The Crown Derby Plate | A Ghost Story by Marjorie Bowen | A Bitesized Audiobook

[@BitesizedAudio]

Story begins at 00:01:20. Martha Pym bought an almost complete Crown Derby tea service at an estate sale 30 years ago, but the single missing plate has always annoyed her. When she discovers that the current owner of the house, an eccentric and reclusive lady, is also a collector of china, Martha decides to appeal for her help in finding that elusive plate... A textual note: The "governess cart" which Miss Pym drives in the story was a small two-wheeled horse-drawn cart with a tub body; it appeared around 1900 as an early 20th century successor the Victorian "dog cart". They were designed light enough to be drawn by a well-tempered pony, making them popular with single lady drivers; and as the cart's name suggests they were often used by governesses to transport the children in their care. A link to photographs and related artwork can be found in the video description, along with a short biography of the author Marjorie Bowen. Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this, you may like to listen to some of my other recordings: Victorian Ghost Stories: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZISCGdeBUtYxynNFtZCeRrv Early 20th Century Ghost Stories: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZI0zeT0uMxvy9TkkoUvtOAZ Classic Detective Stories: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZL5tiXECltwXUI2QDDFrDHD

[@VickiNikolaidis]

🐶🐶thanks for explaining!

[@ropeburnsrussell]

I spent half my life in the antique business, this story delighted me.

[@Mythographology]

Love the way you have developed after KZbin tried to steal your content for their own profit. Hope you are fully monetised now and properly paid for the work you do.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thank you

[@Nicky-n4p]

I don't think there's much money to be made by the adverts, but we can join the channel for a monthly amount that couldn't even buy us a packet of crisps..

[@mijiyoon5575]

I always said a good writer could make a story from a broken tea cup .... now here is a perfect example of a fine old ghost story made from a plate. Thank You *Simon* as always well presented & most welcome w/ an excellent closing line

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thank you Miji Yoon

[@cannett8966]

Mr. Stanhope, I would gratefully enjoy other audios of this author. Thank you, Cee from the little cottage in ireland 💚💚💚🍀🍀🍀

[@BitesizedAudio]

Noted, thank you!

[@navelriver]

What a fine story of dreadful horror multiplexed upon a comic situation! And well-performed indeed!

[@irenabevans3411]

I do love these narrations of Victorian & Edwardian stories, they really grasp one's imagination, I've no idea where you get them from but your doing so, is greatly appreciated Thank You Simon for another excellent offering ❤

[@stephaniealeman8522]

The multicolored lichened wall and the noxious details of a neglected garden!💚🌱

[@mjrchapin]

What a great story! I did not see that ending coming! Thank you for giving us this new gem!

[@katyvdb5993]

Such a vivid description of a marshy, wintery landscape! The hair on the back of my neck was standing on end before Miss Pym even reached the house. Thank you for uploading this beautifully-written and beautifully-read story.

[@BitesizedAudio]

It is very evocative writing, isn't it?

[@WowUsernameAvailable]

It's very much like "The Woman in Black", check it out unless you've already read it.

[@billtomson5791]

Commenting in support of quality programming.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you, much appreciated

[@eg7487]

What a beautiful voice you have. So soothing. A joy to listen to you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much!

[@LadyBronwynn1400]

What a wonderful surprise. You have made my evening.

[@malice6477]

Yay! Another great story….. I do love these “shorter” ones Thank You!

[@EP-yd7vz]

Wonderful! I love Marjorie Bowen's stories and this is brilliant. You voice as the quavering, petulant ghost was spot on!

[@GradKat]

I love this story! Thank you for reading it Simon!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that, thanks @GradKat

[@rickmills4801]

I do so enjoy the time you spend doing the work you do. Thank you for these stories! Also checked the photos of the cart, which made me think of a sidecar with no motorcycle attached 😅.

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

My thoughts exactly 😂

[@along5925]

This is one of my favorites! Now it's perfect with you reading... thanks so much!

[@rjfaustralia2653]

Great reading as always, Simon; a beautiful rendition of which I am sure Marjorie Bowen would have approved. I, too, would love to hear you read more of her work. In addition, I really appreciate the fact that you display a photo of the author in each of your videos. I love photos so it is a “treat “ to see what the author looked like. As an avid collector of various items over the years, I was very taken with this story and enjoyed it very much. The very final twist at the end took me by surprise and the loneliness aspect saddened me (the sign of a story well written if it stirs the emotions in my opinion). Thank you so much for your excellent channel. Best Wishes, Rebecca in Australia 🇦🇺

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for your very kind comments, Rebecca, so glad to know you enjoyed it. I certainly hope to return to this author in the future

[@annemaclean6634]

I've never heard this ghost story before and thoroughly enjoyed it, I worked out what was going on about half way through but that certainly didn't spoil my enjoyment! Thanks so much, Simon, for another great narration, look forward to the next one! 😊😊

[@lyndaa7560]

We’ve only got dogs, a cat & chickens buried in our field so I’m mightily glad of that. Many thanks Simon, loved it xx

[@shanonquinn5681]

Thank you, Simon! This story was wonderfully done, and perfectly apt for the damp winter night.

[@binkie4940]

🎉Yay, thank you Simon, another new-to-me short story perfectly timed for bedtime. I just automatically press "like" as soon as I start listening... because it's guaranteed I'm going to enjoy whatever you've chosen 😊

[@carolmikolj5134]

Me too! Many thanks Simon!

[@nickybaker1338]

I press "like" immediately too 😄 It's a foregone conclusion that I'll love it 😊🥰

[@BitesizedAudio]

@binkie4940 Thank you!

[@aoifeocallaghan8351]

Me too thank you Simon

[@toniadugger3954]

That was great!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@madoldbatwoman]

I woke up to this one. It was a long night of interruptions. This was most appreciated to ease me gently into the real world.

[@CrowSkeleton]

Poor ghost. A case for putting a little salt in some cucumber sandwitches if I ever heard of one. Thanks for reading!

[@nickybaker1338]

Simon-I love that you thank us for listening, as if we were doing you a favour, instead of the other way about. Well, I'll say it again - THANK YOU! 🥰

[@mariannwolf4889]

Thank you Mr. Stanhope, another enjoyable story. Just love your calming voice.

[@januzzell8631]

Just in time for my evening meal :) - Dinner Theatre a la Simon Stanhope - such a treat

[@nickybaker1338]

Another story! My 3 noisy, bouncy grandchildren here, so I'll have to wait until later to listen....😶 Worth the wait 😊 Thank you Simon! 🥰

[@15multiventure51]

A plate of pleasure enhanced by diligent and interesting background research notes. Delicious, thanks.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know they were of interest! Appreciate you taking the time to comment, thank you

[@herrtrigger77]

Oh, man-I love this story.

[@PippaAT]

So good to hear your wonderful, crisp delivery.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly! Look out on the channel membership tab in the coming days for news on a request you made some time ago...

[@PippaAT]

​@@BitesizedAudio Bated breath.... (Is anything else 'bated'?)

[@northernlights8126]

Carefully drawn characters and a delightful, spooky story.Simon, your narration is pitch perfect and suits these stories so well.Thank you!

[@barrycrump6189]

Thank you, Simon.

[@waningmooncancer9628]

Call me crazy, but I've never, and will never, go antiquing. One can not know who may still have a liking for the same item you do...

[@BitesizedAudio]

True... the "haunted artefact" is a popular plot device in this genre

[@jaidebrooke5946]

Liked before I listened. Never a doubt that it will be a brilliant reading. 😃

[@anidiquaojala1804]

really enjoyed this story, TY

[@leonorsantos9355]

A great story! Thank you!

[@sonjawells4265]

This ia a great story. Thank you so much. ❤❤❤ You are so talented! 👏👏👏

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much for your support and kind comments, Sonja!

[@kpcraftster6580]

Thank you - excellent! I enjoyed her William and Mary trilogy, but had no idea how varied her works were.

[@patriciajrs46]

Left to the imagination! The great, old way of writing , with true intrigue. Splendid.

[@suitov]

It's heartening when the youth take the time to visit the elderly, infirm and questionably corporeal.

[@Tinyflypie]

I think this an excellent example of a ghost story. Poor old lonely shade doesn't know he is dead.

[@Gumblina1]

Deep joy, snuggling under a blanket and listening to a wonderful story, narrated by one of the best.

[@snippycutwell9878]

Super good one!👻

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Snippy

[@deloreslowndes762]

Delightful

[@hannahreynolds7611]

A collector of china would *of course* be delighted to part with a plate wanted by another collector! 😀 Someone's tongue was very firmly in her cheek when writing that. It's that kind of fanaticism that drove the plots of several P.G. Wodehouse books.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Indeed, I have to admit the same thought crossed my mind...

[@wendyrichards7458]

I own several anthologies of Victorian and Edwardian short stories and am familiar with this one, hearing it read aloud adds an extra dimension though.

[@luvuforeverjames]

Thank you simon for a wonderful narration of this ghost story. I haven't tuned in to listening to much on youtube recently, I've been in a very dark place, but things are beginning to look a little brighter now and I am so glad i did, you are one of my favourite narrators....thank you

[@patriciajrs46]

Thank you, Simon. I wish I was warm, cozy, and content. That would be nice. It's only 37 degrees this morning.

[@sonjawells4265]

WooHoooo!!!! Thank you, Simon.❤

[@eddieharris6004]

As a collector of antique porcelain the emotions stirred by this story had a particular resonance....collecting is a passion that no expedition across a bleak desolate marsh would might deter.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Quite so! The thrill of the chase...

[@aoifeocallaghan8351]

That was a pure pleasure to listen to .Thank you Simon that was a gem of a story .

[@rameyzamora1018]

Loved the story so cannily crafted & perfectly intoned. SPOILER ALERT. Must confess I'd have kept that plate. What a tale one could tell! I shall listen again to relish the clever way the reader is fooled.

[@ct6502-c7w]

Well, he DID say she could have the plate, after all!

[@BitesizedAudio]

@rameyzamora1018 It would indeed be a great talking point!

[@kathyhorstman7909]

I rather think I should have kept it, as well. It would be a trophy, something won through danger. Though, were I in Miss Pym's situation, I might feel as she did, after all.

[@aveg7899]

Loved this story... thank you

[@GrandOldMovies]

Excellent reading, as always. I like how the story captures, in oh-so-genteel fashion, that rabid collector mania, in which even the grave can't hold them!

[@diannebalemi6334]

I love this channel,thanks very much Simon,the stories and your voice are just wonderful. I am crippled and you help fill my sleepless nights with great pleasure.

[@alisonhope1]

What a wonderful story and really well read as always.Thank you very much.

[@thomasreilly6362]

Another little gem before bedtime

[@Micktyb]

Excellent thanks 👏👏

[@MoonLitChild]

This one was really fun! Any idea when the next Max Carrados story will be? I'd love to hear your take on The Disappearance of Marie Severe.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I've just been preparing a new Max story, as it happens, hoping to record it in the next few weeks... not that particular one, though. I'll keep your request in mind, as I'd certainly like to do lots more featuring that character, one of my personal favourites

[@MoonLitChild]

@@BitesizedAudio Yaaaassss! I wouldn't have discovered him if it weren't for you and I've been shouting to the rafters about your recordings of the stories and the character/series itself.

[@4362mont]

Another great tale well read!

[@davehopkins1970]

Ha ha superb loved it another gem thanks Simon

[@adriennedunne1748]

After that, I'd probably get rid of the rest of the criwn derby service too. 😮. Very good story Simon. Thank you so much.

[@a.nhonig3311]

Yet another lovely story come to life with your very talented narration. Thank you so much! PS I would have definitely kept the plate.

[@musickalxf]

Yup. Another good one. A must listen.

[@mandolemite]

Read this years ago. Glad that Miss Pym got away okay.

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Superb! As always. Thank you so much.

[@Nsexpt]

Very much enjoy these tales and your narration. From Canada

[@larsen8059]

Wonderful! Thank you!

[@ShirleyPearl-n9z]

I so like this story .another gem thank u simon. ❤

[@paulacnote]

Always like before I even listen because i love your audio books but commenting to help the utube stuff 😊

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Thank you, Simon! I've heard this a couple of times and probably read it too. Really enjoyed hearing you read it. I could almost smell the smell. 🤮

[@AretiSpyropoulos]

I would of kept the plate. What a great story it wld of made! Thanks for all you do you have great voice for narration!

[@oghamstone5964]

The garden gate....which stood negligelently ajar...how descriptive.

[@kathleenellenford4816]

Thanks muchly !! from northeastern Illinois, for the enjoyable narration!

[@evelanpatton]

I always learn something new & hear a story as if from a first with your narration productions. Truly lovely. Are there other stories by this lovely writer that could fit for your channel? If so, it might be nice. Thank you!

[@chimera8421]

I too would like to see a ghost. Thanks Simon, needed this tonight to take my mind off of the horrors happening around the world of late. 🥰

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help 😊

[@natcheztracefan]

Very good, thank you 🙏

[@summersolstice884]

Great story - - Lovely twist at the end - - Most Current authors and movies are so bloody and ugly and this one was a pleasure - - Thank you for the reading - - Well done!!!

[@tinawelch3005]

fine china or cheap china, it is a treasure to whoever holds it. loved this story and your narration was spot on!!

[@saran.4001]

Oh great. I'm going to an estate sale tomorrow.

[@step7274]

I love estate sales.😅

[@factsoverfiction7826]

Lol, happy haunti-- er, hunting. 😉

[@BitesizedAudio]

Enjoy! I hope you find some interesting pieces...

[@saran.4001]

@@BitesizedAudio No fine China plates but i bought 6 cans of crushed tomatoes. I bet you could narrate my granddaughter cooking spaghetti and make it creepy.

[@beverlyadams7205]

Ooh! That’s a good one! Thank you so much Simon. And… I would love to hear you read the Shakespeare piece that begins “ tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow”. It’s one of the few pieces I have memorized and I would love to hear you read it😄

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah yes, the Scottish play... it seems like my Shakespeare short was quite well received, so I'll keep that in mind as a future possibility

[@beverlyadams7205]

@@BitesizedAudio thank you Simon. I’m looking forward to hearing your interpretation of this piece.

[@leonaheraty3760]

Thank you! 😊

[@stevenverhaegen8729]

Spooky, funny, and a bit sad top! 😄👍

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Thank you very much 😊

[@garybyrne5841]

I have to comment on how much i enjoyed that story, really good and kinda cozy, also the author is very beautiful. Im actually surprised in that so many of these Victorian ghost stories were written by women, a lot of these stories im familiar with, and its interesting finding out that so many have come from amazing female writers, unfortunately there seems to be a trend present day that only women can write good female characters, and vice versa. Which is ridiculous.

[@Panthia_Poe]

I really am enjoying your channel!

[@carolehobbs9134]

Thank you, beautiful voice and very welll read.😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly!

[@mngirl5437]

Ty Simon ❤

[@Tizzie-j6l]

Enjoy your content enormously.

[@hossenfeffer8383]

Superb as always.

[@chebal2939]

Thank you

[@cawiltu]

Oh that’s a good spooky one 😱

[@minombreesminombre4878]

Good one!

[@kathwyatt6814]

As somewhat of a sucker for pretty china, and rather fond of Crown Derby, I sympathise with Miss Pym! She's such a likeable and relatable character, there should be more stories about her. Sixty years old is "elderly", though? Really?

[@cheriestl]

Yay!

[@Twisties34]

oooh that was a good one

[@angelafraser1603]

She definitely should have kept the plate!