Legends and Lore

Just outside Whitby on the A169 at Saltersgate is the 'Saltersgate Inn'. Legend has it that that the open fire in the lounge has been burning since the 18th Century. Apparently the hostelry was used as an illicit meeting place for smugglers and ne'erdowells and was one day visited by the 18thC equivalent of HM Revenue and Customs. The Landlord and his cohorts seemingly took exception to this unscheduled inspection and dispatched the Servant of the King with a barstool across the bonce!  The deceased official was hastily buried beneath the hearth and a fire was lit - just in case his colleagues should come and begin asking awkward questions. Legend has it that the fire has never been allowed to die out by man nor wraith ever since...

The pub closed recently and is up for auction - there is no sign of smoke from the chimney, and whilst it might be tempting to one day pop along with a spade and a torch, a word of warning - I recently took a look through the Inn window and was almost sure I saw a feint glow from the fireplace..

Any more Legends or Lore from your neck of the woods?

Moribundian,

throughly enjoyed reading this tale!  thanks for sharing! 

I hate to see old building taken down. That is what makes all of Europe and especially England so special. We go over there and are just amazed that the buildings are hundreds of years old and still so beautiful~even our old buildings are new compared to yours! I was in Philadelphia yesterday and there are several old English style buildings there since that was where so much history occured.

I hope the pub doesn't get demolished and that "the flame" keeps burning! Sounds like a case for Ghosthunters International!