The Earlier Service by Margaret Irwin

[@thepagan5432]

If you read this after 2 years. I've been Pagan since I was 13, I'm fast approaching 70 now. I have many Pagan and Wicca friends, we are not Satanists, in fact very few of us even believe in the Devil. Dancing 'Skyclad' (naked) around fires is down to each Coven. We are mostly nature lovers and we celebrate the major solstices, some do 2 others and even more. On some Churches, like Fiddington in Somerset, you can still find Sheela na gigs. They are often representations of a Pagan Mother Goddess, but of course academia have not come up dwith a definitive answer. They were a way to get the Pagan population into a church hoping they become converted. Really enjoy your stories, i listen to so many in a day, and helps me to fall asleep at night. Thanks for a great job. Bright blessings.

[@amandine512]

You are one of the absolute best narrators I’ve heard on KZbin or anywhere for that matter.

[@ClassicGhost]

You are very kind

[@BigDog366]

What a great little story. I love the tiny details she included such as the mother and the buttons on her gloves. Irwin could not have foreseen a world where no one goes to church really, and if they do they don't dress smartly, and even if they did it wouldn't include buttoned gloves. How delightful. And a world where a fifteen-year-old girl was still referred to as a child by a decent young chap at Oxford whose hobby was church rubbings. What a shame this is all lost. Thank you so much for bringing it back for a little while.

[@ClassicGhost]

Its a delightful story. A peek into a world now gone

[@spiritualanarchist8162]

Ah yes..Those good old times when Satanists could still find plenty of virgins to sacrifice . Good luck finding one of those today !

[@clonejones7955]

@@spiritualanarchist8162 🤔🤣

[@spiritualanarchist8162]

@@clonejones7955 Just giving some attention to the underdog😉

[@tinahale9252]

Oh I so agree with that. I envision the buttons with the identical cloth on them. We all use to dress smart and off wed go

[@hatuletoh]

"...because he could hear the silence when they stopped [chanting]." What a great description of an auditory phenomenon that's common, but hard to put into words.

[@janeclarkson8471]

It's commonplace to "hear" silence!

[@sugarfalls1]

I'm glad you explained that 'cause I wasn't sure what it was! Then I went to a youtube video of haunted churches that I watched a long time ago! Auditory phenomenon - who knew??!! I used to watch "The Haunting Of..." w/ Kim Russo (in the U.S.) that was on for a few years. Great show!

[@Krzyszczynski]

William Hope Hodgson describes a similar phenomenon in his classic short story The Whistling Room: " .... a queer, scarcely perceptible tenseness stole into the air of the place, and the silence seemed .... to grow more solid".

[@angelachouinard4581]

Well done Tony and thanks to whoever recommended it. I am not enjoying the cold, I can't get out, but the darkness isn't bothering me this year. As he sun goes down I fix dinner for he cats and myself and we curl p together under the blankets and listen to stories like this.

[@gillrippingale1173]

Same here - I'm fine with darkness, but the cold gets to me. I currently have chilblains...

[@angelachouinard4581]

@@gillrippingale1173 Hope you recover quickly. They are no fun.

[@gillrippingale1173]

@@angelachouinard4581 No they're not! Thankyou 🙏

[@boosqueezy2418]

this and her story “the book” are incredibly well-written and haunting

[@t.h.337]

Love your commentaries at the end of each story....you provide useful and interesting info about the author and history behind each narrative in a sort of idiosyncratic way that is both intelligent and also charming. Thanks for this and all your uploads. Hope you have a good day/night👍😊 👏

[@ClassicGhost]

That's very nice of you to say. I've been at work but now back and warming by the fire

[@t.h.337]

@@ClassicGhost Wish I was as well... not much of a winter here in northern CA. I grew up in Chicago... so I DO know what a real winter is, however (ppl here in CA THINK they do but they absolutely dont lol).

[@Krzyszczynski]

I like the "wash-ups" afterwards as well, getting maybe a different slant on the stories that wouldn't have occurred to me, as well information about the authors.

[@craigoliver8712]

Adds to the already excellent narration(a real treat)

[@itgetter9]

Ha, somehow I had a sense that you were a "cool hippie Dad"! Nice to have confirmation of that from your daughter. Love this story -- carry on and be well!

[@ClassicGhost]

:))

[@ireneanderson7699]

This story was so good! Thank you for taking time to record it.

[@carolwaugh5466]

Mr. Walker, I am English, just like you. I’ve lived in North Carolina for decades and I feel I’ve made a new English friend. I really enjoy your podcasts, In fact, they are the first ones I’ve ever enjoyed. I hope you keep going. Thanks for all your hard work……

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you Carol. I always think of Waugh as a Scottish border name . So not too far from me

[@martiwilliams4592]

Ditto again this time around. You're the best, Tony. Thank you.

[@joannemorris4451]

I like this story. Also enjoy your commentary, don't stop!

[@mrs.cracker4622]

Many thanks for sharing this! Ive read that though medieval lives were shorter and labor was harder the average person enjoyed more days off work than we do today because of the number of Holy days when servile work was forbidden.

[@donaldmccleary9015]

The Crusader is awesome. I really like the back story on this one. Once the girl talked about "black robes" and someone saying they were, "about 600 years" reeled me in! Great job narrating Tony!!

[@teressagriffin1096]

Thank you I really enjoyed this story and your ramblings.

[@ruvoodoo155]

What a wonderful little story and superbly read as always!! Thank you, Tony! 💗

[@catherinep2034]

1st time I've listened to this channel. Very much enjoyed. Thankyou for reading it.

[@kathyputnam84]

It gave me cold chills and reminded me of Anya Seton’s novel, Green Darkness. I love your selections and your narrations, thank you so much!

[@susanhepburn6040]

Thanks very much, Tony. Enjoyable!

[@MichelleFaithLove]

Found this at bedtime. Thank you so very much. Your narration, Tony is my gateway to Dreamland. 💕

[@Stratollac]

This is a brilliant story, wonderfully written, and as always, beautifully read. I'm particularly fond of how Jane’s character is developed, and the way we’re led to suspect the reliability of her observations at first, only to have them confirmed after she is confirmed.

[@Cthulhuismyhero]

second or third listen and it was just as good. thank you again.😁🦄👍

[@martiwilliams4592]

Ditto this time around. Hearing this with new ears :0) Masterful. Thank you.

[@marilynmills2273]

Brilliant story, extremely well read as usual, thank you 😊

[@mariameere5807]

Great to have a story from YOU Tony!!!! This sounds fabulous and I’m going to listen to the rest of it in the morning! Thank you so much! I love this channel so much and I think it is definitely one of the top five channels on KZbin! Have a fabulous weekend Tony! 💛✨🌟✨💛

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks Maria. I've cut my output a bit after doing lots at Christmas

[@martiwilliams4592]

Here on my pc after my tv (better sound) to give lots of smilies and thumbs up. A great short story which you enhance with your masterful presentation and interesting commentary. At the end of the story I was crying "Margaret! Tony! Please, Please go on!!! Tell us more!" Will be back to hear it again properly. Thank you,Tony. My life is enriched.

[@ClassicGhost]

You are very welcome Marti

[@nadiaminerva]

Such great commentary at the end. Lots of information to chase up Thank you!

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@clonejones7955]

Im enjoying the dark as well.That time of day when the sun has almost gone completely down and everything is this purpley indigo blue.The gloaming I guess.Great story as usual Tony!🇨🇦♥️

[@ClassicGhost]

I'm a bit sick of it now.

[@mijiyoon5575]

👍👍👍👍👍 fine narration as usual ... *THX Tony* & yes I agree ... winter has its own beauty

[@jenford7078]

Just marvelous!

[@chiamerahcat8673]

As usual, Superb Narration Perfect intonations, and nicely sung! Justin Hayward, might just be jealous Lol! Great story. Love the Gargoyles stretching their necks. The descriptions are wonderfully done. A bit like my Scary stories, the descriptive part I mean! Thank You very much, for your work on these, Scaries.

[@Cinedragon]

Lovely story as always. I don't know if you've ever heard of this one, but there's one story that always gripped me ever since I heard it being narrated by Christopher Lee. It's called The Man of Science by Jerome K. Jerome. It's a story about revenge from beyond the grave and it's one of the best short ghost stories I've ever heard!

[@roxanavasilakis9435]

⛪ Thank you dear Tony 🌳

[@MSYNGWIE12]

Fantastic, my gargoyles are flapping their wings or doing cartwheels with their rickety limbs! SO evocative, some writers just paint with words and conjure dread - I wish my lame comments did this story, a NEW FAV. justice. Your narration was super- you can sing too, something like the late Noel Harrison and you've got a knack for stretching? out certain words. Very spooky, the last "frame" I can see her black eyes, grim! Thanks Tony. Namaste

[@hermeticmoth]

Love the chats at the end!!

[@sonnetlikely]

Love love LOVE the rambles and the tales. Thanks for putting so much work and time into these. Sincerely appreciate it.❤

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you like them!

[@haroldroth3175]

Excellent talk!

[@ivyminor6083]

The mention of BLOOD ON SATAN'S CLAW brought me to write. I have been a silent listener for a couple of years, and really enjoy your narration and your written stuff. This was perfect to link to the movie! I first saw this movie back in the 70's, and thought it was the scariest movie I'd seen! Of course the circumstances of watching it after taking my first mind altering substance accounted for some of that. Listening to your narration is better, because I'm in control of myself, and there is the added attraction of it not being illegal!!! Thank you!

[@ClassicGhost]

I’m Glad you uncloaked

[@aileendavid]

Another lovely reading! Thank you. btw, nice way to end the rambling which I equally thoroughly enjoy!

[@yt8co]

Margaret Irwin is an absolute legend, so underrated

[@bethpemberton7980]

A toasted cheese on rye, a glass of tea and thou! Speak on!

[@ClassicGhost]

Sounds a nice tea

[@chiamerahcat8673]

Yes, a cup of my favorite, Earl Grey. And a slice of warmed Extra Sharp Cheddar, on a piece of well buttered dark rye toast, and Tony Walkers Narration, a Very winning combo indeed!

[@bethpemberton7980]

@@chiamerahcat8673 you said it so much prettier than I but the heart is same!

[@chiamerahcat8673]

@@bethpemberton7980 Thank you, Yours was so Poetic. Cannot get prettier than Poetry.

[@renewehrung9770]

Great story, well read. Thanks

[@margarethevontater]

Thanks for reading this wonderfully creepy story! I'd read Irwin's "The Book," which I liked but not as much as this. Quite enjoyed your ramble afterwards too.

[@craigoliver8712]

Hi Tony "The Blood On Satan's Claw" was on t.v over Christmas on Legend (used to be Horror Channel)although I didn't catch it I will keep an eye out for it,movies on Legend are often repeated a couple of times over the month I'd say.Hope you+your family(doggies obviously included)had a great,fun+relaxing "festive period".You are very well read Tony+"top draw" when it comes to narration(most excellent)- Greetings from Middlesbrough 🤘 Please give us "Smoggies" a wave next time you are passing on your travels to Whitby.All the best Tony,take care

[@tracyjackson2711]

I truly enjoy listening to your stories, so different from the norm.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks Tracy. I am reading one at the moment that I really want to record. That's how it happens. Just by chance.

[@chiamerahcat8673]

I am a Southern Baptist CHRISTian, and a Wiccan, who also likes Buddhism. M.B. James. My favorite of his, I think, A View from A Hill. Another Justin Hayward mention a solo album, "The View from The Hill". Interesting I think. But he is very well read. Thank You Hippte Dad! Cool girl that Daughter of yours for pegging you correctly.

[@Krzyszczynski]

There's also Observations From a Hill by Family - it's on their album Family Entertainment.

[@sugarfalls1]

You are really good at sounding eerie especially since you don't read these stories at night when I listen to them! Well done, Braz!!

[@ClassicGhost]

Tony 'Eerie' Walker. Thats what they called me at school. Or Anhun ar Bras

[@levoxsixty-nine6843]

Adhesive only, for one’s merkin. I concur that neither pins nor staples are a wise move.

[@anneinnes5691]

I love your narration -and the stories of course - but I particularly enjoy the “inside info” that you provide at the end. Keep up the good work 👏🏼👏🏼👍🏻

[@terryIKE69]

Dynamite story- loved it! Show service therefore to regular entertainment but cleave to Tony Walker's Classic Ghost Stories Podcast! Was provoked to listen to the song Crusader by Saxon after to help banish my chills...🤘

[@ClassicGhost]

I think i say there was a chapel at chillingham with these knights' sarcophagi

[@Krzyszczynski]

I really dig that word "cleave". Two meanings that are completely opposite!

[@kelliryan464]

Perfection, again.

[@Josephinejefferies]

Good story

[@MartiWilliams-r2z]

Thank you!

[@gillrippingale1173]

Haha..Yes, I enjoyed that one. Quite atmospheric..I'm chuckling over the 'after chat'..my sons despair of my 'hippiness!' 😁 Therefore I go all out these days 🤣

[@colemarie9262]

Loved it

[@csj9619]

Nice to hear of your new hobby. I'm a life-long audiophile myself, but have little in common with most that refer to themselves as such. "Low-budget Hifi and car audio enthusiast" is a bit long-winded, so "audiophile" will have to do. Cheers, and thanks for the good stories

[@ClassicGhost]

I am loving it at the moment. But i can't record and listen at the same time so I'm torn on an hourly basis

[@DarkestStarASMR]

Sometimes i wonder if theres more between heaven and… Well, Anyway, yesterday i got this urge of watching something folk-horror-ish. And i realised i hadnt watched Blood on satans claw. So i found it and watched it. Loved it. And today you mention it. Oh and great story. Compliments on the channel. You actually got me to buy M. R. James collected ghost stories. Awesome content!

[@ClassicGhost]

I hope M R James gives me my cut

[@spiritualanarchist8162]

This would have been a great story for a novel.

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

Pins in the merkin hahaha!

[@ClassicGhost]

Could be painful

[@kathyorourke9273]

Sticking pins in merkins? Hahahahaha! Ouch!

[@tinahale9252]

This was so good. It reminds me of Halloween party by Agatha Christie. I think I enjoyed this better. Yes there is beauty in darkness. I have lived a whole different life by working at night 🌉. One sees the reality that most slumber through

[@ClassicGhost]

I don't know much Christie. Sounds like one I should read.

[@susanmercurio1060]

Not as a suggestion for narration, but if you have any spare time, you might want to read The Kingkiller Chronicles, by Patrick Rothfuss.

[@ClassicGhost]

In haven't read any of his books but he is highly rated. Thanks for the suggestion, Susan

[@toadyuk8391]

I really enjoy your reading. I had been listening to horror babble which is ok but I find Ian’s voice a little not quite right. I listened to one of yours and immediately turned up my nose. Being a white, English, middle class, university twice educated snob (English lit) I thought to myself “oh my goodness, it’s a northern type who thinks he is all clever and smart, wearing his chip on his shoulder like a miners hat”. I did however listen to the end, as the story was good - the haunted station waiting room. Of course the end was inevitable, but something attracted me and I couldn’t be bothered to change the stream as I was sculpting. I find I do all my best magic when sculpting, it places your mind in a bored and receptive state, but I digress …. Then it clicked on to the next story, one of yours on fact, a mining ghost story (yawn) , soo worthy, and then the drowned woman in the sea (I worked out the time reversal which made me smile as an expected twist and of course it was). But something was growing on me, i had listened to three story’s and had managed to tune out the northern accent mostly. Then I watched some more, quite a few more. I then realised that I am an idiot, too quickly I make assumptions that are just wrong and in fact prejudiced. What I like is the quality of your speech and rhythm, you are an accomplished and talented reader and begrudgingly also a writer. So I have now come around, the full culmination of this was your speaking about one of my favourite books, midnight folk and the box of delights too. Indeed I hope you may read the midnight folk as there are such wonderful characters and Masefield captures the landscape so well. I also enjoy your talking about the writer and other matters afterwards, it provides some added insight and endeared you to me. Authenticity is a rare commodity in these times, sadly it rarely intersects with wealth but we still have the narrative. Hopefully this dreadful stream of consciousness will make some sense, tone is always missing from the written word so try and read this in an amused and friendly tone as if I am Bertie Wooster let’s say. Thanks you very much for your efforts they are truly appreciated.

[@ClassicGhost]

I'll get me whippet then.

[@ClassicGhost]

But seriously that was a nice comment. I'd love to do A Box of Delights/Midnight Folk. Time, time, time.

[@missy3240]

Dancing naked round the fire? 🔥 I’m in for that haunted weekend cool hippie dad 😂 … as long as it’s close enough to the fire to stave off mosquitoes!

[@mijiyoon5575]

*Blood on Satan's Claw* is *Folk Horror Revival* canon along w/ *Wicker Man (original) & Witchfinder General*

[@doorbasher77unwellnews52]

You're fantastic

[@keithlloyd4254]

Have you ever come across Unburied Bane? The authors name escapes me but it is quite a scary story & would, no doubt, benefit from your narration.

[@martiwilliams4592]

If you are reading this two years later, Margaret Irwin' s story "The Book" is found in Volume II of Virago Ghost Stories Edited By Richard Dalby. Could you narrate it, please Tony? Thank you! :0)

[@vespelian5769]

Another good tale and excellently read, but an uncanny thing. As I was listening to this story I was typing a story I'd just written called the The Black Mass. Spooky eh?

[@ClassicGhost]

Very spooky. Sleep with the light on!

[@Krzyszczynski]

A curious discrepancy in this story. At 12:16 we're told that "Giraldus Atte Welle" was appointed to the parish in the year 1361 (with confirmatory information that this was after a gap during the 14th century). Towards the end, at 29:58, we learn that someone of the same name was arraigned for witchcraft and/or black magic in 1474. The same individual (apparently possessing the Elixir of Life)? A relative of the same name? Or just a bit of sloppy proofreading when the story was first published, and never corrected since?

[@Alkimza]

Even further back is what I sort of believe is what their mind's eye was focusing on. How we use agriculture worries some of us. What we grow and then completely destroy during harvest means the plant's roots do not go deep or spread. The dust bowl was just one type of consequence. Are we also using so much fertilizer to make for such shallow roots? The Haber process isn't the friendliest thing for the atmosphere.

[@martiwilliams4592]

Tak!

[@anneinnes5691]

Where is the church in the picture that goes with this story? It reminds me of an ancient Church we visited many, many years ago in Suffolk if memory serves me. It was a lovely, clear sunny day and I took a photo of the church and it’s surrounding gravestones. When I fetched the photos from the local developers ( yes, it was that long ago, lol!) … the Church and gravestones were surrounded to half-height by a dense mist that had most certainly NOT been there when the photograph was taken. I am sure that there IS a perfectly reasonable explanation for this that perfectly reasonable people will rush to apprise me of… but, still…..

[@ClassicGhost]

Are you thinking of Borley Rectory? Though that is just in Essex, but not far from Suffolk

[@gohboy56]

What a guy He's a hippy, cool narrator, groovy writer, and so far out man, doing all those accents wait a sec, did he just say he 'd like to cavort naked around a bonfire on a balmy night?! Cool cat

[@ClassicGhost]

It depends. I'd not rule it out though.

[@ramblingirl1]

Humor me, explain the ending. 😵‍💫 As the kids on Twitter say, like I'm 5.

[@ClassicGhost]

Spoiler alert... She was the reincarnation of the precious girl. At Least in spirit

[@ramblingirl1]

@@ClassicGhost I was hoping he'd get there in time to save her. I'll listen again. Thanks!

[@DestinyKiller]

Ok, after listening to the intro it definitely does say "you were trying to get into the locked room" but it says it weird, kind of blending the two words together to make it sound like drawer

[@ClassicGhost]

It does sound like drawer

[@cynthiawilson4500]

I love a merkin better than a pasty.

[@ClassicGhost]

I’m the other way round

[@ruthwalton3457]

IF you go down to the woods tonight , 🎵🎶🎼🎵🎶be sure of a big surprise .... For every bear that ever there was is sure to gather there because tonight's the night the teddy bears have their rave up . 🎶🎵🎼🎶🎵 Poor Enid B😳🙈 Frank Wedlock

[@tonyeden8381]

Puerile double entendre’s or hilariously well written and narrated stories capitalising on our love of puns and innuendo?…….personally I lean towards the latter kzbin.info

[@Thomas-wn7cl]

👍

[@TheCrone]

Are you still on Patreon? I want to join but don't use PayPal. I have a Patreon account but can't find you.

[@itgetter9]

Tolkien was part of that movement as well, wasn't he? But certainly from a pacifist (anti-fascist) direction. (I just typed this and then you said it. Sorry)

[@brianthesnail5452]

You tried to get into the locked room today didn’t you WELL DON’T DO IT AGAIN

[@ClassicGhost]

He will though. Every week

[@itgetter9]

@@ClassicGhost 😃

[@leslieortenzi8875]

Is there a membership--joining on YT, becoming a Patreon member, buying you 1,000 KOFIs, etc., that gets you, Tony, more benefit, as well as providing the most value to your listeners? I'd like to help support you, but I don't know where to start! Love the clergy stories! I'm a preacher's kid (PK) with all the dark sensibilities apparently in common with many others who share this type of parentage!

[@ClassicGhost]

All of those places take a cut of course. I don't mind because they handle all the finance, the complaints, the returns, etc. I pay Ko-Fi an annual fee and they don't take a cut, but paypal or stripe do once you pay through ko-fi. I don't know if any are better than the other, but I appreciate the kind thought behind the question. Thanks again.

[@OssamabinKenny]

Should’ve called this video the “earlier edit”

[@jamesblahut5008]

Heathens flayed alive!?Did this actually happen in England? Enlighten me please. This seems like something heathens might do to Christian Martyrs, but not the other way around. A distinctly unchristian activity I would say, but I've been surprised before on that score.

[@riverbilly64]

You need to do a deeper study of the history of the development of Christianity. Atrocities galore. Signed, a Church History major.

[@jamesblahut5008]

@@riverbilly64 Sure, I know that, although I stated it playfully, but this particular atrocity is a new one on me.

[@violetfemme411]

How did you know? 💜

[@ClassicGhost]

Oh, I know. I just know

[@violetfemme411]

@@ClassicGhost

[@WWZenaDo]

I never cease to be amazed at the multiple layers of slavery and human sacrifice that legitimately exist in Christianity (Jesus is a human sacrifice, although most Christians refuse to see that), while the Christians project their evil onto "satan" and the 'others', those who aren't a part of that slave religion. (See John MacArthur's book "Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ".) Meanwhile the clueless rogue Christians have a combined gobbledygook mess of slightly modified Christian rites and rituals that are supposed to call up 'the debbil'. 🙄🤦🏼‍♂️🙄🤦🏽‍♀️🙄🤦🏼‍♂️🙄🤦🏽‍♀️🙄🤦🏼‍♂️🙄🤦🏽‍♀️🙄🤦🏼‍♂️🙄🤦🏽‍♀️🙄🤦🏼‍♂️🙄🤦🏽‍♀️🙄🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏽‍♀️

[@stardust949]

I am totally confused about when is what and is Now really NOW for you or is this an upload from 2019? Epis stroll through your mind there at the end comments----I've had three glasses of wine tonight and I hardly ever drink so listening to one of your readings of these stories while slightly buzzed was fairly freaky...talk about idjit hippies for gawds' sake. anyway, I' mreally gla d you do NOT fanycy Satanisticism because EVIL or dark forces are quite real and will AATTACH themselves to the unwary. I probalby sould not have tuned in with your craxzy story tongint actually. God Bless! The story creeeped me out a bit, but your ramble helped make me feel happy again.

[@ClassicGhost]

No. That was a recent one. Time is an illusion after all

[@stardust949]

@@ClassicGhost Good point. I like that saying "even a broken clock is right twice a day"...which has nothing to do with anything, except the temporal.

[@jturtle5318]

You're conflating "Satanism", which is of Catholic church origin, with paganism.

[@ClassicGhost]

I’m not.

[@janeclarkson8471]

Although good diction and a clear voice, l find the narrator has an almost monotone, boring voice! We need a Robert Hardy, Eddie Meyer, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Denholm Elliot or a John Hurt type of voice, for story telling.