Treasurer’s House

One of the most famous ghost sightings in British history: an entire Roman legion marching through a cellar.

The Sighting (1953)

Harry Martindale, a young plumber’s apprentice:

• Was working alone in the cellar
• Heard a trumpet sound
• A Roman soldier on horseback emerged from the wall
• Followed by approximately 20 legionnaires
• They crossed the cellar and disappeared into the opposite wall

The Details

What made Harry’s account remarkable:

• The soldiers were visible only from the knees up
• They walked on the original Roman road
• The road is two feet below the current floor
• Harry described their uniforms in detail unknown to him
• Later confirmed as accurate by historians

The Soldiers

• Tired, disheveled, and defeated
• Green tunics (unusual for Roman soldiers—later confirmed authentic)
• Round shields (not rectangular—also historically accurate for that era)
• Some appeared wounded
• They seemed unaware of Harry

Other Witnesses

Multiple people have since reported:

• Hearing marching footsteps
• Seeing partial figures in the cellar
• The sound of Latin commands
• A trumpet blast with no source

Other Ghosts

The house holds more spirits:

• A Grey Lady in period dress
• A man in a top hat
• Footsteps on the staircase
• Cold spots in specific rooms

Historical Significance

York was Roman Eboracum:

• A major military fortress
• The road beneath the cellar led to the barracks
• Constantine the Great was proclaimed Emperor here
• Countless soldiers passed through

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Treasurer’s House is managed by the National Trust and offers tours of the famous cellar.