The Red Lodge by H. R. Wakefield

Herbert Russell Wakefield (1888 - 2 August 1964) was a distinguished English writer known for his multifaceted contributions to literature. Born in Sandgate, Kent, he was the third child of Henry Russell Wakefield, a clergyman who later became the bishop of Birmingham. Educated at Marlborough College and University College, Oxford, Wakefield exhibited a broad range of talents, achieving second-class honours in Modern History while excelling in sports such as cricket, golf, hockey, and football. His World War I service with the Royal Scots Fusiliers, where he attained the rank of captain, and advocacy for the use of Chinese workers reflected his engagement with global issues. Wakefield's life encompassed roles as a secretary, publisher, and civil servant, and he navigated the complexities of relationships, experiencing divorce and entering into a second marriage with Jessica Sidney Davey.
H. R. Wakefield's literary legacy is particularly distinguished by his mastery of ghost stories. As a short-story writer, novelist, and publisher, Wakefield crafted tales that often drew inspiration from his experiences, notably his tenure as chief editor for William Collins, Sons and Co. One of his notable works, "Messrs Turkes and Talbot," exemplifies his ability to infuse the mundane with eerie elements, drawing from the peculiarities of the publishing world. Wakefield's stories, characterized by their atmospheric prose and psychological depth, remain enduring contributions to the supernatural fiction genre.
"The Red Lodge," a captivating story by H. R. Wakefield, was featured in his debut short story collection, "They Return at Evening" (1928). Set in a somewhat jaunty 1920s style, the narrative follows a protagonist who rents The Red Lodge, a seemingly charming country house, with his family. Wakefield expertly weaves an unconventional tale, blending social commentary with supernatural elements. The story takes unexpected turns as the protagonist, discontented with the landlord, resolves to expose the house's sinister nature through a consumer complaint. The inclusion of psychic perception, strange occurrences, and a dark history adds depth to the narrative. "The Red Lodge" stands as a testament to Wakefield's ability to transcend conventional ghost story tropes.
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[@johndogwater]

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom and doggy; those are the two people in my life I love and worry about the most - to have them both poorly at the same time, I can't even imagine the stress and worry. I hope they are both better before long. Best wishes to all of you for the new year. And thank you for the wonderful reading as always.

[@alexiswilliamsinc]

Ain’t that the truth! Mom and dog (or cat or pet pig - that one had me laughing so unexpectedly) - even a hint of trouble for them and I’m in a tailspin. Blessings and healing. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 This is also my first listen to the podcast and I LOVE both story and end thoughts!!! I went on a deep wiki rabbit hole dive with stone tape theory.

[@MaggieatPlay]

Perfect for a dark, rainy evening in Oregon USA. Nicely creepy. Prayers for your Mum. Happy New Year to you and yours.

[@roxyabrooks864]

Oh, it's a glorious, winter evening to carry on the (now) traditional, nightly story by Mr. Walker! I'm like a middle aged little girl who loves her tales 😅 Thank you so much! 🎉

[@ClassicGhost]

Enjoy!

[@ZackLivestone]

Best wishes to you and loved ones Tony, and please don't take negative comments to heart, you're a legend for doing so many great episodes of this podcast

[@annnovy4537]

Dear Tony As I am rushing about looking after my husband, ill in bed and our dog with chronic anal gland problems(!) I have just listened to The Red Lodge and am thanking the good Lord that I live in an uncontaminated ordinary Victorian semi with a little damp but no slime🧟 I am so grateful to you for getting me through the year with your marvellous readings and stories that take me away from reality. You are, sir, my white knight in shining armour and wish you and yours an inspired 2024 and your mum’s swift recovery God bless, Anna( aged 75)

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you Anna . happy new year and hope everyone gets better soon

[@martiwilliams4592]

Creepy! Perfect for a cold, blustery evening, tired from some hectic days-- Dog Nico snoring more loudly than usual. As always, love your vivid narration. Thank you.

[@angelachouinard4581]

Same weather, same tiredness from hectic days. Don't have a snoring dog but three purring cats. Something good to wind down the old year. Hope your New Year is a good one.

[@debbiekhune1540]

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas 💙 have a safe and happy new year. ❤💖🎉🥂

[@Story-Voracious66]

Sounds a bit like my last AirBnB review! Thanks Tony, I thought that today's post story review was particularly well done. Informative and interesting. Sorry to hear about your Mum and pup. I hope for the best outcome for all of your unfortunate events . Have a very happy new year.

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

Actually lolled.

[@audreyricci6383]

Really? What was so funny about this story?​@@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

@@audreyricci6383 Huh? Over my big toe, I’m sure. I was replying to her air bnb comment akshually, obvi.

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

@@audreyricci6383 get it? Cuz it’s a horrific little nightmare of a place and she said it reminded her of her last air bnb review she had to make on what was evidently a little nightmare of a place? And I wasn’t being sarcastic I actually didn’t get your reply - till I did. Sorry if I seemed like I was mocking you I was just confusioned. Cheers

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ainemoroney9965]

Great reading Tony! Lovely choice for this in between time. Love the menacing echo voice - special effects, very fancy 👌. Your poor mum! Healing prayers ❤. The narcissism quip gave me a good laugh 😅😂😂

[@ClassicGhost]

a good laugh! Imagine !!!

[@lyndabrennan4560]

This sounds exciting, I hope the new year brings you good health Tony, as always thank you 🙏💛

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks lynda

[@jeffhaley2706]

Sorry to hear about your mum..hope shes feeling better soon. .Big fan from Massachusetts here .God bless.

[@francesrees4334]

Hope your mum and the dog gets better happy new year ❤❤❤❤❤

[@SometimeDrummer]

Ah… another one by great uncle Russell. 😁 Excellent Mr Walker. Thank you. Wishing you a very successful 2024.

[@ClassicGhost]

was he really your great uncle ?

[@SometimeDrummer]

@@ClassicGhost. 😉 Actually distant cousin I think, somewhat removed. I really should look into it one day.

[@ClassicGhost]

very interesting 🧐

[@happygardener28]

The best rendition of this story I've heard to date.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you

[@annetteeggett]

That was supremely spooky! Thank you so much. Imagine dreading going back to a house like this. And that corridor … ❤👻

[@ritamartin4782]

I love that you treat us as family and crazy can happen! You are way better than A I.

[@jennamarie966]

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom and pup. After leaving a bar one night, my ex broke his hip while attempting to leap from one building's roof to another during a hurricane, as he was trying to avoid the flood water. Yeah, true story. But I remember how rough that period of recovery was for him, and that was when he was in his twenties. I hope your mom and pup heal quickly and feel better soon 🫶 Also, this may be one of my favorite HR Wakefield stories. You narrated it perfectly! So very well done 👍

[@stevenshipman650]

Tony, I enjoyed this story a great deal. Very eerie and unnerving, not unlike The Room in the Tower. I listened to your Classic Detective Stories podcast on Spotify and really liked it. Enjoyed your guest narrator. I would’ve like to audition for an American voice, as I used to have a very nice voice for narration. I’ve always wanted to do voice work. But, unfortunately, this year I lost my voice due to a paralyzed vocal cord which was the result of a surgery I had. I got an injection in that vocal cord to augment it and I can speak in more than a whisper now, but my voice will never be the same I fear, even with vocal therapy. 😢

[@ClassicGhost]

Sorry to hear that Steven. Yes, I agree about the similarities with Room in the Tower

[@KarensOpinionsMayDiffer]

I got several chills, that’s how I know it was a really good story!

[@janglaschu]

Thanks for this and all your tales throughout the year. I hope your mum and dog get better very soon; all the best for the coming year.

[@ClassicGhost]

Many thanks. Happy New Year

[@JennyLane8666]

Sending you massive love hugs, Tone Thank you for all you do.

[@ClassicGhost]

You are so welcome. looking forward to more in2024

[@applthorn]

This is one of my favorites, thank you!

[@Bebecat477]

Enjoyed the story immensely. Thank you for the reading. .

[@stevebarber8501]

I really liked that tale. Well done. Thank you.

[@puttentanesame6687]

9.5 on my Goosebumpometer. Joy!

[@TheMysteryandSuspenseStories]

Wishing you and your family a healthy new year. Always love you and your stories!

[@damonhager7085]

One of the most frightening yet. Good stuff, Tony.

[@lesleykaygosson315]

Brilliant Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Your Narration ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐❤

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you Lesley :))

[@vanillasuncherries]

Keep us posted on your mom and dog we will keep her in prayer for healing

[@ClassicGhost]

Will do

[@lunablue745]

I appreciate a good haunted house story. And quite Christmasy too with the red lodge and the green slime! 😁 Happy & Healthy New Year to you and yours!

[@angelachouinard4581]

Ah Tony nothing beats a bedtime story by you. I'm divided on ambiguity, I think it depends on the action of the story. I hate a story that's so ambiguous I'm to busy puzzling to enjoy the story. Sorry about your mother and the dog, especially during the year end holidays it's tough.

[@thurayya8905]

I am so sorry to hear about your mother. In our family, breaking a hip and going to the hospital is held in great dread, because that is what happened to my grandmother and she ended up dying in the convalescent hospital. However, that happened back in the sixties and medicine, I am happy to say, has made great strides since then in the matter of hips. When I had a fall with hip pain, my local hospital took very good care of me until my X-ray came back, then it was heave-ho, slacker! So, I am sure your mother will be in good hands and we will be hearing a favorable report soon. Take care of your doggie and I hope he is better soon, too.

[@ClassicGhost]

+@thurayya8905 The dogs are all well. My old mum is struggling

[@gillrippingale1173]

Very good, chilling and atmospheric! Sorry to hear about your mum though.

[@annnichols3091]

Again, I like the illustration.

[@edf777]

Thank you so much sir 😊❤

[@Rosa70_puentes]

Just heard this, loved it thank you 🤗👍👍☕️

[@kevincallahan9742]

Thank you for your work, it brings much needed comfort

[@ClassicGhost]

I’m very happy if it does

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

Have you been screwing around and messing with the locked drawer again 😂😂 Happy Holidays

[@LucicPower]

You tried to get into my sock drawer again didn't you?

[@janetcw9808]

😂

[@janetcw9808]

​@@LucicPowerI could do with some new socks! 😂

[@SometimeDrummer]

I managed to get into it; it was difficult in the dark. I found all the power bills hidden inside it! 😱

[@SometimeDrummer]

@@LucicPower🤣

[@Cat_festation]

Always a pleasure hearing you narrate a ghostly tale. Wishing you a blessed new year.

[@ClassicGhost]

+@reerobinson744 Thank you and same to you !

[@stardust949]

Thank you once again---and sending lots of Blessings to you and your whole family for health and prosperity in this New Year. (Very creepy story---I don't like it when children are threatened)

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Fantastic story and narration! Thanks! Wishing a speedy recovery for your mom; sorry she had a fall. I hope the dog feels better soon, too. Happy New Year!

[@angelaroberts2803]

Sorry to hear about your mother and dog.Thank you for your great stories.

[@ClassicGhost]

Much appreciated

[@jessicajackson8064]

Thank you for a story that was explained at the end. I do not like to always know everything, but I do like to have a nice mix so that I don't become fatigued with endings where the main characters always lose, or when I never know what has happened. I hope your loved ones are feeling better soon. Happy New Year. I bought some of your swag and they arrived between Christmas and New Year. Thanks for having swag!

[@ClassicGhost]

Swag! 😎

[@annmarieray3922]

Loved this story ..wondering in the picture of the house...is a real place..and if so..where..its beautiful.. Thank you tony..

[@rheinhartsilvento2576]

🌟🎊 Happy New Year Tony🎉🌟⚘️ Thank you for your wonderful presence 🙏🤩 Love your RP English accent! I think its gotten better😊

[@ClassicGhost]

I think it has too. Practice makes perfect 🤩

[@PortmanRd]

Hidden East Anglia 'Lantern' Archive Might give you a few ideas to base stories around. 'Old Shuck' has to be one of my favourites.

[@vickijoseph2731]

Great haunted house story!!!! Love your narration! Hope all improves with your home life.

[@ClassicGhost]

+@vickijoseph2731 It is a great haunted house story, and thank you. Dogs are all fighting fit which is a great relief

[@AndreaDingbatt]

Thank you very much again for the wonderful work narrating these tales!!❤ Andréa and Critters. ...XxX.... Ps, I'm recently subbed, from the Reiver Country!!😊

[@janetcw9808]

Hawick? Langholm? X 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💪🏼

[@AndreaDingbatt]

@@janetcw9808 Cumbria, Also you are right about Langholm and Hawick, Thank You so Much for Knowing about us Border Reivers!! Happy New Year to you and yours.. XxX.

[@michaelbully3210]

Happy New Year Tony . Great story and well read. Sorry to hear about your mother's injury . Hoping for the best possible recovery.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you

[@olgaanderson138]

Good ghost story, Tony! Would make a decent screenplay, imagery simple and visceral,, and lots of action! Anyone thought of resemblance to Rose Red, Stephen King's miniseries, really spectacular filming location, Thornwood Castle, nicely haunted and great breakfast and gardens, alas, we saw no ghosties.. Happy New Year everyone, best wishes, Tony!❤

[@jonehaney8939]

Hope your mom is recovering well! And your dog! Our vomiting dog was finally diagnosed with pancreatitis. We switched him to a "gentle digestion" and "sensitive stomach" formula, and he's doing great! Just wanted to share that info!

[@ClassicGhost]

The dogs are all fine now. First it was Ruby and then Callie but both back on form . Thank you 🙏

[@gillrippingale1173]

Thanks

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you Gill

[@craigatchison1956]

Thanks!

[@ClassicGhost]

Welcome!

[@zenamorgan1754]

I don’t know why I always seem to be listening to the stories, when I am not only home alone. But when it’s raining outside. Just so creepy.

[@ClassicGhost]

lol. The House and the Brain is one you should listen tonight

[@lisap.1826]

Very creepy 😱🫣😬. Wonderful narration as usual, Tony! I'm annoyed by all the social media psychologists who call everyone with an ounce of confidence a narcissist 🙄😤. You should remember to plug your other channels for the newer subscibers. #darkworlds

[@blessingtx7285]

Great narration!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you very much

[@SMichaelDeHart]

I missed your initial uploaded this afternoon. Thankfyully KZbin posted in my recommendations list. Just found just in time for bed. 12:55pm est. (US).

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you got it

[@SMichaelDeHart]

@ClassicGhost and I really enjoyed it. I always share your videos with my cousin in South Dakota and sister in Washington DC area. They enjoy too.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks a lot for spreading the word

[@Wanda711]

I love this story, and you read it beautifully! I have it in a copy of "Hauntings: Tales of the Supernatural" edited by Henry Mazzeo, and whenever I take up the book this is always the first story I read in it.

[@mbeaux5693]

That was the creepiest I've heard you read thus far! I was screaming in my mind, "Leave, get out!"

[@LadyRoseWinters]

Praying for God to bless your Mom and your dog with quick recovery. Peace to you and yours 🙏🏼

[@annnichols3091]

I know I've read this story years ago, but I do not remember how it ends. Creepy!

[@kathyhorstman7909]

What a twist. I was convinced at first that the narrator was quite mad. But then . . .

[@mariameere5807]

Thank you so much Tony! Happy new year entertainment Angel! (I hope my pet name (is that appropriate🧐) for you dose not irritate you, I have an obsession with angels after a near death experience which was NOT AT ALL like what religion taught me! E.g there’s no hell, we learn from our mistakes and we become physical so that we know what joy feels like because unless we experience despair we’d never know joy! In the non physical there’s only pure positive energy and emotion/unconditional love!! Believe me or not! 🤐

[@moreanimals6889]

Oh no! I hope your Mom and dog feel better soon!

[@Thomas-wn7cl]

👍

[@JoeBamaSmokesCrack]

I think the occupant of the red lodge was a former Ninth Circle occultist.

[@ClassicGhost]

You may well be right

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

Worse than I recollected in the best possible way, thanks T.

[@ClassicGhost]

+@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz Glad you liked it (I think…)

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

@@ClassicGhost oh loved it, it was perfectly dreadful. Trying to sound more English with my enigmatic word choices, lol.

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

@@ClassicGhost yeah I actually didn’t recall how great that story was I knew I’d liked it- truly love Wakefield’s stuff he has many hidden gems. Think you’ve done a few, if I’m not mixing you and J up. Cheers, bruddah

[@ClassicGhost]

@@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz between us we have

[@lisawhite-pagano3455]

Is anyone a Patreon member? I just noticed a charge on my bank statement for a membership and I’m trying to figure out if my membership automatically renewed or if I hit a wrong button the other night when I was scrolling on the Patreon site. I hope it wasn’t an automatic renewal. I have a bunch of medical bills that I have to pay and I would not have renewed my membership right now. Thanks for any help you might offer!

[@earlschandelmeier751]

Anyone who believes they can derive your mental health from a little bit of online interaction is probably a narcissist themselves. It takes that kind of self grandeur to make such definitive statements about someone you don't know. Lol Keep up the great work narrating and even more importantly keep those Walker originals coming because they are absolutely fantastic. Better than almost everything else you read frankly!

[@ClassicGhost]

I wrote one last night and I have another draft to go through tonight.

[@user-ic8kr8kw3h]

Creeeeeepyyyyyy

[@dshe8637]

Well, I'm up for going round there with a can of petrol 😂 Who's with me? Seriously though, I thought the odd, incongruous parts were moving towards having an unreliable narrator. I wondered if he was losing his reason, similar to Stephen King's 'The Shining'.. The first hints about his 'superior' colour sense being affected started it. Then he refused to discuss it with his wife, yet instead sought out a local authority who may or may not have been part of the strangeness. What with his going away, just as the narrator needed him, and his odd knowledge of the horrors there. When everyone else started sharing their experiences, it moved it from 'it's all in his head' to the very concrete location of the house itself. I thought the terrifying and quite exciting episode of his son getting spoojwd and running into the river, lacked the kind of description and depth it deserved. It was fairly sketchy and hastily got through. I think he could have made more of that. Your reference to people being very concerned about the fate of pet animals, while not caring about children is sadly true. I'm often sickened by comments to crime videos that express sadness for a dog, while human victims aren't held in any regard. It does upset and anger me. Anyway, I hope things get easier for you and that your poor mum is comfortable and recovering well. Thank you for another entertaining story and insightful commentary x

[@doodybird5766]

I love regular ghost stories. H.P. Lovecraft has his place but I get sick of hearing that name, not everything scary revolves around him and there are other writers who do a better job.

[@5tsumi13]

Damn… couldn’t help hearing this written by a professional yelp reviewer

[@ClassicGhost]

I don’t know what that is

[@annnichols3091]

Can't the guy who knows about the Red Lodge house the little family for the rest of the summer - servants, too?

[@ClassicGhost]

+@annnichols3091 I would imagine he could. But he doesn’t offer!

[@annnichols3091]

Perhaps the Red Lodge should be rented only to evil people?

[@ClassicGhost]

+@annnichols3091 Could put that i the Air BnB description. It always strikes me that most Airbnbs don’t actually give breakfast so they’re not really B&Bs

[@jlkitz1775]

What a horrible Air B & B host, location and experience 😳

[@susanmercurio1060]

That was a truly horrible story! Creepy