York is renowned for its many ghosts, New Walk being no exception. The spectral figure of a man on horseback regularly spotted on the site of St George’s Field, wearing a black cape and tricorn hat is thought to be none other than the feared highwayman Dick Turpin. York’s celebrated rogue was hanged on the Knavesmire in York in 1739, only a few years after the opening of New Walk. St George’s Field was also a favoured area for noblemen in the 18th century to settle their scores. An unidentified blood-curdling scream may well be that of the Earl of Stafford who died in a duel of honour early one morning on this piece of land.