Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the spooky tales which have attached themselves to our pubs are a chance to reflect on the history of these wonderful buildings – and those who lived in the area in much older times.
Roman soldiers, old sailors and a conscientious cleaning lady still keeping things neat from beyond the grave are among the ghosts said to walk our haunted hostelries.
Sadly, many of the area’s historic pubs have closed in recent years, with the industry facing some tough challenges even before covid.
So we have also chosen a couple of closed pubs to include at the end. Do the ghosts linger there still?
Sadly, many of the area’s historic pubs have closed in recent years, with the industry facing some tough challenges even before covid.
13. Robin Hood, Roman Road, Jarrow - now Vespa Vespa Italian Bar and Steakhouse
In the time it was the Robin Hood, a spiritual presence was said to periodically hurl a clock from the wall after renovations at the pub.
Photo: Stu Norton
14. The Grey Horse, Whitburn (closed)
Now closed and housing a Coop store instead. Legend has it that the ghost of a former pub cleaning lady may have haunted the building. Occasional creaking and knocking noises noted by regulars were credited to “Mrs T doing her cleaning rounds”.
Photo: jpimedia
15. The Beacon, Greens Place
The once-popular pub is a sorry sight these days, and the dilapidated building certainly has all the look of a haunted house. It’s reported the pub is haunted by the ghost of a barmaid who fell down the cellar steps. The Beacon has been closed for a number of years and is sitting empty after a plan for apartments fell through (it’s up for sale for £450,000, if you’re in the market…), so any spectres there have the place to themselves.
Photo: The Beacon, Greens Place