Mark Graham Was the First to Chase Ghosts Here

York is a city with a violent past. We joined a popular pastime tonight….strolling the city following an actor who recounts tales of savagry by citizens of York to other citizens of

York.  He wears black, jacket pants, shoes and gloves. And he tells tales with…just..the right…timing and punch, scary stories about ghosts, jittery objects and…well as he tells the story he YELLS! making many audience members shudder with fright. A good endorphin rush. A SCARE!

There are many competing actors who like the proceeds and prestige that comes with taking dozens of tourists out on ghost hunt walks. So now he dubs himself as ‘The Original.”  Since 1974, he said. But we met Mark at another gig, giving us the official tour of the city of York. We began with the Romans and then to the Vikings, and later to the reigns of kings through the ages.

The Cedar Court Hotel is just seven months old, a beautiful renovation of a former railroad company office building. I like the touches, like two plugs right atop the big wooden desk, free Wi-Fi without passwords, and nice touches in the rooms. Like guilded mirrors and bathroom separated into two areas.  This is an excellent tourist’s destination. Taking the walk on the wall, the pedestrian areas that are spread out throughout the area inside the original Roman walls to shop in, then by the river Ouse, bars and restaurants with waterside seating.