Bagdale Hall History & Spine-Chilling Ghost Stories

Bagdale Hall has an intriguing history, is a unique place to stay, and has a ghost or two.

Bagdale Hall gives visitors a glimpse into the past, allowing them to experience the charm of an old English Tudor manor house. The building dates back to 1516 but still retains many original features. It's also the location for a ghost story or two.

History of Bagdale Hall

Bagdale Hall has a rich history dating back to 1516 when Sir William Cholmley built it for the Conyers family. They were one of the most important families in Whitby during the time. Located on the banks of Bagdale Beck and extending upriver towards the current high-level bridge, Bagdale Hall remained occupied by James Conyers, bailiff of Whitby, until sometime after he was appointed Sergeant-at-Arms under King Henry VIII.

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When James passed away, the house was passed down to his nephew Gregory, who later sold it to Nicholas Bushell. It then came into the possession of Captain Browne Bushell, from whose family line it stayed until his marriage to a daughter of Sir Thomas Fairfax, Cromwell’s Chief of Staff.

In 1643, Captain Bushell served alongside his uncle, Sir Hugh Cholmley, to defend Scarborough for Parliament. Despite Cholmley's eventual surrender to the Royalists, Bushell managed to retake the castle – only later handing it back to the royal forces. This act resulted in his arrest by his father-in-law, imprisonment for three years and ultimately execution by the House of Commons in 1651.

Bagdale Hall was now sold to Isaac Newton, a Whitby merchant believed to be related to Sir Isaac Newton. The house remained in this family for over one hundred years. Then, in 1882, a famous ophthalmic surgeon named Henry Power acquired it. It required significant renovations that took two years to complete.

During this time, Dr Power decided to add some extra touches; most notably, he embellished each fireplace with Delft tiles and carved wooden over-mantles and surrounds.

The early 20th century

Bagdale Hall was mainly a private home in the early 1900s. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, it began to be recognised for its architectural and historical value. Its owners took great care to preserve its Tudor-style features, which include stone mullion windows, robust oak beams, and a unique roofline.

Mid-20th century

After World War II, Bagdale Hall shifted from a private home to a guest house. In the 1950s and 1960s, it took advantage of Whitby's rising popularity as a tourist hotspot. During this period, the building experienced some restoration to make it comfortable for guests while preserving its historical appeal.

In the 1970s, a focus on preserving historical buildings throughout the UK saw Bagdale Hall reap the benefits. It was designated a Grade II listed building, which played a crucial role in safeguarding its architectural and historical significance.

Late 20th century to present

Bagdale Hall remained a hotel during the 1980s and 1990s. It was known for both a luxurious but distinctive historical experience. Visitors were attracted to its genuine period features.

After ongoing restoration and upkeep, the hotel expanded slightly to incorporate its neighbouring buildings, such as Lobster Hall and Crab Hall, to offer guests a wider variety of accommodations.

Is Bagdale Hall haunted?

Some say that Bagdale Hall is the most haunted building in Whitby!

Browne Bushell

Throughout its many years as a hotel, Bagdale Hall has had reports from guests and staff of ghostly sightings. The most famous spirit is that of Browne Bushell, a notorious pirate who owned the building during the English Civil War in the seventeenth century. Bushell was known for frequently jumping sides during the war, betraying whichever faction he was currently allied with.

Some people say they have seen this ghost without a head!

This act of betrayal eventually led to his arrest and execution for treason. His execution was by axe at Tower Hill, which may explain why his apparition has been sighted without its head. Since then, he has haunted the grounds of Bagdale Hall, evoking feelings of dread and doom from its guests whenever he appears.

Guests and staff have reported sightings in various areas of the hotel, up and down the staircases, and waking people up at their bedsides. There have also been reports of the heavy footsteps of military boots being heard.

Other ghosts reported

Two other regularly seen ghosts are a well-dressed, bowler-hat-wearing man who fidgets and tuts anxiously as he waits in the corner and a young woman with blonde hair who daydreams at the bar, her white dress draped around her as she gazes at the fireplace.

Other reports suggest lights going on and off, screaming and anguish and a black figure. If you have stayed at Bagdale Hall and had a spooky encounter, please tell us about it in the comments.

You can read more Whitby ghost stories here.

If you are ever in the area, we highly recommend visiting Bagdale Hall. Thanks for reading!