Robin Hood’s Bay, Myths, Legends and Ghost Stories

We adore wandering through Robin Hood's Bay and imagining the stories told there. It's just bursting with curiosity, superstition, and spooky tales.

The life of a fisherman was precarious, so many local superstitions were followed around the sea. For example, a boat would not be launched if the fishermen met a woman or a pig on the slipway, as this was considered very unlucky. Seagulls were said to be the souls of drowned sailors. If one flew into the window of a house, it was bad for the family inside, as it was considered a symbol of death. The fishing town of Robin Hood's Bay is no different. It hosts myths, legends, and ghost stories galore. Here's a selection of our favourites.

Why the name Robin Hood’s Bay?

There is no evidence to suggest that Robin Hood has anything to do with the town's name or that he is even a real person. However, there is a legend some people believe that Robin Hood had run into French pirates who came to pillage the fisherman’s boats. The pirates surrendered to Robin Hood, and he returned the loot to the poor people in the village.

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There are other legends about the name Robin Hood's Bay. One suggests the name comes from the term for an ancient forest spirit, whereas another believes Robin Hood kept boats by the harbour in Robin Hood's Bay in case he needed to make a quick escape. There is also a story that suggests that the Abbot of Whitby asked Robin Hood to repel an attack by Danish raiders.

We are not sure which to believe either! But we do love the name.

Headless Bert Haunts Robin Hood's Bay

Yorkshire farmers are often frugal, and no farmer was quite as precious with the pennies as Bert Marshall. He even went as far as to steal a set of dentures from a corpse to replace his old teeth. (Gross right?)

The only thing Bert cared to spend money on was alcohol, so he often walked along the Whitby/Scarborough railway line to the pub. Bert walked to the Windmill Inn, five miles away, every Friday night.

Drunk one evening, Bert began his regular walk along the railway line. It is said that something knocked Bert over and knocked out his dentures; he toppled over whilst bending to pick them up and landed on the railway line. As he lay there unconscious, Bert was decapitated by an oncoming train.

At that time, many people believed it was important to be buried as a whole body or the spirit could not rest. His headless ghost is said to be still seen on moonless nights along the train tracks. Some have said that Bert still carries his false teeth and searches for his head. Will you hear the clanking of his false teeth?

Robin Hood's Bay Smuggling Legend

Robin Hood's Bay is perfect for smuggling. It is very isolated and has a protected harbour surrounded on three sides by marshland. By the 18th century, it gained its reputation as a smuggler's haunt. At this time, most of its population was involved in smuggling in some way. Every house had its own secret hiding place and tunnels linking to it.

Legends say that a bale of silk could be easily transferred from the harbour at Robin Hood's Bay to the clifftops without even leaving the houses! And that smugglers often engaged in regular battles with excise men. Smugglers' wives were just as involved and were known to pour boiling water from high-up windows onto the heads of excise men below in the narrow lanes.

It is said that those taking part in such criminal activities were classed as outlaws. In reality, smugglers were often looked upon very favourably by locals and their communities. They were, after all, providing cheaper luxurious goods such as silk, spirits, tobacco, and tea.

Visit the Boggle at Boggle Hole

Just slightly south of Robin Hood's Bay is Boggle Hole. It's a little North Yorkshire hidden gem and is fun to visit for a family day out. Surrounding it, there are many things to do, such as rock pooling, fossil hunting and treasure trails.

The small cove or cave is named Boggle Hole as it was believed to be the home to a mischievous little Boggle/Hobgoblin. Boggles were believed to live inside caves all over the North Yorkshire Coastline and in remote corners of the moors. It was thought that if you took a sick child to Boggle Hole, the Boggle would cure the child completely. It is said that mothers would often be seen carrying their children to the cave.

Hungry for more Robin Hood's Bay myths, legends and ghost stories?

Join Rose Rylands on a journey through Robin Hood's Bay's streets and hidden alleyways. Rose will tell you tales of the strange and supernatural. Explore the village filled with spirits, shipwrecks, smugglers, local folklore, and legends.

There's no need to make a reservation; check the timetable and show up. To book a private walk or tour for a special occasion, contact Rose via her website.

Rose's walks have been featured on BBC Radio 4, local BBC Radio stations, Channels 4 and 5, and the national press.

Learn more here.

Have you ever visited Robin Hood's Bay and seen anything Ghostly for yourself? Maybe you've heard other myths and legends. Let us know in the comments.