The shop, located in number 6 Shambles, which was built in 1780 is, at first glance, a very traditional store with a clear Georgian heritage and theme, with oak-panelled walls and display cases, but from the moment intrigued customers step across the threshold, it becomes clear that this is a place where history and myth, heritage and legend overlap to intriguing effect.
The obscure tradition of ghost making has now been resurrected to create a range of handcrafted ghosts, which can be purchased exclusively from the Shambles-based store as an unusual souvenir or lucky charm for visitors to take back home. Every ghost is unique, made on the premises, and comes in its own travelling box which has been designed to replicate the York Ghost Merchants store.
The act of purchasing a ghost comes with its own ceremony. Over 1000 ghosts in two sizes are displayed at any one time on the store’s shelving. When a purchaser finds the ghost that calls to them, they are invited to take a photograph in a specially lit and ornately lined pedestal compartment hidden in a panelled wall, before it is carefully packed into its travel box for transportation to its new home.
The store is to be followed by further development of the No. 6 Shambles premises. Work is currently on-going to transform the top floor into a cosy nook where ghost stories can be shared with a small audience.
The York Ghost Merchants is open daily, usually from around 10am until early evening, though times may vary according to other-worldly demands. please visit
