Thurnley Abbey | A Ghost Story by Perceval Landon | A Bitesized Audio Production
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- What should one do if one encounters a ghost? Speak to it, suggests John Broughton, new owner of Thurnley Abbey. During a Mediterranean crossing, Broughton's friend Alistair Colvin recounts to a fellow passenger his experience visiting Thurnley...
A new, original recording of a classic public domain text, read and performed by Simon Stanhope for Bitesized Audio.
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Perceval Landon (1869-1927) was an English journalist and travel writer, little remembered today except for this one story, which has regularly featured in anthologies for over a century and frequently appears in "Top 10" lists of great ghost stories. He was born in Hastings, Sussex, to the Reverend Edward Henry Landon and his wife Caroline, nee Perceval; fans of historical trivia may be interested to know that, through his mother, he was apparently distantly related to Spencer Perceval (1762-1812), the only British prime minister to have been assassinated. He travelled widely and constantly in the course of his career, principally as a journalist, spending time in South Africa during the Boer War, India and Tibet, amongst many other places. He was a lifelong friend of Rudyard Kipling, and at one point had the use of a cottage on Kipling's estate in Sussex. He died in January 1927, aged 58, from (according to Kipling) "exposure and over-work", after a lifetime of travel.
Thurnley Abbey was apparently first published in McClure's Magazine in 1907; however it was subsequently expanded and published in Landon's collection, 'Raw Edges', which was published in 1908, and the revised version is the text which we know today.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2020.
and the addition of oval portraits of the authors adds a touch of nostalgia for old family portraits in the great old movies. genius!
Thanks Charlie - yes, that was my idea really, and personally I'm always interested to see what the author looked like, especially the more obscure ones. Appreciate your comments
Now that's odd- for me it echoes the little mementi mori pictures you find on old graves in Central Europe. Spooky. But works both ways! 💀
I’m so grateful to you for keeping us entertained during this awful crisis it means more than you could ever imagine to this senior member of the community.
Thank you Aoife, glad to know it helps a little. Best wishes to you and stay well, hoping for better times soon.
Fuel crisis 😂
V😊😊😊😊b b N😊b
I love Old English Ghost Stories….I,m a Senior who lives alone who find your readings immensely entertaining…Thank You So Much!!!!!
Classics in The time of Coronavirus . What a treat for us isolated oldies , many , many thanks 👌🏼
Thanks Christine, best wishes to you and hoping you stay safe... I'm aiming to keep uploading as regularly as possible, so long as caring responsibilities etc allow
Thank you very much for narrating these stories. The sound and timbre of your voice is wonderfully appropriate for the time they were written.
Bitesized Audio Classics
Please look after your caring before any other issues . First things first ! I am very certain that the majority of subscribers shall contain themselves until you next provide another delightful gem for their .....consumption . Looking forward to easier, and more positive times . Take care , delightful to
'meet ' your channel .
#sparehope
And young ones!!
I'm a huge fan of Victorian ghost stories. What a fantastic channel to find!
Wonderful, glad you found your way here!
Well something wonderful has happened. I had last night's story on speaker when my wife sat down next to me and we enjoyed it together. She is now a fan and tonight we will travel the theater of the mind together. Thank you my brother from another mother. Be well and safe. Thank you for these
Thanks Robert - same to you and your wife!
Awwwe!
What a delightful comment 👏
I love your phrase, the theater of the mind. Our imagination is such a blessing. 😊
Modern writers of the supernatural cannot come near to writing a story of this quality. The other horror sites with their tales of teenagers in abandoned buildings, incredibly thin monsters stalking campers and cursed highways, stories laced with grammatical goodies such as " me and my friends" and "we snuck out of the old house" I listen to for insomnia.
and also the ridiculous lost footage found. lolzz
yes i agree, they don't come close to classic writers.
@@javedsultan4830 Only writers like Lovecraft, Derleth and M.R. James could pull of the notebook found in an old house story.
So very true! I've always found the classics to be so comforting, somehow. You know what you're going to get with them. Quality, eloquence, elegance, wonderfully descriptive writing. I can't stand this modern cookie cutter cheesy stuff. This is why I'm such a fan of modern writers such as Reggie Oliver, Steve Duffy, Mark Valentine, Ron Weighell etc. Reading their work feels like reading the classics. Makes you feel like you need to be wearing your Sunday best when enjoying the luxury of a well written classic. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova is one great example of a modern novel in that style, and probably my most favorite modern novel, and it was a debut novel, shockingly. I can't get enough of these classic Victorian tales. Really makes one wonder what happened, as the world advanced how did the quality of the literary tale devolve into such trash? It's absolutely ridiculous.
Possibly because we've forgotten our concept of the soul
@@wendyarbes9514 - An Interesting Surmise. Hmmmm. Makes One Think.
I think I've said this before, but.. thanks for introducing me to so many names/stories I wouldn't have encountered otherwise.
Thank you so much for these brilliant stories and all your hard work. Your voice is wonderful, perfect for reading them and sometimes puts me in mind of Geoffrey Palmer. Take care in these difficult times and thank you again!
Thanks for listening, and taking the time to comment. I'm flattered by the Geoffrey Palmer comparison, he is wonderful
Thank you, a new story from a wonderful narrator. Stay safe, Bitesize, in these "viral" times !
Thanks BlueFriend, you too
@@BitesizedAudio Hi Simon. I hope and pray that you and your nearest and dearest are safe and healthy during these extremely difficult times. We are all in this boat together and have to sail through dark and uncharted waters.Hopefully we will all find ourselves in the not too distant future sailing through calm,peaceful and tranquil seas under bright sunny azure summer skies. My fellow passengers on this voyage who are fellow subscribers and ghost story enthusiasts are in my prayers and thoughts and all your families. Your sublime narration and vocal talents are a beacon of light that we are drawn to in these dark times and to hear your warm vocal tones is like listening to a much well respected and valued friend that brings so much comfort. Since I was last in contact you have released some top rate ghost stories. You must have archeological skills to dig up "Nut Bush Farm". I read this many moons ago and to be honest I forgot the plot. I could not remember if it was a mystery,thriller or ghost story. In fact it had all these elements! Congratulations on the duration of this particular story as it must have really tested those extremely valuable vocal chords. I was over the moon to see that you did a story by G.K. Chesterton from the Father Brown series. He was one of my previous requests. In my opinion the Father Brown series are like the Sherlock Holmes stories everyone is excellent. One of my favourite Father Brown stories is "The Hammer of God." It was also great to hear your stupendous narration injected into the works of M.R.James. No ghost story anthology is complete without some examples from one of the masters of the genre. Forgive my temerity but I would love to hear your superb narration injected into the "Casting of the Runes" and the "Stalls of Barchester " which are my favourite M.R. James stories. Once again you picked a real gem in "Thurnley Abbey". I alway's chuckle when Perceval Landon gives his dear friend Kipling's "The Jungle Book" a plug. I know that you do Herculean work in selecting your stories and bringing to light some forgotten gems and putting the spotlight on some that have escaped a lot of anthologies. Once again praying for your health and safety and your loved ones and to my fellow enthusiasts and their families.
Bitesized Audio Classics aa
@John Roche Dear John, I hope you are keeping safe and well as this strange and difficult year draws to a close. Since we last corresponded I've been glad to record several of the pieces you've suggested/requested, including 'A Terribly Strange Bed' and 'The Hammer of God' ... I just wanted to let you know, as I'm aware not everyone gets the notifications. Also I'm pleased to tell you I've just recorded 'The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral', as requested in your last message; I hope to be able to finish the edit and upload it this weekend. All best wishes to you and your loved ones, Simon
Absolutely love him.
I am enjoying the narration immensely! I also love that you’ve brought old stories a new life! I don’t believe I would have found them otherwise, thank you!
That's lovely to hear, thank you for listening, and commenting!
Thank you Simon, your wonderful narration helps me relax, get my mind off the day & sleep. Hope all is well on your side of the great pond.
Thanks Felene, lovely to hear from you - and I see you have recently joined as a channel member, thanks so much for your support!
Thank you. Your diction and phrasing are impeccable.
he's an actor - diction is a given LOL heis very good, isn't he? :}
"Moses supposes his toeses are roses, but Moses supposes erroneously."
Another world. Gloriously realised.
Appreciate your comments, thank you!
Okay that was a very creepy story. Amazingly well told as usual. That moment of the narrators trembling frightened voice really spooked me !
Almost soiled myself ! 😱😳
And the lack of a resolution for anyone.
Thank you for these stories. I'm not so old, busy with the kids and online school, but when i get 45 minutes to myself, these stories are a calming source of entertainment and escapism.
Glad to hear that, thank you for listening
What a wonderful creepy tale, Landon clearly knew about panic attacks. I like how he never explains to the reader who the ‘ghost’ is and why it haunts the old abbey. It makes the story far more effective in terms of the horror.
Thanks Aaron - yes, great points! Thank you for listening
Excellent narration. I particularly like the author's descriptions. So often it is my hair stood on end, cold perspiration was on my brow. This author said perspiration flowed from every pore, my pajamas stuck to me, the man squealed like rabbit unable to speak. His descriptions are so much more convincing and horrifying than others. Not ashamed of the servants finding them huddled together. This is what gives the story so much power.
Thanks for listening Cary, and I concur with your very interesting insights
Thank You so much for sharing these wonderful stories and your voice is just awesome!!!
Beautifully done! The terror is audible in the breathing. I love this.
I cannot conceive of the nature of any malevolent spirit who would give these stories a thumbs down
Pure evil, I tell you!!!! They're brilliant. Thank you so much. 👍
Thanks Bob, appreciate your support and kind feedback. I'm glad to have received more likes than dislikes overall!
One of the scariest stories ever written. Thank you.
Thanks for listening @Rocío Miranda
Once again, great narration of a quite scary ghost story. I'm pretty sure that when people read these to each other in gaslit rooms they scared the bejusus out of one and other. Great work. Thank you.
Thanks as ever pes
Your productions are always first rate. I appreciate the wonderful artwork that grace your videos.
Thanks David - yes, I do my best to source or create suitable images to complement the audio, so really appreciate your feedback
I remember reading this story when I was about eight or nine. I got a compendium of ghost stories as a Christmas present and this story terrified me. The description of the apparition that creeps towards the protagonist who's sat petrified in his bed is still in my head. A ghost story just how a ghost story should be.
These stories are fantastic entertainment. All nicely produced and presented.
The narrator is first class
Very kind, thank you!
That was a doozy.(and I mean that in the nicest way) Thanks again for all the hours of enjoyment in these crazy times.
Superb! Thank you for introducing me to another great, scary ghost story.
What a vigorous voice.
It’s pleasing to the ear.
You’ve added so much to an already fascinating story.
Thank you!
Thank you Chris, very kind of you to say so!
This story, read so impeccably, reminds me of why I enjoy a good ghost story! Thank you, Simon!
Thanks Rachel! Yes, quite a lively one, this...
Scary and humourous simultaneously. A storyteller par excellence.
Thank you!!!
Very kind of you to say so, thanks p Muir!
My second visit to this spooky tale. Just as scary as the first time. Simon, as usual never fails to entertain me.
I love these stories (especially the ghost stories) and your voice
I'm so glad I found you on here
Thank you! I'm glad you found your way here too
I love the way you narrate these classic tales. Thank you for sharing your craft.
A real masterpiece of horror exquisitely told. Thank you so much.
You're most welcome Frank, glad to know you enjoyed it. By the way, I think you requested (a while ago!) a Max Carrados story... pleased to tell you I've just recorded 'The Coin of Dionysius' and hope to edit and upload it this week...
Wow, what a wonderful channel! So glad to have had it come up in my recommendations. The narrater is so good at drawing me deeply into the stories to the point i lose myself in each new world. Love it!! Thank you 🙏🏽
Wonderful, thank you for your comment Jamie, much appreciated. I'm glad it came up in your recommendations too!
I have only been listening since Christmas, but I look forward every evening to a story and discovering new authors and stories from old favourites. Thank you and please keep the tales coming!
Thanks Tracy. More stories coming soon I hope!
You're wonderful! Keep up the great work!
Thank you - will do my best!
Excellent tale, wonderful narration. This is an uncharacteristically, genuinely frightening tale from my standpoint. And I made the mistake of listening at night before bed... I shall be more wise in the future. Thank you for sharing such literary treasures.
This features the best Suspenseful Pause ever in the history of theatre.
Great narration by Simon Stanhope ,his voice is SOO pleasing to listen
Thank you!
Excellent reading of a classic. Thank you!
Thanks for listening David, and for your kind feedback
Thank you for posting these!😊😊😊
You're welcome. Thanks for listening!
Another treat from this wonderful channel.
Just terrific, as always. Thank you so much.
Wow amazing! Thanks once again Bitesized
You're welcome, thanks Eddy
Lovely to listen to a story . Snuggled up on the settee . Takes me back to my childhood listening to the radio stories .
Love the way this man says ‘ Brinsey’!
But my favourite is Nutbush farm, his narration is so good you can see every character clearly!
Especially his rather masculine landlady, so funny how shocked even a little scared he is of her rather masculine skills.✊
Wonderful narrator delightful and scary story! Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for listening and for your kind feedback
I found this tremendously entertaining and - I hope I’m not alone - at times laugh out loud funny! The reading is masterfully in tune with the writing.
Thank you Hugh, so glad to know that. I do think this story has quite a lot of humour in it, as do many of my favourite ghost stories
second listen - still very good - i think it was even more scary and i really don't get scared by these stories. thanks so much again. . . i don't know why your readings are so striking, but they are :) 🌚
Very well read! I have been enjoying these as I go to bed. Sometimes I have to pull the blankets up to my chin! Lol
Glad you're enjoying them. Though I must admit this particular story may not be the best bedtime listening!
Thank you. It is such a thought provoking story.
excellent stories. I've never heard of or read any of the Victorian Ghost Stories you have collected! such treasured finds, thank you!
Oooh! Brilliantly terrifying. I was gripped, and could picture each character as your voice shaped them into my imagination.
As for the ghoulish creature.....yes, I could picture that too. My pulse has steadied enough that I can type this response.
Thank you so very much Simon. 😊
I love this, it's one of my favourite ghost stories. I think M.R. James said that it was the one that disturbed him most out of all those he had read! Thank you for a beautiful rendition of it.
Thank you Gillian. Yes indeed, I believe M. R. James described it as "almost too horrid"... the "almost" is very interesting! Thanks for listening, I'm glad to know you enjoyed it
Thank you for a good ghost story. 👻
Fantastically creepy. The narration is first rate as always. Thank you.
What a wonderfully creepy story, and so well read!
Thank you Linda, appreciated!
Great build up and of course beautifully read, thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks Mirk, appreciated!
Thank you as always🌟🌟
Tour de force - narrative and narration! A somehow familiar name - Tibetan context? Kipling friendship? - but my first whole work by him: wow! Thank you!
Simon, I'm really enjoying your many expert dramatic readings of classic ghost stories! As you're probably aware Thurnley Abbey is considered one of the most frightening of the genre, But I would like to compliment your amazing performance in the reading, especially the crucial scene in which Colvin encounters the ghost! Exceptionally believable -- it's as if you were face to face with the ghost while giving your performance!
Mr S, I am thoroughly enjoying your precise annunciation and near flawless performance 🎭
Great story, really exciting and scary! Thank you.
Glad to know you enjoyed it, thanks for listening
Thank you , I enjoyed this very much .
Excellent, thanks Hector
This may be my favorite scary story ever.
Wonderful! Thank you for listening - and commenting
Lovely narrative. Just the way I like it. 😍
Kind of you to say so, thank you
Loved it, thank you so much😍
Great classic reading
Thank you!
hi Bac reader - i’ve listened to three stories now and this one was particularly good :)
i had to get used to your rhythm and voice, as you are so different from other readers. thanks so much. it’s been 5 and a half months now and i’m beginning to feel kinda cut off, to say the least.
i love this kind of scary story - sort of like the old B&W scary movies we used to watch on TV like Frankenstein and Bela Lugosi films.
so thanks very much - i’m going to listen to some more stories now. :) Keep safe. 🌷✨🌿🌸🌱🌼🌷
Great stuff, Many thanks.
Ooooo, that was a good scare! I credit your performance. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for your kind feedback
Same here,I two am listening to all these great stories while we are in quarantine.....in nz
Thanks patterson parkin, hoping you and your loved ones stay safe
Great reader, great channel 🌟
Thank you!
Thank you ! I just love these. What a wonderful thing to do. I need to give back.
Thank you for your amazing Channel!
Glad you enjoy it! I can see you've been listening to a few stories today - thanks for taking the time to comment. Best wishes
Your undying service, both artful and dutiful, is so well received here in Morelos. Thank you so much always always. Tho I’ve never read Landon, I’m saving your recent treatment of James’ work, for a special day. One mystery at a time. ♥️🎩🇲🇽🙏🏽
Thanks for your very kind comments John, I hope you're keeping well. I have several more M. R. James stories in the pipeline, so do stay tuned!
Bitesized Audio Classics, I am muttling along, thank you. I remember as a child on a ranch in California, that there was a CBS radio broadcast, at night on Saturdays. Like you, they never missed a beat, and served wretches like me, somewhere on the ‘moors’, or wrangling cattle. 🙏🏽♥️🎩
Thank you
Beautifully read 👏🏻
The story itself takes rather long to get going, but when it does, the horror is really convincingly described.
Would make a great Ghost Story For Christmas on BBC2 if adapted well 😊
My man really opened a serious bottle of whoopass on that poor ghost!
Yes indeed, I think his reaction to seeing the ghost is what makes this story so memorable...
Thank you Simon. 😊
Fantastic.
Great story. 👻👻👻👻👻
I love you, Simon. You saved my life one day at a time.
Thank you! Glad to help...
This is the best ghost story I've never heard of! Love it!
Excellent, thank you!
Time to listen again.
Simon Stanhope is an actor and voice artist. He is the voice of many of the Bite-Sized Audio Book recordings. Here is a quote from Simon Stanhope’s webpage.
Simon's voice work includes radio plays for Wireless Theatre Company and audiobook narration for Listening Books and Bitesized Audio. His recording of 'Round the Fire Stories' by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is available on Audible and iTunes.
simonstanhope.co.uk/#voice
Any one else sleep with this voice ? I am thankful
second time round . Thank you again
Your voice is so soothing! :D
Thank you!
I love your voice. I always laugh during the scary scenes because it sounds so genuine. This story in particular cracked me up as he described beating up the ghost and flipping out on his friend cowering in bed.
It's one of my favorites.
Thank you Claudia, glad to know that!
Ohhhhhhh! I liked that one a lot!
Along with the 1982 South African Grand Prix, this is one of the stranger slumber party tales.
Reminds me of radio four .
Thank you Margaret, very kind of you to say so!
The best :D)
Thanks Geoff!
😮 Thank you
Well I just listened to this one altogether too late at night.
My brother and i have been playing Doom Eternal all weekend. I told him this story should be titled “Origin of a Doomslayer”
Wow 😮wonderful