The Bloody Tour of York

02/09/2026

A sad day on Whitby’s West Cliff. 💔

Yesterday, the Whale Bone Arch was removed in Whitby.

Whale-bone arches have been in Whitby since the 1800s, so although the new bronze replica is a more ethical way to preserve this much-loved landmark, it’s still sad to see the bones on West Cliff go. I think I can speak for all when I say the view will never be the same again.

The replica is expected next year.

A little piece of Whitby’s history is changing - but here is Mad Alice to give you a little bit of history about the whale bones. Filmed back in 2025.

31/08/2026

Today marked the annual pilgrimage in honour of St Margaret Clitherow and the Martyrs of York.

And if you’ve been on The Bloody Tour of York you’ll know Margaret’s story well.

But if you haven’t, take a look at this statue, that can be found in the heart of the Shambles.

Margaret Clitherow was a Catholic wife and mother who lived in York during the reign of Elizabeth I. She secretly hid Catholic priests in her home and helped them escape the authorities.

Eventually, she was arrested.

She refused to enter a plea, knowing that doing so could put her children and others on trial. On 25 March 1586, Margaret endured the awful punishment of peine forte et dure, she was crushed to death beneath a heavy door, it is thought to have been her own front door, with weights placed on top of it.

She was just 30 years old.

Today, her shrine stands on the Shambles, close to the house where she lived. A quiet place marking a brutal and tragic story.

30/08/2026

Mad Alice… is that you?

Are you heading out to the Heworth Scarecrow Trail at Glen Gardens today or tomorrow?

Well don’t be surprised if you bump into Mad Alice! You can spot this reincarnation at 110 East Parade and she was made by the very talented Catherine who got in touch to ask if we would mind - genuinely flattered to be asked.

So, we want Catherine to win the best scarecrow, so if you are heading out to take part make sure you pop a vote in for Mad Alice the scarecrow.

28/08/2026

Before anyone starts, because I know it’s realistic, that is just Mad Alice’s hand.

Now that is out of the way… what you see here is Mad Alice telling the story of a terrible man called John Palmer… never heard of him? Most people haven’t…

We guarantee you do know him really!

25/08/2026

After a few days away we are BACK and love being able to share the news that Mad Alice will be joining The York BID for the 2026 Ghosts After Dark!

Mad Alice will be sharing the stories of 4 of the ghosts the Executioner, Judge, Tudor Lady and Saxon Monk - more on this later.

But for now, tickets are on sale and we wouldn’t be surprised to see sell out time slots - so book your tickets early.

🔗 theyorkbid.com/ghosts-after-dark/

19/08/2026

This is quite possibly the best review we have ever received!!

Sums the tour up perfectly 😂

19/08/2026

12/08/2026

Did you see the eclipse tonight?

Show us your pictures…

09/08/2026

9 August 1856 - A “wiseman”, a deadly superstition and a wife murdered by her own husband.

Victorian Leeds could be a dark place… atleast his punishment was dealt with in York!

06/08/2026

6th August 1759 a Knaresborough school teacher finds himself in front of a York judge charged with murder!!