Paranormal Investigator Magazine Issue I | Page 34

Paranormal Investigator Magazine

The Searching Spirits of Holy Trinity Church in York

Photo: Ally Law

The Headless Earl   
by Ally Law

 Holy Trinity Church in York dates back to 11th Century, but the present building is from 15th.
The headless figure of Thomas Percy, 7th Earl of Northumberland has been seen on many occasions wandering from grave to grave. Thomas was a devout Catholic and was highly opposed to the
reign of Elizabeth the first. He attempted to over throw her on many occasions. After two years he
was caught in Scotland and brought to York for trial. He was found guilty of treason and sentenced
to death. A scaffold was built on the Shambles and he was beheaded on August 22, 1572. His body
was buried in the nearby grave yard at St Crux’s Church.  But, his head was mounted on a spike at
Micklegate Bar as a warning to other would be traitors. It remained there for several years until a
sympathiser removed it and buried it in Holy Trinity Church Yard.
 A local woman was eating lunch when she noticed a man with his head bowed dressed in Elizabethan
clothing sitting next to her. Being from York seeing people dressed ????????????????????????????)????????????????]?????????????????????????????????1???????????????????????????????)????????????????????????????
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