The Case of the Busby Stoop Chair


Welcome back to Antiques Mysteries, where every object hides a story—and sometimes a warning. We’re digging into one of England’s most infamous haunted relics: the Busby Stoop Chair. Suspended above the bar in a North Yorkshire pub, this crooked oak seat is said to bring death to anyone who dares sit in it.

But there’s a twist: furniture experts say the chair may be a century too young for the crime it’s tied to.

So how do you tell the age of a chair? In this episode, we explore the subtle but revealing clues:

  • Joinery techniques, like hand-cut mortise-and-tenon joints vs. machine-made precision.
  • Tool marks and peg placement, which evolved as craftsmanship gave way to industrial methods.
  • Turnings and leg shapes, which reflect shifting styles and available technology.
  • Even the tree’s growth rings can hint at when the wood was harvested.

Join us as we unravel the layers of legend and lumber in The Chair That Shouldn’t Exist.

🎧 Listen now—and whatever you do, keep your feet on the floor.

Note: The chair in the image is not the actual chair from the pub. You can find images of the actual chair online.


Portland Art Events Calendar

Discover more from Urban Art & Antiques

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a comment

Antiques Mysteries and Great Paintings from Urban Art Antiques | Listen Notes