History, Legends, and Chilling Tales

The Cursed Chair of Death at Thirsk Museum is an infamous artifact believed to bring fatal misfortune to those who dare sit on it. Known locally as Busby’s Stoop Chair, its reputation roots back to the execution of Thomas Busby in the early 18th century, who is said to have cursed the chair before his death.

For decades, stories have circulated about mysterious accidents and sudden deaths linked to people who sat in this unassuming oak seat. After numerous incidents, the chair was moved to Thirsk Museum, where it is now mounted high on a wall so no one can sit on it.

Visitors to the museum are still drawn to the chilling legend, curious to see the object blamed for so much alleged tragedy. The chair’s ongoing presence in the museum ensures the tale continues to intrigue and unsettle all who learn about it.

The Origins of the Cursed Chair of Death

The infamous Death Chair, sometimes known as Busby’s Stoop Chair, is closely tied to a chilling tale of murder, execution, and superstition in North Yorkshire. Its reputation is shaped by its {historical setting, its connection to convicted murderer Thomas Busby, and the legacy associated with Busby Stoop}.

Historical Background

The chair’s origins date back to the early 18th century. Made of oak with a simple, sturdy design, it once resided in a local inn in the village of Thirsk, Yorkshire. The inn itself became known as the Busby Stoop Inn.

This region of England was no stranger to tales of crime and punishment, especially during a period when public executions were common. The chair came to wider notice because of events surrounding Thomas Busby, a figure who was well-known in the area at the time.

Artifacts like the Death Chair often gained notoriety due to unnerving incidents or associations with tragic events. Over time, stories surrounding this particular chair began to circulate, giving rise to rumors of it being cursed.

Connection to Thomas Busby

Thomas Busby was a local man infamous for his criminal behavior and violent temper. In 1702, Busby murdered his father-in-law, Daniel Auty, after a heated argument—allegedly over this very chair. He was later convicted and hanged for the crime.

According to legend, Busby put a curse on the chair shortly before his execution. He reportedly declared that anyone who sat in it would meet an untimely death. This claim, whether genuine or invented, cemented the chair’s dark reputation in regional folklore.

It is this personal link between Busby and the chair that underpins much of the legend. The narrative of a man, his violent act, and his supposed dying words lends the chair a singular place in local history.

Significance of Busby Stoop

The chair’s notoriety is inseparable from the Busby Stoop Inn, where it remained for many years. Visitors and locals alike associated the inn—and especially the chair—with unexplained deaths. Reports of fatal accidents or misfortune involving those who sat in the chair fuelled beliefs in its deadly curse.

Museum staff at the Thirsk Museum, which now houses the chair, have emphasized its troubling history. As a precaution and due to ongoing superstitions, the chair is suspended from the ceiling rather than placed on the floor, preventing anyone from sitting on it.

Key Points:

The chair’s association with Busby’s execution and the violence that preceded it
Local accounts linking unexplained deaths to the chair
The museum’s role in preserving and presenting this artifact as a piece of folklore and cautionary history

The Infamous Incident: murder and Execution

In 1702, a grim event took place involving Thomas Busby and his father-in-law Daniel Awety. Their relationship, marked by criminal activity and personal animosity, would end with one dead and the other condemned.

Details of the Crime

Thomas Busby and Daniel Awety were more than family—they were partners in crime, running illicit operations in North Yorkshire. Tensions escalated when an argument broke out at Busby’s Inn, where both men had been drinking. The conflict reportedly centered on Awety trying to remove Busby’s wife from the inn, sparking Busby's rage.

The confrontation soon turned violent. Busby fatally attacked Awety, bludgeoning him to death. The body was later found near a local woodland. This murder not only ended their criminal partnership but also cast a shadow over Busby’s reputation in Thirsk.

Local authorities quickly suspected Busby due to his volatile history with Awety. He was arrested and put on trial, with ample evidence linking him to the crime.

The Role of daniel awety

Daniel Awety played a major role in both Busby’s criminal enterprises and his ultimate downfall. Awety had married his daughter to Busby, creating a business and family bond. Together, they managed various illegal schemes from the inn.

Awety was known to be a sharp and assertive operator, controlling much of the illegal trade in the region. His stern manner and disagreements with Busby often led to disputes. On the day of the murder, Awety’s intention to disrupt Busby’s family life directly triggered the fatal altercation.

Eyewitness reports and testimonies emphasized Awety’s combative nature and the longstanding friction with Busby. This dynamic was crucial in understanding the circumstances that led to the murder.

Execution at the gibbet

After his conviction, Thomas Busby was sentenced to death by hanging. The execution took place at a public gibbet near Thirsk, drawing a significant local crowd.

Busby’s final request was to have a drink in his favorite chair at the inn, a detail that would later fuel the legend of the cursed chair. He was then taken to the gibbet, where the sentence was carried out without delay.

Records from the time show the community reacted with a mix of fear and satisfaction. The public nature of Busby’s execution reinforced the seriousness of his crime and left a lasting mark on local history.

Legend of the Busby Stoop Chair

The Busby Stoop Chair, often referred to as the "Death Chair," is rooted in local folklore from North Yorkshire. This wooden seat is linked to a string of ominous stories and is displayed at the Thirsk Museum, drawing both curiosity and caution.

The Curse and Its Claims

According to legend, Thomas Busby, a convicted murderer, cursed the chair in 1702 just before his execution. He reportedly declared that anyone who sat in his favorite oak chair would meet an untimely death. This supposed curse has made the chair a notorious object in British folklore. Some museum accounts mention that Busby’s curse was a reaction to a deep personal grievance.

The busby stoop chair has since become a symbol of ill fate. As stories spread, many locals refused to sit in it, fearing consequences. This enduring reputation contributed to its relocation from a local pub to secure display at the museum.

Stories of Sudden Death

Multiple reports claim that those who sat in the cursed chair experienced an unexpected demise shortly after. During the Second World War, airmen from a nearby base supposedly challenged the legend, only to never return from their missions. There are anecdotal accounts from the busby stoop inn’s patrons, describing a string of unfortunate events linked with the chair.

Lists and records about these incidents are largely anecdotal rather than confirmed. However, the sheer number of similar stories over decades has bolstered the chair’s sinister reputation.

Incident Type Time Period Claimed Result Airmen sit in chair 1940s Fatal accidents/missions Locals use chair 20th century Unexplained deaths or injury Delivery drivers Various Sudden fatal crashes

The Role of the Busby Stoop Inn

The busby stoop inn was once the chair’s most famous location, becoming central to the legend itself. The inn, which took its name from the notorious chair, became a gathering site for those intrigued or unsettled by the tale. Visitors and locals would test fate by sitting in the chair, often after hearing warnings from the staff.

Over time, the reports of fatal accidents grew, especially after people left the pub. The inn ultimately chose to remove the chair from use, sending it to Thirsk Museum for public display. Today, its presence in the museum is a direct result of its infamous reputation, and the chair is no longer accessible for anyone to sit in.

Thirsk Museum and the Chair’s Display

Thirsk Museum in North Yorkshire has become closely associated with the infamous Busby’s Stoop Chair. This once-ordinary oak chair now draws attention for its dark history and the stringent safety measures in place to guard against its supposed curse.

The Journey to thirsk museum

After a series of unexplained deaths and accidents linked to the chair, it was removed from its previous location at the Busby Stoop Inn. In 1978, the inn’s landlord, seeking public safety, donated the chair to Thirsk Museum.

The museum accepted the artifact due to its strong ties to local folklore. Thirsk Museum now houses the chair as one of its most notable exhibits, emphasizing its origins and chilling reputation.

Transporting the chair was handled with care, not due to its monetary value, but the alleged risks associated with its curse. The move was coordinated in a way to avoid direct contact where possible, reflecting public concern at the time.

Safety Measures and the Exhibit

The museum refuses to allow anyone to sit in the chair. Staff have mounted the chair high on a wall, out of reach of visitors, as a direct safety precaution.

A summary of key precautions:

Measure Description Elevated Mount Chair placed high on a wall Restricted Access No visitor or staff can sit or touch Display Signage Warnings and historical context provided

Curatorial notes explain the reasoning for these measures, citing decades of fatal incidents associated with sitting in the chair. The museum presentation strives to inform rather than sensationalize, giving visitors the facts behind the caution.

Public Reactions and Popularity

Since arriving at Thirsk Museum, the chair has become a focal point in the collection. Many visitors come specifically to view the so-called “Chair of Death,” making it one of the most discussed items in the museum.

Reactions vary from skepticism to genuine unease. Some visitors are curious about the curse and its origins, while others express nervousness even being near the chair.

Staff report frequent questions about the chair’s past victims and why such stringent safety steps are needed. Newspaper articles and local media often highlight the exhibit, boosting both the museum’s profile and attendance figures each year.

WWII Airmen and the Chair’s Deadly Reputation

During World War II, Busby’s Stoop Chair became intertwined with local airmen from nearby bases. Rumors of fatal accidents following contact with the chair spread among both British and Canadian servicemen stationed in Yorkshire.

Royal Air Force Encounters

RAF personnel often visited the pub where the chair was originally kept while serving in North Yorkshire. The oak chair stood out due to its notoriety and stories of a curse placed by Thomas Busby before his execution.

Accounts emerged among the Royal Air Force that anyone who sat in the chair soon met with tragedy. Some RAF members reportedly dared each other to sit in it, treating the curse as a grim challenge amid the uncertainty of wartime.

The legend persisted as RAF airmen noticed a pattern of accidents and fatalities. These incidents were often attributed, at least in part, to the superstitious reputation of Busby's Stoop Chair.

Royal Canadian Air Force Tragedies

Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) were frequently stationed near Thirsk during the war. The chair’s reputation quickly made an impression on Canadian airmen, who often gathered at the same pub for relaxation between missions.

Several RCAF personnel who sat in the chair were reportedly involved in fatal crashes soon afterward. This sequence of misfortunes fueled belief among Canadian crews that the chair truly brought bad luck.

The association between the chair and RCAF casualties led to increased anxiety. Some Canadian squadrons made it a point to avoid contact with the infamous artifact altogether.

Airfield Stories and World War II Legends

Airmen at bases around Thirsk circulated stories about the chair, further amplifying its reputation across multiple squadrons. Anecdotes detailed lists of servicemen, particularly pilots, whose fates turned tragic after encounters with the chair.

Officers and ground crew alike shared warnings in mess halls and barracks. The chair was described as a "test of bravery" but also a reckless risk, given the number of superstitions tied to fatal accidents.

The ongoing tales transformed Busby’s Stoop Chair from a local curiosity into a World War II legend within the airfield communities of Yorkshire. Some museums and historians later attempted to verify the records, noting how folklore and fact became intertwined in the collective memory of wartime airmen.

Other Notable Victims and Anecdotes

Several unsettling incidents linked to the Cursed Chair of Death have persisted in local accounts. Specific cases, such as the deaths of a chimney sweep and a known forger, have drawn attention to the chair’s reputation for a pattern of violent demise.

The Chimney Sweep’s Fate

One of the most widely discussed incidents involves a young chimney sweep. Tasked with work at the Busby Stoop Inn, the sweep took a brief rest and sat on the chair—unaware of its grim legend. Within hours of leaving the inn, he reportedly suffered a fatal fall while cleaning a chimney in the village.

Witnesses at the time remarked on the unusual suddenness of the accident. The connection to the chair became a point of discussion throughout Thirsk, reinforcing beliefs in its deadly power. The incident’s details have appeared in local records and retellings, establishing the chimney sweep as one of the earliest known victims.

Key facts:

Victim: Young chimney sweep
Location: Thirsk region
Type of death: Violent accident (fall from chimney)
Circumstances: Sat on the chair before incident

The Forger Incident

An accident involving a known forger further added to the chair’s infamy. The forger, said to have been a regular at the Busby Stoop Inn, took the seat despite warnings from staff and locals. Shortly after, he was found dead under suspicious conditions, believed to be linked to his unlawful activities.

The community quickly associated his untimely death with the curse of the chair. The case was cited by inn patrons as further evidence of the chair’s supposed powers, particularly given the forger’s criminal background. His death contributed to the legend’s spread among both locals and travelers.

Key facts:

Victim: Local forger
Behavior: Ignored warnings
Death: Unexplained/violent, possibly tied to his crimes
Local belief: Direct consequence of sitting in the chair

Legacy, Cultural Impact, and Ongoing Mystery

The so-called Cursed Chair of Death has left a persistent mark on the history and culture of North Yorkshire. Its mysterious reputation continues to generate debate, public interest, and local folklore, connecting the past to ongoing intrigue.

Enduring Fascination and Media Representation

The chair’s sinister reputation and association with death have made it a subject of newspapers, documentaries, and online articles. Its legacy was cemented after the Busby Stoop Inn incident, where locals and visitors alike became wary of sitting in it.

Thirsk Museum, where the chair now resides, receives steady visits from those drawn by curiosity or a belief in the paranormal. Paranormal investigators, tourists, and local schools routinely ask about the chair, boosting regional interest. Some media outlets highlight the fatal connections, often focusing on stories like the 1978 brewery inspector who allegedly died after sitting in it.

Television segments and podcasts continue to present the chair’s story, contributing to its status as a cultural curiosity in North Yorkshire. The museum reinforces this by prominently displaying the chair, yet making it inaccessible to prevent further incidents and respect the legend.

Modern Interpretations and Myths

Legends linking the chair to Thomas Busby, a convicted murderer of the 17th century, remain central to its modern status as a cursed object. Stories often claim Busby cursed the oak chair before his 1702 execution, warning that anyone who sits on it would die.

Over time, new myths and rumors have been added. For example, reports of untimely deaths linked to the chair often lack verifiable evidence but fuel superstition. People debate if the curse is a string of coincidences or evidence of something unexplained.

The tale has become a prominent case study in discussions about cursed objects, fate, and collective belief. School groups and local historians in Thirsk use the chair as a starting point for exploring the role of folklore in shaping community identity and memory.

Links to kirby wiske and danotty hall

The origins and travels of the chair are intertwined with local places such as Kirby Wiske and Danotty Hall. Some versions of the legend mention that Thomas Busby lived near Kirby Wiske before his execution, and that he may have visited or even obtained the chair from Danotty Hall.

Both locations have become part of the wider narrative, with Kirby Wiske sometimes cited as the true source of the tale. Tourists or researchers looking to trace the chair’s history often seek out landmarks in these villages.

In heritage discussions within North Yorkshire, connections between the chair, Kirby Wiske, and Danotty Hall add layers to the legend. These links highlight the deep roots of the story in the local landscape, keeping interest alive beyond the Thirsk Museum’s walls.

Visitor Information and Cultural Preservation

Visiting Thirsk Museum offers individuals the chance to view the infamous Busby Stoop Chair firsthand. The museum stresses visitor safety, artifact protection, and respect for personal data when engaging with the exhibit.

Public Engagement With the Exhibit

The Busby Stoop Chair is one of Thirsk Museum’s most notable displays. To protect both visitors and the artifact, the chair is securely mounted and clearly marked as off-limits for sitting. Informational panels provide the history of the chair, its alleged curse, and key details about Thomas Busby’s story.

Guided tours are scheduled regularly for those interested in deeper context or local folklore. Museum staff are available to answer questions and discuss the cultural implications of keeping such items on display. Photography is usually allowed, but flash use may be restricted to avoid damaging artifacts.

Visitor feedback is encouraged. Guests can submit comments or questions in-person or through the museum’s website, supporting educational goals and community engagement.

Consent, Cookie Policy, and Personal Data

Thirsk Museum collects minimal personal data, primarily through its website for online bookings, feedback, or newsletter subscriptions. Clear consent is requested whenever personal details are entered. Information about how data is used and stored is found in the museum’s privacy policy, which complies with UK data protection law.

The museum website uses cookies to enhance navigation and gather anonymous analytics on visitor use. A cookie policy statement is posted, and visitors are prompted to accept or adjust cookie settings on their first visit. No personal information is shared with third parties without explicit consent from the user. Those wanting to update or delete their data can contact the museum directly for assistance.

The Cursed Chair of Death at Thirsk Museum Unveiled