We know what you’re thinking: why would we choose a humble Italian restaurant as our subject for this month’s Time Travel? Because, as is the case with many buildings in York, it’s not just a humble Italian restaurant. The building at number 45 Goodramgate has quite a colourful history – and it’s not just red, white and green. So put your feet up, grab a cuppa, and get ready to learn all about the secrets behind this iconic property – including the chilling tale about one of York’s saddest ghost stories.
It’s no surprise that this beautiful Grade I listed building was said to have been built in the late 15th or early 16th century. Its three storeys jut outwards as they rise, and the timber framing on the white walls gives it a truly unique appearance. Owned by the York Conservation Trust since 1957, 45 Goodramgate existed for many years as a café before becoming La Piazza. And that journey has also reached its end now that business owner Emilio Comito and his family have, at the time of writing, put the restaurant up for sale – with a leasehold starting price of £150,000.
But its deeper history holds far darker secrets than this.
A DARK PAST
Allow us to share with you the tale of Marmaduke Buckle. Said to be one of the saddest ghost stories to roam the streets of York, the story of Mr. Buckle has become a real talking point for ghost walks and tourists alike.
Marmaduke Buckle was said to have been born in 1697, to a wealthy family; and lived in 45 Goodramgate. However, Marmaduke was disabled – and unfortunately, disabilities in the 1700s weren’t as well received or understood as they are today. Because of that, Marmaduke’s name was tainted by the people of York.
The fact that poor Marmaduke was handicapped meant that he was accused of witchcraft, and it was said that his ailments were works of the devil. He’d had enough of being tormented, so Marmaduke eventually retreated upstairs; to look down over the people of Goodramgate.
It became too much for Mr. Buckle though, and he sadly turned to suicide. After etching his name, date of birth and date into the wall of his room, he hanged himself on a nearby beam. He was said to have been just 18 years old. Oh, and you can actually still see these etchings with your own eyes. Harrowing or what?
As with any dark tale, it’s rumoured that the ghost of Marmaduke Buckle still roams 45 Goodramgate. People have reported flickering lights and slamming doors; and it’s also said that he haunts the adjacent Snickleway Inn pub.
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS
This beautiful building certainly has lots of scope for a unique future. Its architecture is stunning regardless of its history – but the fact that it’s genuinely of its era makes it even more authentic. This premise has plenty of talking points.
And now, with the imminent sale of La Piazza, it seems the current chapter is coming to an end for 45 Goodramgate – and more history is to be made. Emilio isn’t doing things by half though – the man behind the pizza is selling his business through specialist property business advisor, Christie & Co, to enjoy retirement after 25 years.
Simon Burbridge, Business Agent for Christie & Co, says: “La Piazza presents a very exciting opportunity for new owners to either continue serving excellent genuine Italian food or take this fantastic city centre building and create something new and exciting along Goodramgate.
“This sort of building, coupled with its history and success is sure to attract huge amounts of interest. We have seen a surge in the numbers of leasehold hospitality businesses being bought and sold in recent times and this should be no different.”
So, could you make history? Maybe you could be the talk of a future edition of Your Local Link’s Time Travel…
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