The Black Swan Inn is famed for a beautiful young woman—often described as a jilted bride—seen sitting silently staring into the fire in the bar’s rear room. Staff also report a Victorian boy nicknamed “Matthew” appearing in the bar/passageway, linked to small items going missing behind the counter. Other recurring lore includes a highwayman “Jack” connected to the kitchen/stable-yard area and odd activity in staff quarters, which has kept the pub on York’s haunted circuit for years.