The Black A Moor Inn Ripon

So, there I was, wandering the cobbled streets of Ripon, Yorkshire, when I stumbled upon this old, blackened building that looked like it had a story or two to tell. I mean, who can resist a place called "The Blackamoor Inn"? It's like the name alone is whispering, "Come on in, mate, you won't regret it."

Now, I'm not one to pass up a good story, or a decent pint for that matter, so I pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside. The place was like a time capsule, all dark wood paneling, low ceilings, and a fireplace that looked like it could roast an ox. I felt like I'd just walked into a scene from a Dickens novel, and I loved it.

Welcome to the Blackamoor

Let me set the scene for you. The Blackamoor Inn is nestled right in the heart of Ripon, a market town that's been around since the Vikings were raiding these parts. It's a Grade II listed building, which means it's old, really old, and important enough to be protected by the government. It's been serving thirsty travelers since the 15th century, and it's not hard to imagine the centuries of stories these walls could tell.

But let's rewind a bit. The name, "The Blackamoor," it's a bit of a mystery, isn't it? I mean, it's not every day you stumble upon an inn named after a black servant from the 16th century. But that's exactly what it is. The inn is named after a black servant who worked for a local family, the Ingilby's. He was a bit of a local celebrity, and when he died, he left a fair chunk of money to the town. The inn was built with some of that money, and the name stuck.

More than just a pub

The Blackamoor isn't just another pub, though. It's a living history lesson. The place is filled with artifacts, from old coins and maps to a rather impressive collection of vintage beer bottles. There's even a stuffed cat that's been there since the 1930s. I mean, who can resist a pub with a resident taxidermy cat?

The Black A Moor Inn en Ripon | Destinia

But the real star of the show is the cellar. It's a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that date back to the 13th century. They were used by monks from the nearby monastery to smuggle goods, and later, they were used as an air-raid shelter during World War II. You can still see the graffiti left by the soldiers who took shelter there. It's a bit like stepping into a real-life Indiana Jones adventure.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "This all sounds great, but what about the beer?" Well, fear not, beer lovers. The Blackamoor serves up a mean pint. They've got a great selection of local ales, and the staff are always happy to recommend something if you're feeling indecisive. And if you're feeling peckish, the food's not bad either. I mean, you can't go wrong with a good old-fashioned Yorkshire pie, can you?

Black A Moor Inn in Bridge Hewick | Pub in Ripon, HG4

Ghostly goings-on

But wait, there's more. The Blackamoor has a reputation for being a bit... spooky. There are stories of ghostly goings-on, from strange noises to full-on apparitions. I'm not one to believe in all that, but I will admit, the place does have a certain atmosphere. It's like the weight of all those centuries is hanging heavy in the air. But then again, I might just be imagining things. After a few pints, it's easy to start seeing things that aren't there, right?

So, if you're ever in Ripon, do yourself a favor and pop into The Blackamoor Inn. It's not just a pub, it's a piece of history. And who knows, you might even see a ghost. Just don't blame me if you do. I'm just the messenger.

Cheers!