Since 1795, the Bell in Hand Tavern has been serving drinks and hospitality to the people of Boston. Often billed as America's oldest continuously operating tavern, it has witnessed the full sweep of American history, from the early days of the Republic through the Civil War, Prohibition, two World Wars, and into the modern era. But according to those who work and drink there, the Bell in Hand's long history has left more than just memories—it has left ghosts. The spirits of beloved regulars, dedicated bartenders, and perhaps even founder Jimmy Wilson himself are said to still walk the tavern's floors, eternally enjoying the establishment they loved in life.
Did you know?
- The Bell in Hand Tavern was founded in 1795 by Jimmy Wilson, who served as Boston's town crier for 50 years.
- The tavern's name comes from the bell Wilson carried as town crier, which he rang to gather crowds for his announcements.
- It is often billed as the oldest continuously operating tavern in the United States, although it closed in 1915 and did not reopen until 1934.
- Legend says a speakeasy ran in the basement during Prohibition, but historical accounts say the tavern was closed in those years.
- Daniel Webster, Paul Revere, and other historical figures are said to have frequented the establishment.
Paranormal Activity at the Bell in Hand Tavern
The Phantom Town Crier
Many believe that founder Jimmy Wilson never left his beloved tavern. Staff members have reported hearing the distinct sound of a bell ringing when no bell is present, particularly in the early morning hours before opening. Some witnesses describe seeing an elderly man in colonial dress standing near the entrance, as if welcoming guests. When approached, he vanishes. Those who have encountered this spirit say they feel an overwhelming sense of hospitality and warmth, matching historical accounts of Wilson's generous nature.
The Regular Who Never Left
Bartenders and servers frequently report strange occurrences at a particular corner table that was supposedly the favorite spot of a long-time regular who died in the 1950s. Drinks left at nearby tables are sometimes found moved to this corner seat. The chair occasionally appears pulled out, as if recently occupied, even when staff are certain it was pushed in. Some witnesses claim to have seen a shadowy figure sitting at the table, particularly on Friday evenings—the night the regular always visited. The figure appears to be holding a glass, raising it in a silent toast before fading away.
The Prohibition Bartender
According to legend, a speakeasy operated in the basement during Prohibition (historical accounts say the tavern itself was closed in those years), and one of its bartenders was killed in a raid. His spirit is said to haunt the basement and bar area. Staff members report bottles moving on their own, particularly whiskey bottles. Sometimes glasses are found arranged in patterns on the bar after closing, when all the staff are certain they were put away. The ghost seems particularly active during the late-night hours when the speakeasy would have been busiest.
Ghostly Conversations
Perhaps the most commonly reported phenomenon is the sound of conversation and laughter when the tavern is empty. Staff members closing up late at night frequently hear what sounds like a lively discussion or jovial laughter coming from the main room. When they investigate, the room is always empty, but some report a lingering warmth in the air, as if the space had just been filled with people. A few witnesses claim to have briefly seen translucent figures seated at the bar before they vanished, leaving only the echo of their merriment behind.
Brief History of the Bell in Hand Tavern
The Bell in Hand Tavern was established in 1795 by Jimmy Wilson, a beloved Boston character who had served as the city's town crier for half a century. Wilson's job involved walking through the streets ringing his bell and making public announcements about everything from lost children to new laws to upcoming events. When he retired from this position, he used his savings and his fame to open a tavern.
Wilson named his establishment the Bell in Hand after the bell he had carried for so many years. The tavern quickly became popular with Bostonians of all classes, from laborers to merchants to politicians. Its location near Faneuil Hall and the waterfront made it a natural gathering place for those doing business in the area.
The tavern's first home was near the site of today's City Hall, in the basement of the Exchange Coffee House; in 1853 it moved to Williams Court (Pi Alley). It moved several times over the centuries, always remaining in the general vicinity of its founding location. Each move brought the tavern's loyal following with it, along with its growing collection of stories and, apparently, spirits.
The Bell in Hand closed in January 1915, when its building was slated for redevelopment, and stayed closed through Prohibition before reopening on Devonshire Street in 1934. Legend nonetheless places a basement speakeasy here in those years, and some say that is when much of the tavern's paranormal activity began, though reports of hauntings are said to date back to the 19th century.
Today, the Bell in Hand Tavern operates at 45 Union Street, steps from Faneuil Hall. It continues to serve as a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, offering traditional pub fare and a full bar. The current owners embrace the tavern's long history and its haunted reputation, recognizing that both the living and the dead have made the Bell in Hand what it is—an enduring piece of Boston history. Its ghosts are part of a city-wide phenomenon — discover why the spirits of Boston have never moved on.
Visitor Information
The Bell in Hand Tavern is an active bar and restaurant, open daily to visitors. The establishment welcomes guests interested in both its historical significance and its haunted reputation.
The tavern serves traditional pub food and offers a full bar with an emphasis on craft beers. Historic photographs and memorabilia decorate the walls, celebrating its long-standing claim to be America's oldest continuously operating tavern.
To explore more of Boston's haunted drinking establishments, join our Boston Haunted Pub Crawl. You'll visit historic taverns throughout the city while hearing the ghost stories and dark history that make Boston one of America's most haunted cities.
Location
45 Union Street Boston, MA 02108
Inside the Bell in Hand, one of Boston's oldest taverns, where staff say spirits still gather
The bar at the Bell in Hand, where staff say phantom bartenders still serve ghostly patrons
