An Evening Walk. Dark Tales of Murder and Mayhem in Victorian History.
Through the Unquiet Streets of York, Scarboro’ and Beyond.
A Daylight Walk. Tales of the Mystery and Folklore of Local History.
Through the Streets and Graveyards of York, Acomb, Scarboro’ and Beyond.
The Dead Sleuth – a Celebrated Sleuth of Infamy and the Bête Noire of the Long Forgotten Dead.
TICKETS FROM £20
‘A TROUBLED MOTHER’
‘Shortly after midday on a balmy August day – my body and that of my youngest child were recovered from the River Ouse in York.
And a story would begin to unfold so tragic that it would touch the hearts of many including that of the coroner who implored the media to use their influence to promote a better understanding on the subject of suicide.’
The Troubled Mother
WHAT LIES BENEATH?
‘SUFFER THE BABE’
‘What can POSSIBLY be told about a life of ONLY 5 weeks?
My death from parental neglect on Christmas Day in the year 1884 would shine a harsh and uncompromising light into the darkest crevices of York’s society as the pitiful story of my life unfolded…’
Suffer the Little Babe
WAKING THE DEAD OF WALMGATE
THE POLITE TOURIST offers walking tours through the murder and mayhem of Victorian history – through the unquiet streets and secret passageways of York, Scarboro’, and beyond.
As dusk beckons, and as The Polite Tourist peels back the long shadows which lurk just out of view – find yourself spirited back to the cruel streets and darkened passageways of a Victorian world and to a place where death was ever present.
And as you walk along the old, unquiet streets and through the dark and crooked labyrinths to a Victorian yesteryear of death and despair, crime, disorder, murder and mayhem – the long forgotten tales of those folk who once lay claim to these streets will be revealed.
OUR SLEUTH AND YOUR STORYTELLER –
The Dead Sleuth – a celebrated sleuth of infamy, wanderer of unquiet graveyards and the bête noire of the long forgotten dead.
Innovative, and meticulously researched – our walks are designed to offer an informative and unique experience with a professional and spirited storyteller.
TICKETS FROM £20
As dusk beckons and the shadows entice – it is possible to catch a glimpse of a celebrated storyteller and sleuth wandering through the unquiet streets in a quest to wake the dead.
For those of a curious and hardy temper – why not immerse yourself in a long forgotten 19th Century world for an evening with The Dead Sleuth as your walking companion?
And as she gently guides you through the dark and crooked labyrinths to a Victorian yesteryear of death and despair, crime, disorder, murder and mayhem – you will hear of the tales of the misfits and those ordinary folk who have ALL been lost to history. Until now!
However, for those of a sensitive nature who are averse to an evening of of tears, heartache and tragedy – a walk with The Dead Sleuth through the old, unquiet streets and darkened passages of the City of York, Scarborough, and beyond may NOT be to your taste.
‘Crimes to Life’
“We joined the The Dead Sleuth on a True Crime Walk last Friday and what a fantastic experience. She certainly brought the crimes to life, too much in some cases, but that all added to our enjoyment.
We would certainly recommend the walk for anyone wanting to know more about the lovely City of York.
Only downside was the cold weather but she can’t control everything!
Thank you again for a great evening.“
Jill.
DEATH IN A CHOCOLATE BOX
‘A Great Insight’
“Myself and my daughter went on the Walmgate Walk last Saturday and we enjoyed it enormously.
It was emotional and educational – some of the stories were tragic (well, most of them) and we were given such a great insight into Victorian life in that part of York.
Despite knowing this area quite well, I had never heard those stories before. It made me look at the streets and buildings with new eyes.”
June Tranmer.
WAKING THE DEAD OF WALMGATE
If an exclusive stroll far from the maddening crowds through unquiet streets and darkened passageways of York, Scarboro’ and beyond appeals to the curious and hardy of temper.
Or you are enticed by the thought of a unique and untrodden meander along an old riverside, canal or shore…
Why not take A Mourning Walk with the The Polite Tourist and hear of the long-forgotten dead from York, Scarboro’ and beyond?
And as the City of York is arguably one of Europe’s most haunted cities – we cannot promise you that during our walk some mischievous spirit or restless soul will NOT make their presence known!
And as for the unquiet streets of Scarboro’ and beyond – who knows?
On a day and at a time ideal for you – A Mourning Walk with The Polite Tourist is perfect for writers, students, historical researchers or a special get-together for friends.
‘ROCKING THE CRADLE’
‘I am a nursemaid and on a typical Autumnal afternoon in 1879 I made my way on foot while cradling my young charge to a popular crossing in the City of York which was separated only by a dual rail track.
Having opened the gate to walk across the path, I paused as a luggage train went past but less than two minutes later, the baby and I were hit by a passenger train in an accident of far reaching consequences.’
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
DEATH IN A CHOCOLATE BOX
‘SUFFERING UNWELL’
‘I am pregnant and have been suffering from severe sickness and have been living in a quiet area of York with my husband and our young son until things took a turn for the worse one chilly February evening.
As my post mortem examination revealed that I had died as a result of a brain haemorrhage caused by some kind of mysterious ingested poison – an inquest into my death was soon opened.’
Suffering Unwell
CURIOUS DEEDS. A CURIOUS DEATH?
For all of the whispers from the archives and unquiet graveyards of a celebrated seeker of the dead – sign up to VERITAS ET MORI and step inside a twilight world rife with mysterious happenstance and feats of every egregious kind.
‘PRIVATELY UNWELL’
‘I am a soldier with the 10th Hussars and on a chilly January morning in 1889 – I was found hanging from a pole in the stable block of the York Cavalry Barracks.
On the day following my death the city coroner opened the inquest at our military hospital and as a succession of witnesses stepped forward to offer testimony – my tragic story would unfold.’
Privately Unwell
FOUL DEEDS IN FULFORD
‘A FISHING BOLT!’
‘One early July morning, I along with my brother-in-law Alfred and his young son went for a spot of fishing on the outskirts of York.
Shortly before midday, a huge storm erupted and we ran for cover under a large bush far from the riverside. However, no sooner had we escaped from the torrential down pour – there was a huge flash of lightening and a crash of thunder!’
A Fishing Bolt!
WAKING THE DEAD OF WALMGATE
Katherine Kerestman was visiting England to research her second macabre travel book. She had not known that she was fated to meet a new friend – THE DEAD SLEUTH.
‘KIND WORDS DO NOT COST MUCH. YET THEY ACCOMPLISH MUCH.’
~ Blaise Pascal
‘The Dead Sleuth is absolutely fantastic!!! I highly recommend her talks and tours.
If you want the real life, nitty gritty, jaw dropping truth about people whom lived in the city of York (or anywhere else for that matter) then this is absolutely the tour for you.
Expertly researched and delivered with delicate but truthful and sometimes witty precision.
No theatrics, just good genuine disturbing truthful facts of life that really make you realise how lucky we are and yet in some ways, things haven’t changed.
Death maybe the end, but our stories live on…
Thank you The Dead Sleuth for an excellent evening.
You truly are inspiring too.’
‘Myself and my daughter went on the Walmgate Walk last Saturday and we enjoyed it enormously.
It was emotional and educational – some of the stories were tragic (well, most of them) and we were given such a great insight into Victorian life in that part of York.
Despite knowing this area quite well, I had never heard those stories before. It made me look at the streets and buildings with new eyes.’
