A NEW tour highlighting York’s grisly past is launched next week.

The Bloody Tour of York will start from the garden of Treasurer’s House and will be led by guide ‘Mad Alice’, who will lead visitors through the snickelways of the city, telling of the gruesome goings-on that have been reported over the years.

Mad Alice will be in 19th-century dress, inspired by the local legend of Alice Smith who, according to the tale, was hanged at York Castle in 1823 on the grounds of insanity.

Alicia Stabler, tour guide, said: “Mad Alice is a great character to play - I’m looking forward to telling her story and uncovering the darker side of this historic city. It’s really fitting to be starting the tour from the garden of York’s most haunted house, especially with Halloween around the corner and the autumnal nights drawing in.”

The tour will run on Wednesday nights (September 24 and October 1, 8 and 15), starting at 6.30pm at the Treasurer’s House. After enjoying a warming glass of spiced apple juice or mulled cider in the garden, guests will be led through the surrounding streets, including ‘Mad Alice Lane’, hearing the bloody history of York along the way. The tour will last for approximately an hour.

Lisa Holden, visitor services manager at the Treasurer’s House, said: “This is a great feature of our autumn events listing, and attendees can expect to be entertained by the colourful tour guide, Mad Alice. Both locals and visitors to York will be sure to discover secrets about the city and enjoy a unique evening out.”

Tickets are £10 per person and can be booked at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/treasurershouse/

Meet at the garden gate of Treasurer’s House at 6.30pm.