Haunted & Ghost-Themed Collectibles, Limited Edition Art Objects
The York Ghost Merchants
Explore British Craftsmanship Through York’s Most Iconic Haunted and Artisan Creations
- 6 Shambles, York YO1 7LZ, United Kingdom
- Thu - Tue - 10 AM–5:30 PM Wed-Closed
- +441904202609
- 4.7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆(1,174)
The Story
The York Ghost Merchants sit at the heart of York’s centuries-old ghost-telling heritage. York is known as one of the most haunted cities in Europe, and ghost lore has long been woven into its cultural identity. The Ghost Merchants continue that legacy by creating handcrafted sculptural ghosts, each designed to reflect the city’s mysterious past.
Every York Ghost is handmade in the workshops above their shop on the Shambles or in their Georgian townhouse on St Saviourgate. Their craftsmanship follows the heritage rules of The Sorrowful Guild of Master Ghost Makers. Each ghost is made in small batches using traditional methods—guided by hand, eye, knowledge, and skill—ensuring that no two ghosts are ever the same.
The shop at No. 6 Shambles carries over 600 ghost designs, while their second location, The Dispensary, opened in 2023 and features Original Ghosts, Little Ghosts, and Phantoms. The York Ghost Merchants remain the only ghost-making business still trading in the twenty-first century.
What They Sell & Services
Handmade York Ghosts
Sculptural collectible objects inspired by York’s haunted history
Each ghost is unique and bears an embossed maker’s mark
Crafted using traditional guild methods
Made in small batches — not mass produced
Ghost Packaging & Presentation
Original York Ghosts wrapped in an 1852 map of York
Little Ghosts packaged in a “Boo Box” with gilt-edged viewing window
All ghosts are presented in illustrated travelling boxes featuring the Ghost Merchants shop
In-Store Shopping
Over 600 ghost variations available at No. 6 Shambles
The Dispensary offers additional ghost categories
Opening days may vary — updates provided via shop notices and social media
Online Sales
Small batches released online approximately every two weeks
Email subscription available for release announcements
Special editions include:
Website-exclusive ghosts
“Ghost in the Post” releases
Clandestine surprise drops
Cryptic access via The Understore
Rare Black Box limited editions
Online purchases are only secured once payment is completed
Customers can create an account to speed up checkout
Purchasing Guidance
High demand means stock often sells out quickly
Previews and announcements posted on Instagram & Facebook (@yorkghostmerchants)
FAQ page provides updated buying information
Craftsmanship & Tradition
Techniques inspired by York’s historical trades: chandlers, cutlers, milliners, and more
Designs drawn from historical artefacts and ghost imagery
Ghosts created using premium British materials
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