The history of the Golden Slipper covers the period from the 15th / 16th century when the north east portion was built through to the 19th century when the remainder was complete and the Victorian brick facade added.

It is not known how long it has been an Inn, but it certainly was in 1821 when William Brown was hanged on Baile Hill for robbing John Armstrong when he "was returning from having a few the sign of the Slipper in Goodramgate, Armstrong had been severely beaten and thrown into the river until he was stiff and stagnated with cold" ( Gazette 17th -24th March 1821 ) Brown was only the second person to be executed at the City Goal, and only the third person for York in 27 years.

York Herald Saturday April 1826:-

Strike amongst the bricklayers -" a meeting was held at Mrs March's, at the sign of The Slipper in Goodramgate, on Wednesday evening last", it goes on to say that as the employers having combined to reduce the wages of the journey men two shillings per week - a reduction which the men refused to accede, and a "strike " has been the result.

During the alterations the Golden Slipper in 1984 the workmen found a mediaeval leather slipper, one of two that are built into 14th century buildings to ward off evil spirits. The other shoe would have belonged to a child, but was never found. However, the old leather shoe is on display in a showcase in the passageway to the Yardon.

In the front snug you can see where a "coffin drop " was located (the ceiling is lower) this would enable the bodies to leave the building into the side passage. It was regarded as very unlucky for a body to leave via the door and at the front of the building. 

We hope these snippets of history about the Golden Slipper help you to really appreciate and love as we do this village type Pub in the heart of York.