THE man behind a popular York Ghost Walk has unveiled the mysterious story of the man who escaped death by the hangman's noose.

For many years there has been a curious custom in York of making a toast to Honest John for good luck. Now Mark Graham, of the Original Ghost Walk of York, which leaves from the King's Arms nightly, has uncovered the tale behind the toast.

According to Mark, Honest John was John Bartendale, a young piper, who was hanged for theft on March 27, 1634 despite a clear lack of evidence.

The judge behind the sentence was a notorious hanger who ignored John's pleas that he was an honest man.

John was hanged near Micklegate Bar, cut down and buried. But several hours later, travellers spotted John's burial mound moving and watched in amazement as the piper emerged naked from the pile of soil.

No sooner had John escaped his grave when he was arrested and brought before the judge who condemned him. But this time the entire city petitioned his release and an eminent gentleman argued on John's behalf that God had passed his judgement when he allowed him to survive.

The story says that Honest John was freed by the judge to rapturous cheers from the crowd.

Mark said: "Honest John, as he became known, led a long and happy life as a publican in the city.

People travelled from far and wide to hear his story and drink to his health, hoping to share a drop of his good fortune."

He compiled the story, using information from secret sources, for the York Brewery pub, The Last Drop Inn.

The pub intends to display the tale and encourage customers to drink a toast to Honest John.

Updated: 10:45 Monday, April 21, 2003