Is the The Black Horse in Beamish, County Durham haunted?

From the Busby Stoop near Thirsk in North Yorkshire to The Black Horse in Beamish, County Durham, there are many tales about ghostly goings-on in these venues. 

We take a look at the story behind why it's believed that The Black Horse in Beamish is haunted and the history behind the pub. 

On its website, the venue highlights that there have been several sightings over the years, which link to a former resident of the site, who died in the 1800s.

The Black Horse at Beamish (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) The Black Horse pub in Beamish, with its origins tracing back to the 1700s, has not only a rich history but also a reputation for being haunted, particularly by the mysterious figure of George Ridley.

The pub was originally part of an estate built by Bobby Shafto, the famed MP for County Durham, whose life inspired the well-known northern song "Bonny Bobby Shafto."

However, beyond the local legends and historical roots, there’s a darker side to this charming country pub.

The haunting of George Ridley is the most famous ghost story associated with the Black Horse.

Ridley, a former resident of the cottage-turned-pub, went missing in 1803 under unknown circumstances.

It wasn’t until four years later, in 1807, that his ghostly presence was first reported. His imposing figure was seen wandering the corridors of the Black Horse, peering over the bodies of sleeping children and residents.

The Black Horse at Beamish (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) This eerie sighting would be just the beginning of many paranormal events tied to the pub.

Over the years, Ridley’s ghost has been blamed for a series of unsettling phenomena.

Visitors and staff have reported beer glasses mysteriously shattering before their eyes, doors slamming shut without explanation, and muddy boot prints appearing on freshly cleaned floors.

These events usually occur in the late hours of the night, after the pub has closed to the public, further cementing the belief that Ridley’s restless spirit haunts the old building.

The reason for his death remains a mystery, but it is known that he lived there with his wife and nine children, along with another family, all of whom worked in the local coal industry.

The pub’s history as a gambling den during the 1700s adds another layer of intrigue to its past.

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The remote location made it an ideal spot for secretive drinking and gambling sessions, a reputation that eventually led to it becoming a licensed pub in the mid-1800s. 

Despite these ghostly encounters, the Black Horse has remained a beloved establishment, with its connection to County Durham’s industrial past, its folklore surrounding Bobby Shafto, and of course, its ghost stories.

The fact that only a few of the original cottages, including the Black Horse, remain adds to its allure as a place where history seems very much alive—or perhaps, undead.

So there we have it - whether you believe in the paranormal or not - the venue is steeped in history and has a rich back story.