The Bloody Tour of York

21/06/2026

Today marks the Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year. For one day, light triumphs over the dark. The midsummer season was not just about celebrating the sun it was also a time of paranoia.

In the medieval period, folklore was rife and it was thought that when the sun was at its peak the veil between worlds would grow thin. Evil spirits and witches powers would be at their strongest especially on the Solstice Eve. We felt that power lastnight at the witches coven.

To survive the night, people would do various things:

Bonfires would be lit, this would be so that the smoke would blind evil spirits that would be present.

Marian Marks or Witch Marks would be etched into woodwork or stone to hope for protection from the Virgin Mary.

Witch Posts made of solid wood were carved with St Andrew’s cross near fireplaces to stop the dark magic from entering the home via the chimney.

So, as you enjoy the extra hours of light this weekend, remember a few centuries ago you would be either gathered round a bonfire or hoping for the protection of either St Andrew or the Virgin Mary.

Happy Solstice everyone!

📷 - A sunrise overlooking York Racecourse from near the York Tyburn

18/06/2026

Are you ready…

𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐟. 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝.
In just two days, we will gather once more outside Hocus Pocus Hotel.

Some will come for the stories.
Some for the costumes.
Some simply because they feel they should.

Whatever brings you here, you'll find a place amongst us.

Saturday 20th June. 6pm. Patrick Pool.

We look forward to welcoming old souls and new.

So mote it be. 🕯️

15/06/2026

This Saturday, we welcome witches from near and far to York as part of the Hocus Pocus York Witches Coven.

You can choose to immerse yourself deeper into the experience with the Ritual Access - spend your morning with Mad Alice as she takes you on a tour like no other. Starting on the Shambles you will then head to The Potions Cauldron followed by stories outside York Castle Museum. The journey will then take us to Valhalla York for a complimentary drink and access to the All Father’s Hall. There will be a guided meditation and a tarot card reading.

12:30pm - SOLD OUT
10:00am - Limited Tickets

linktr.ee/bloodytouryork

See you soon 🕯️

15/06/2026

Mad Alice making potions… what could possibly go wrong! ☠️🧪

On Friday evening, we swapped the usual executions and ghost stories for potions and cocktails at The Potions Cauldron’s Adult Potion Making Class.

And actually… it isn’t as far removed from York’s history as you might think.

For centuries, people in York believed in charms, curses, remedies, and mysterious concoctions. Medieval apothecaries and local ‘wise women’ would have looked pretty magical to the average person.

So, whilst our potions were considerably more drinkable, you better believe there was alcohol involved, it felt rather fitting to raise a glass of poison to York’s long and dark relationship with witches.

We’ll also be joining in the magic later this month for the The Potions Cauldron Magic Weekend… get discount to The Bloody Tour of York with a wristband!

Thanks to Visit York and The Potions Cauldron for a fab evening. The real star of the show… George the magical host!

10/06/2026

The Hocus Pocus Witches Coven is fast approaching and we cannot wait! So, to get you in the witchy mood, let’s visit some of Yorkshire’s most famous witches.

If you want to join Mad Alice for some extra coven fun, make sure you check out the link in the bio.

20th June 2026

Purple Band - Ritual Access
10:00am - Tickets Available
12:30pm - Sold Out

08/06/2026

In 1405, Archbishop Richard le Scrope dared to challenge King Henry IV.

The King’s response?

A beheading just outside York’s walls. Not even an Archbishop was safe from such a death.

07/06/2026

04/06/2026

A reyt proper Yorkshire celebration awaits!

Join Mad Alice AND Lady Peckett (that’s right together for the first time ever) at beautiful Middlethorpe Hall for an afternoon of Yorkshire folklore, scandalous stories, local history, music, fine food, and a few secrets from the Hall’s fascinating past.

With a Yorkshire-inspired three course lunch, Mad Alice’s Blood Orange York Gin reception, live piano music, and plenty of laughter and stories along the way, this promises to be a truly unique event.

Details

📍 Middlethorpe Hall
📅 Saturday 1st August
🔗 linktr.ee/bloodytouryork

Spaces are limited and advance booking is essential.

Don’t forget your white rose!

03/06/2026

Wow!! We have just hit 30,000 followers here on Facebook!

Honestly, that number feels a little surreal.

What started as an idea to share York’s bloodiest stories and forgotten history has grown into an incredible community of people who love the city’s history just as much as I do. From Roman emperors and Viking warriors to highwaymen, hangings, and everything in between, you’ve been there for it all.

I genuinely can’t thank you enough for every comment, share, recommendation, review, and message over the years. Your support has helped turn a dream (or nightmare) into reality. And yes, even the occasional negative comment played its part - it only made me more determined to keep going!

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for following along on this wonderfully bloody journey.

To celebrate reaching 30,000 followers, we’ll be launching a fun competition later this month…

Watch this space!

02/06/2026

Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, Roman skeletons and the potential of gladiators in York.

With the Eboracum Roman Festival over with for another year, we have one more story to share with you.

Thank you to for allowing the use of their photos in this video.