The Haunted Woman | A Ghost Story by Allen Upward | A Bitesized Audio Production
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- Опубликовано: 25 ноя 2021
- Jack Hargreaves and Alwyne Sargent now have quite the reputation as ghost hunters, and their fame is spreading. Lady Maria Throgmorton has read of their previous cases and asks for their help in dealing with a strange manifestation at her family estate... but she is the only person in the household who ever sees it.
A new, original recording of a classic public domain text, read and performed by Simon Stanhope for Bitesized Audio.
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There is not a great deal of reliable biographical information available about George Allen Upward (1863-1926). Born of Welsh parentage, he studied law at the Royal University of Ireland in Dublin in the early 1880s. He became a vocal supporter of nationalist causes including Irish Home Rule, composing poetry and journalism for the cause. He attempted to start a political career but was defeated in his attempts to stand for parliament in the Labour interest. Upward was the author of a number of popular but now-forgotten novels, including 'A Crown of Straw' (1896) and 'A Bride's Madness' (1897), and although highly prolific, indeed bestselling, in his day, his work has now fallen into comparative obscurity. (Incidentally he was a cousin of the rather better remembered novelist Edward Upward, 1903-2009.) Allen Upward died of a gunshot wound in November 1926 at the age of 63, apparently self-inflicted, although the exact circumstances are unclear and there has been some speculation as to whether it was suicide or accident, or if any third parties were involved.
Between December 1905 and April 1906, Upward published a series of five short stories in 'The Royal Magazine' under the banner title "The Ghost Hunters", rather grandiosely described as "A New Series of exciting Ghost Stories. They are entirely Different in Conception from Anything of the Kind that has ever been Published before." In fact they are not so very different from many of the ghost stories which were popular in the Edwardian era, but they are of interest inasmuch as they depict a male and female ghost-hunting duo in the shape of the narrator Mr. Hargreaves, an estate agent who has ended up specialising in selling haunted houses (making a profit by laying the spirits to rest), and his "lady secretary" Miss Alwyne Sargent, who is a clairvoyant and "sensitive". Hargreaves and Sargent were thus an early example of the Edwardian vogue for "occult detectives", which culminated a few years later with the stories of Hope Hodgson's Carnacki and Algernon Blackwood's John Silence. However, although a couple of the individual stories have occasionally appeared in ghost story anthologies in the 20th century the series as a whole never appeared in book form, and the stories and characters have been rather overlooked.
'The Haunted Woman' is the fifth and last story in the sequence, and originally appeared in 'The Royal Magazine' in April 1906. Each story is stand-alone, but for those who prefer to listen from the beginning of the series the preceding episodes can be heard here:
The Green House, Wallington: • The Green House, Walli...
The Tapping on the Wainscot: • The Tapping on the Wai...
The Secret of Horner's Court: • The Secret of Horner's...
The Two Roses: • The Two Roses | A Ghos...
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2021. 
Развлечения
'The Haunted Woman' is the fifth and last story in the Ghost Hunters serial, which originally appeared in 'The Royal Magazine' between December 1905 and April 1906. The preceding episodes can be heard here:
1. The Green House, Wallington: ruclips.net/video/ClxptW0Ee8I/видео.html
2. The Tapping on the Wainscot: ruclips.net/video/lcEPK4Ypmjg/видео.html
3. The Secret of Horner's Court: ruclips.net/video/asIJ2rYQQwg/видео.html
4. The Two Roses: ruclips.net/video/hqtTET9i-vs/видео.html
This member of the public is *very* interested in Alwyn's personal messages to her fiance 👃.
Thank you for this, Simon. Beautifully read, as usual. What a shame the series is so short, I could listen to many more of their adventures.
Me too!
Yes exactly
He obviously decided to quit while he was ahead! Unless there's a lost follow-up series out there, waiting to be rediscovered? I'll keep digging...
"My wife..."
Yes, I screamed with glee from this. I have waited for the rest of the series since you started reading them and thank you profusely for your amazing work.
Wonderful! Glad I've managed to complete the sequence at last
In all Allen Upward's stories, one can sense a very noticeable Victorian trait. And your narration - as well - has made it seem so indeed. Brilliant as ever, Simon!
😊l
Loved it, another magnificent story, I'm not the only one to regret that he didn't write any more in the series.
You certainly aren't! Perhaps someone will take on the task of writing some sequels....?
I’m really enjoying these Allen Upward stories. I’d never heard of him before you posted them.
Glad to know you've enjoyed them, thanks Martin
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series, each one better than the last. Keep up the good work Simon. Take care.😊
That's good to know, thanks Shannon. Funnily enough when researching this series I found an old review which said the opposite, that the stories get progressively weaker as they go on. I think that's unfair really; it certainly adds something to have the through-line of the developing relationship between the main characters
@@BitesizedAudio Yes! I was so glad to see their relationship have a happy ending for them and the series.
The prosecco is on ice! ❤
What a shame there were so few stories in this series! Thank you very much for sharing them with us.
I'm really enjoying these Allen Upward stories. I've been listening to one a night before I go to bed.
Excellent - glad I've managed to complete the sequence at last!
Me boi! And me girl! Back again!
Yes indeed. Alas, it's their curtain call!
@@BitesizedAudio I will miss them 🙏🏻😔
I've absolutely loved this series! Thanks so much for introducing us to it!
You're welcome! Glad to know you enjoyed them
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. Simon, your narration throughout it has been brilliant. These stories should be adapted for a television limited series. I think that Kiera Knightley and Ewan McGregor would be perfect casting as our ghost hunting couple. The series could be titled . The Dead Letter Office.💀✨
Thanks Scott. Maybe worth pitching to some producers...!
Perfect timing for one of my favorite series here. Thank you so much!
Glad to help! Thanks Cynthia
Extremely well read as always. Thankyou .
Appreciated, thank you!
Another wonderfully read story. Thank you so much. X
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Simone
I thought 'Mrs Sergent' saw the apparition, too
As I understood it, Miss S saw the apparition only because she was "connected", with her clairvoyant powers, to Lady T... so when Lady T goes away, the apparition follows/goes with her...
So good! And a wedding too!
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
All's well that ends well...?
@@BitesizedAudio But of course!🌹
"And they lived happily ever after!"
I’m certainly going to miss these stories. They are very clever. I can’t say I’m pleased that once the vows were said the adventures stopped! But it’s remarkable how an older, overly painted woman is a signal in stories that “here is a bad’un.” As soon as he mentioned all those cosmetics I knew she was bad and going to get her just desserts. Wonderful reading as always. I can’t wait for your next treat! Thank you!
I can't help but suspect that Alwyne is going to carry on her ghost hunting activities, irrespective of her husband's opinion on the matter! Potential for a follow-up series there....?
@@BitesizedAudio Hope springs eternal!
Thank you Simon.
Awesome everytime!~♡⚘
Kind of you to say so, thank you Nancy!
Wonderfully read...thank you for this presentation... I watch for additions to the channel regularly!
Thank you David, appreciated!
💖An absolute delight Simon💖
Simon, what a pleasure to hear you.....surely the best narrator on youtube!
Very kind of you to say so, thank you!
Great again Simon ! Many thanks !
Thank you for reading 👏👏
I knew it! Yay! Thank you Simon!!
Yes indeed, you were one of the first to call it I think! Thanks Gina
The only thing wrong with these stories is that there are so few of them. They are truly delightful and the reading is , of course, as usual superb. Thanks, Simon. Pat in New Jersey
That was thoroughly enjoyable. I wonder why he stopped writing these particular tales? They were quite the winning team. Always nice to have a a touch of romantic affection threaded throughout a story. I didn't expect that ending - having formulated my own. The reading, as always, was an utter joy. ❤
Thanks Bob! I feel compelled to ask, and surely I'm not the only one who wants to know.... what was the ending you had formulated?
@@BitesizedAudio Thanks, Simon. I had it in mind that the husband was indeed mad with grief and, somehow, in "preparing" his wife for burial he had trapped her spirt between this realm and the next and that Hargreaves would discover the coffin and resolve the matter in so doing.. Rather more ghoulish than the given ending! 😱
A very good story - thank you!
Period Ghostbusting. I smell a movie franchise... 🤔🎥😎
Brilliant!
Hats off to the Author and to you Sir
Thank you! Again. 💕
Love these ghost stories 👍🏻
Excellent, glad to know that! Thanks for listening
Love... Thank You!
This has been an interesting series.
Appreciated, thanks D R
Fascinating - though it doesn't address why Alwyn could see the spectre - hmmm .... Thank you though, I really enjoyed that
Wonderfully read as usual. Thank you so much.
Thanks Eric, glad to know you enjoyed it
Great conclusion to the series, its probably my favourite collection of short stories you've done. I look forward to your next audiobook (although I am dissapointed there will be no more of the haunted house estate agents)!
Thanks for listening! More stories coming soon(ish)...
Oh my God oh my God oh my God! I kept this for last night, but I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow! And I just remembered it now and I’m so excited! Thank you so much! This is my cup of tea as you probably know and remember which just shows how amazing person you are! We love you, everyone in this channel love’s you! Should there be an apostrophe in loves!?! Anyway you’re so professional and I think you are amazing at what you do!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thanks Maria. I hope you enjoy it!
I add my humble, thank you, for everything you do! From Texas
You really do this odd, Gothic tale justice. A perfect reading, perfect - in its slightly unctious, self-confident, "me and the fiancée" tone - to this particular "detective". Thank you, I can listen to this over and over! Go Throgmortons!
Wonderful, thank you! I've just been editing the five stories together into a single recording, for those who like a longer listen and would like to hear the whole cycle through from the start - hoping to upload in the next day or so
@@BitesizedAudio Wonderful, an excuse to listen to them all again from the beginning! Great idea!
Wonderful clear diction for us hard of hearing.. Thankyou
Glad to know that, thank you Anthea
Thanks for sharing. 😊
I love these stories they are so old fashioned and victorian all we need is a lovely comfortable cosy house howling winds and rain outside a very full stomach and a glass of wine in our hand or two oh and a nice roaring fire and just lie back and relax and enjoy
No way would Alwyn end up doing that ( isn't it nice when listeners second guess the author). Thank you very much.
I often feel the same way when I'm reading them... Thanks Susan
Yes! They’re back…who ya gonna call?!?
Interesting.
Thanks and subbed.
Wonderful
Yeah!!! A story read by Simon. By any chance, Simon, are you related to the CA Stanhope family? A very good and crazy movie, The White Ape, starring Brandon Frasier.
Not that I'm aware of! My family, so far as I've been able to trace it (back to about 1690) seems to come predominantly from the north west of England, Lancashire and Cheshire
@@BitesizedAudio That is cool. I can hear you laughing. Ha.
Thank you
You're welcome, thanks for listening Melanie
I love the stories and your wonderful narration , but this one was special simply because I had never heard the name "Elwin" except for my uncle Elwin Doggett , although I'm guessing there are many spellings . Thank you 💗💗💗💗
Wonderful story and excellent reader.
Thank you!
Amazingly, it kept its high standards, because although I fell asleep last night, I had heard the first seven or so minutes, which is why I was so excited to hear the rest of it! This has been one of my favourites on the entire channel or any channel, for that matter! I absolutely love ❤️ love this man’s work- he is an incredible writer! So the only reason that the secretary/clairvoyant, I don’t want to ruin this for anybody else.... So I will say it’s not clear whether it was a kind of esp or telepathy, or whether in fact The woman was actually seeing the ghost all along! Think of all the women that were put in asylums by their evil husbands or greedy ungrateful children! With the motive of getting their inheritance.... All they had to do was start a rumour....And as soon as you start saying “I’m not crazy,” and then raising your voice, which is only natural, considering! I dread to Think of what they must have gone through with medication and electro therapy etc! That must’ve gone on more than we think! I feel like I’ve just watched a movie! Absolutely brilliant! Thanks for another hit!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Gosh, high praise indeed! Thank you Maria!
Oh I almost forgot a nice warm cosy bed to retire too preferably with an electric blanket to keep warm
I am always left wanting to know their next adventure!
Thanks Missy. Yes, it seems Mr Upward was determined to follow the old maxim "leave 'em wanting more"...
Windy here and snow forecast so looking for creepy cosy stories.
That sounds like the ideal atmosphere for listening!
TY
Nice continuation of the story of Sargent Alwyn. At least a happy ending for this couple. Is there any more stories of them after they got married. As regards the Haunted woman it depicts the base instinct of human nature. Jealousy on the part of the protagonist brought her own downfall.
Hargreaves - always trying to maintain that proper Victorian manner even while dealing with the very “improper” ghost hunting and dealing with a decidedly more modern inclined sweetheart and partner.
I suspect that his staid version of their future life doesn’t fully describe the reality.
Quite so! Just because he's decided to give up ghost hunting doesn't mean she has to...
TS 30:34 chilling...as if ALL of this story isn't 😨😨😨 *TY Simon Stanhope*
You are most welcome as ever, thanks Miji!
I doubt if Alwyne will be switching off her abilities in the future! I very much like Allen Upward's name.
I'm sure you're right! Thanks Carol
Do something Charles Dickens for Xmas as I did a couple of days ago, but longer. One of his Xmas short stories. Bah humbug!
I did 'A Christmas Carol' last year during the winter lockdown (available here: ruclips.net/video/jZk9vpJkeNA/видео.html) but unfortunately due to pressure of other work and commitments I'm not able to do another long piece this Christmas... but I do have some more short pieces lined up, including some seasonal-themed stories. Thanks for subscribing!
@@BitesizedAudio Not to worry. I did a take of Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales last August. Always do them in August, ready. 🙂
Going through past ghost stories 😂😂
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ voice.
A happy ending for our Ghost hunting heros
Well deserved I'm sure. Thanks for listening Ady
What is the name of this Reader? He’s my favorite
Thank you Caralee, very kind of you to say so. I'm the reader, my name is Simon Stanhope. I usually put my name in the description underneath but I know that's not always very visible on some devices. Thanks for listening!
"Blood will out"...or so to speak...
Can anyone reading this suggest other fiction ghost story’s series for me !? Thank You 🎼👑
I don't understand. So the body was part of the dowager's guilt and madness. So why did the other woman see it? Am I missing something?
As I understand it, the reason Miss Sargent could see the apparition (while other people, like the maid, couldn't) was that she was clairvoyantly "tuned in" to the dowager, while occupying the same room. So once the dowager went away, the haunting went with her and Miss S couldn't see it any longer, it was connected to the person, not the room. I *think* that's it, anyway! Thanks for listening