WHO or WHAT is Death in a Chocolate Box?

Inspired by true crime stories from the Victorian era and through the lives of ordinary people whose tales are woven into the rich fabric of an ancient city’s social history – Death in a Chocolate Box offers walking tours through the streets of York.

Meticulously researched and innovative – our tours are designed to offer an informative and unique walk with an experienced storyteller.

You can also discover a selection of thoughtful gifts in our on-line store, including our unique ‘Yorky Grit’ AND there is some rather attractive and sustainable gift wrap available too!

Are YOU Ready to Tuck In?

WALK with us through the snickelways and secret passageways of York awhile or WANDER into the macabre and twilight world of the Lady Brigante…

SIGN UP for The Brigante Chronicles to grab the scoop about the exciting discoveries.

BROWSE the shelves of our emporium for the deliciously unusual or BECOME a fellow taphophile on our forum – Beneath Thy Feet.

WELCOME to Death in a Chocolate Box!

Panel 1

The Ghosts of Christmas Past?

‘What is Christmas?

It is the tenderness of the past,

Courage for the present, and hope for the future.’

~ Agnes M. Pahro

With a nod to the festive season, Death in a Chocolate Box presents a new walking tour for December 2021 – The Ghosts of Christmas Past.

For those of a curious and hardy temperament – why not come along and listen to the Lady Brigante one December evening as she shares with you the tales of those ordinary folk including the tale of the brave soldier, a tragic war wife, the Christmas Day drunk, and a dreadful river accident.

And ALL lost to history – until now!

To the Box Office?

Panel 3

‘Twixt Night & Morn!

The Lady Brigante loves nothing more than shocking unsuspecting folk with the tale that she was abandoned at birth by gypsies and raised en famille with kindly mice in the crypt of an old church.

Alas! The truth is altogether more unremarkable.

For although blessed with an illustrious and extensive lineage – Lady B was in truth raised in genteel affluence in the shadow of the ceremonial stone gatehouse of Micklegate in the ancient City of York.

A dreamer from birth with a taste for history and the irresistible urge to create…

My Lady Brigante!

Panel 4

Ordinary People. Extraordinary Deaths.

Pregnant and suffering from severe sickness, a young mother along with her husband and toddler son are living in a quiet area of York and one chilly February evening – things took a turn for the worse.

As a post mortem examination revealed that Mrs Byrne had died as a result of a brain haemorrhage caused by some kind of mysterious ingested poison – an inquest into her death was opened.

A Meander To Monkgate

Florence in Shadow

Florence Byrne

One early July morning a young father along with his brother-in-law and nephew went for a spot of fishing on the outskirts of York.

Shortly before midday, a huge storm erupted and they ran for cover under a large bush far from the riverside. However, no sooner had they escaped from the torrential down pour – there was a huge flash of lightening and a crash of thunder…

A Wander Along Walmgate

A Fisherman in Shadow

Thomas William Casper