The disturbing spectre which frequents the Cock and Bottle pub is usually identified as George Villiers was a wit, poet and politician who lived during the late l7th century reign of Charles II. His scandalous lifestyle and numerous affairs outraged society and surpassed even those of his sovereign. He had estates in Yorkshire and died in the county in 1687. It is said that he asked to be buried in York but his request was ignored and he lies in Westminster Abbey. George Villiers has achieved lasting fame as the hero of the nursery rhyme "Georgie Porgie". The reference to him running away "when the boys came out to play" refers to his downfall in Parliament in 1673.

The phantom at the Cock and Bottle, has a strong liking for women, drink and fun. A shadowy figure is sometimes seen sitting at a table near the fireplace in the bar but the phantom disappears when approached. In the upper storeys the ghost is more active. He appears as a large man with long flowing hair and embroidered clothing, a description which fits George Villiers. He appears only to women, sometimes in embarrassing circumstances.

One former landlady was in the shower soon after taking over the pub when she heard the door open. Through the frosted glass of the shower she saw a large man walk in and approach her. After a second or two spent watching her the man left and climbed upstairs towards the attic. The woman's startled cries brought her husband running and together they searched the upper floors. No sign of the man could be found.

Other women have been startled by the tall man who appears and vanishes with amazing suddeness. On occasion he has appeared to stroke, or even fondle, younger women who stray into his presence. Fortunately for the landlord, the spectre does not appear so often as to lose him customers. And fortunately for the prowling spectre, he is beyond the reach of mere mortal laws of sexual harassment!