and maybe encounter spirits from the past!

If you're seeking ghostly thrills in Durham, the "Walking with the Ghosts of Durham" tour offers a three-hour journey through the city's chilling past. Led by Durham’s very own ghost whisperer, this spooky stroll takes you through Durham City’s eerie streets, filled with spine-tingling stories of long-lost souls.

You’ll hear so many incredible stories and fascinating facts about the city and wider county during your walk. To give you a taste of what to expect, we’ve picked four of our favourite ghost stories we heard on this chilling ghost walk!

The White Lady of Crook Hall 

Tucked away on the edge of Durham City you’ll find the mysterious medieval Crook Hall and its stunning gardens. A beautiful place to visit during the day, with many characterful gardens to explore, but as darkness falls, the ancient walls start to whisper secrets of the past, and an eerie stillness takes over.

Dating back to the 13th century, Crook Hall has been the subject of many ghostly tales and paranormal sightings over the years. Its long history, with centuries of human activity within its walls, makes it fertile ground for stories of spirits who refuse to leave.

Many spirits have been spotted at Crook Hall, but the most famous ghost is the White Lady. This spirit is thought to be a young woman who died tragically in the hall when she was pushed down the stairs and broke her neck. Dressed in a flowing white gown, she has been spotted floating through various parts of the Hall and peering from the windows. She was also seen by the hall’s previous owners sitting at the end of their bed!

Jimmy 'The Piper' Allen

The ghost of Jimmy Allen, is one of the city's most famous spirits. Jimmy was a Northumbrian piper, born in 1733, and his talent on the Northumbrian smallpipes earned him a reputation as one of the finest musicians in the region. 

However, Jimmy's life was far from glamorous. Despite his musical abilities, he led a troubled and reckless existence. A known womanizer, gambler, and rogue, Allen often found himself on the wrong side of the law. He was infamous for stealing horses, which eventually led to his downfall. After years of avoiding capture, Allen was arrested and imprisoned in Durham City for his crimes.

In the late 18th century, Jimmy was locked up in Durham Gaol, a notorious prison located near Elvet Bridge. Though his days of freedom were over, Jimmy Allen continued to play his pipes while incarcerated. Despite his crimes, Allen was well-liked by the people of Durham, and many petitioned for his release. There are stories that a royal pardon was issued for Jimmy, but it arrived too late. He died in 1810, having spent the last years of his life behind bars. 

Late at night, particularly around Elvet Bridge, some claim to hear faint strains of haunting, sorrowful pipe music carried on the wind. The entrance to the old House of Correction is still visible beneath Elvet Bridge, which is now the location of a nightclub named after the infamous piper. Bar staff and visitors have reported experiencing the uneasy feeling of being watched and unexplainable activity inside the bar.

Simple Jimmy

Along the cobbled streets and winding alleys of Durham City, a ghostly figure known as Simple Jimmy is said to roam, a tragic soul who lingers long after death. For centuries, locals have whispered of strange encounters with this spectral being, who is infamous for a peculiar, and sometimes startling, habit - pushing unsuspecting passersby.

Jimmy lived in Durham during the late 18th century, when the city was bustling with miners, merchants, and clergy. He was a simple man, with an innocent and childlike demeanour that made him a well-known figure around town. People called him "Simple Jimmy," not out of malice, but because of his gentle nature.

Jimmy spent his days wandering the streets, often helping with small tasks for the townsfolk. He had a particular fondness for the market on Framwellgate Bridge, where he would sit for hours watching the people come and go. He would often play pranks and playfully push locals.

Over the years, Jimmy’s ghost has become a familiar part of the city’s haunted folklore. It seemed his spirit had retained the mischievous nature he had in life. Tourists and locals alike have often reported feeling uneasy near Framwellgate Bridge or in the city’s shadowy alleyways. Many have described the sensation of being followed, and without warning getting gently shoved forward.

So take care as you walk along the river or through the old city streets, as Simple Jimmy may just be waiting to push you forward!

Mary Ann Cotton

Mary Ann Cotton is one of Britain's most notorious female serial killers, often referred to as the "Black Widow”. She became infamous for poisoning multiple people, including several of her own children, husbands, and lovers, primarily with arsenic, to claim insurance money and other financial benefits. Her string of murders led to her arrest in 1872, and she was executed by hanging at Durham County Gaol in 1873.

Though Cotton was convicted over 150 years ago, her story still haunts the whole county to this day, especially in the city where she spent her final days. Legend has it that her spirit continues to roam Durham City, particularly around the old Durham County Gaol, where she was imprisoned and hanged. While the prison itself has long been demolished, its location still sparks rumours of ghostly activity. Some claim to feel an eerie presence in that part of the city, particularly near the site of her execution. 

The Dunn Cow pub also known as the Hangman’s Pub, is where the Goal’s Hangman would stay before and after hangings. It was from the inn, that the hangmen would also sell eerie souvenirs - inch long pieces of the rope used to hang people - "Money for old rope". After the hanging of Mary Ann Cotton on 24 March 1873 executioner William Calcraft returned to the inn to sell inches of rope, and it is said that Mary’s spirit followed him to the pub.

To this day, she still makes her presence felt. Objects at the pub are said to move by themselves and beer pumps are often interfered with. Footsteps have been heard in the corridor and people have even claimed to see apparitions in the bar.

Discover more terrifying tales

What to hear more Durham ghost stories? Join 'Walking with the ghosts of Durham' this spooky season to uncover more unbelievable stories of the county’s haunted history.

Throughout the year you’ll find different private and public ghost walks available. To enquire or book your walk message the Walking with the Ghosts of Durham Facebook page, or email durhamghostwhisperer@yahoo.com