"The Things That Came from Winter Hill" by Ian Gordon

[@stuff6218]

So good, Ian. Your stories are becoming almost indistinguishable from the classic authors you read, except for your own modern twists.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@learnedtechsolutions]

So true

[@lindawaltz1957]

Lovely story

[@tomcurran8470]

I was born February '58. Excellent writing and reading.

[@libertycowboy2495]

Almost? Ian's stories are outstanding!

[@colemarie9262]

Keep writing pleaseeee!! Everyone else that writes like this is unfortunately, well.... dead. We need you Ian!! 😝

[@METALGEARMATRIX]

This style is due for a revival

[@Nyctophora]

That's the best compliment I've heard in a long time!

[@shinobifirecracker6671]

You know they didn’t write this, right? This is an old published work.

[@HorrorBabble]

@@shinobifirecracker6671 Ha!

[@Hazel_Fox22]

@@shinobifirecracker6671 um....

[@michax109]

Such a fine tale, so well written in the ‘classic gothic ‘ style. I too had to read this tale in one sitting. 2:49am.est.

[@Seektheday]

This is one of the best horror stories I’ve listened to. Has hints of Blackwood, Lovecraft( nod the the frozen plateau of Leng) with more humor. Love it

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you for listening!

[@jarreldoomis3502]

Oh shit, you wrote this. This was excellent. I had assumed it had actually been written in the 60s or 70s. Terrific story m8

[@mariecarie1]

Whoa. I live in the US, so I had no idea this was a real place. Looking into it, the “fire in the sky” from the 1958 portion and the fact a raging fire burned there in 2018 gave me goosebumps. Here I thought this whole thing was made up. Makes it much creepier to find out it’s based on a real place with real legends. Sort of like finding out Silent Hill sort of exists in Centralia, Pennsylvania. Mind blown. Well done, Ian. Shame I missed this when it came out, but glad I heard it now.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks Marie! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the story. Winter Hill is a creepy place... particularly after dark! Ian

[@tomcurran1538]

Yes, Centralia...the place of the unextinguishable underground fires. I used to hunt up in that area. I never saw the Silent Hill film.

[@Soulstrung87]

Wow. This was fantastic. Every bit of it. I couldn't even fall asleep until I finished the entire thing. 10/10, Ian. Wonderfully written and completely enchanting.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks, Brandon!

[@walktherainbow]

Enchanting! That was the word I was looking for. And fantastic of course!

[@matthewlangford971]

Wow! I hope that the HorrorBabble originals eventually make it into a printed collection.

[@HorrorBabble]

I'm working on it, Matthew! eBooks only at the moment I'm afraid.

[@angrymarie7755]

Applause,applause! Bravo! Encore,encore,encore! Mr.Gordon,your talent is for the ages. Thank you for enriching the world of literature,and vocal performance.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you very much!

[@joshwaters6237]

Here I was listening to this while at work, and immensely enjoying it. And as soon as it was over, my first reaction was that I must listen to the author's other works. Then I scrolled up and saw that it was Ian who wrote it! Exceptionally well done, Ian! I absolutely loved the ambiance you set. I look forward to more of your stories!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks Josh - much appreciated, sir! Ian

[@NightAngelus]

This is stellar. The twist at the end was done so smoothly i didn’t expect it. Also I keep getting focused on the winter hounds. It’s like they are a mix of hellhounds, dire wolfs, and the Waheela. The whole head eating thing is the alpha has me thinking of the latter. Since the valley it’s said to inhabit has the nickname ‘headless valley’ from hikers/hunters seem to have trouble keeping said body part attached. Especially if they wander at night.

[@Self-replicating_whatnot]

Probably have wonderfull pelts, too. But how to kill one without damaging the hide? They are probably too smart to fall for a snare or to eat a poisoned bait, and any firepower sufficient to down such a beast for certain will leave quite a mark.

[@janetcw9808]

Clyro Court, anyone? 🤔

[@stevepalpatine2828]

@@Self-replicating_whatnot A .308 will put any animal down short of big game like a Cape Buffalo. People take Grizzlies with them.

[@shelleymarquis2887]

Semper Fi?

[@schnoz2372]

Ian Gordon’s work never ceases to amaze me. Beautifully written, good old fashioned classic gothic horror.

[@HorrorBabble]

*Beware of SPOILERS in the comments section, folks* "The Things That Came from Winter Hill" was first presented as HorrorBabble's second Twelve Days of Christmas series, from December 26th 2018, through to January 6th 2019. The story: Following the passing of his elderly father, a man inherits the key to a mysterious cabinet. Within he discovers a journal, detailing a series of strange happenings in his hometown some sixty years earlier. Chapters: 0:00:23 - Foreword by Phillip Anforth 0:06:02 - Entry #1 - Thursday, December 26th, 1957 0:14:55 - Entry #2 - Friday, December 27th, 1957 0:23:41 - Entry #3 - Saturday, December 28th, 1957 0:29:01 - Entry #4 - Sunday, December 29th, 1957 0:34:48 - Entry #5 - Monday, December 30th, 1957 0:43:07 - Entry #6 - Tuesday, December 31st, 1957 0:49:15 - Interjection by Phillip Anforth 0:52:24 - Entry #7 - Wednesday, January 1st, 1958 0:59:55 - Entry #8 - Thursday, January 2nd, 1958 1:08:44 - Entry #9 - Friday, January 3rd, 1958 1:17:42 - Entry #10 - Saturday, January 4th, 1958 1:27:26 - Entry #11 - Sunday, January 5th, 1958 1:41:35 - Entry #12 - Monday, January 6th, 1958 1:45:43 - Closure by Phillip Anforth 1:50:04 - Further Listening Bandcamp link: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com/album/the-things-that-came-from-winter-hill Written and narrated by Ian Gordon for HorrorBabble Music and production by Ian Gordon Support us on Bandcamp or Patreon: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com www.patreon.com/horrorbabble HorrorBabble MERCH: teespring.com/stores/horrorbabble-merch Search HORRORBABBLE to find us on: AUDIBLE / ITUNES / SPOTIFY Home: www.horrorbabble.com Rue Morgue: www.rue-morgue.com Social Media: facebook.com/HorrorBabble instagram.com/horrorbabble twitter.com/HorrorBabble

[@derekk.2263]

This is great Ian, I loved it.

[@xXevilsmilesXx]

That's gotta be an awkward phone call.

[@SC-jh9qp]

Are you a Yorkshireman Ian because your accent is very good here? I live in Keighley. ❤️

[@niverian7789]

Listening to this now, I gotta say it was a very riveting story and the end was such a twist! Your work is ever incredible!

[@HorrorBabble]

@@SC-jh9qp I live in Yorkshire, but I'm from Lancashire... the dark side!

[@1amjapan]

As a Pie Eater I know the view from Rivvy Pike across the treacherous ground that leads to Winter Hill. I've never dared cross it but I know those that have. Every one of them says they'd never do it again. Bravest thing I've ever done was a circuit around Darwen Moor at Halloween. Me and my mate got lost in the woods that surround Belmont Reservoir as the light left us. The things we saw as we hurried out of the darkness, we never talk about. I'd heard stories about 'that night' in the fifties when folk reported flash lightning but no thunder coming from the north. There was a strange tremor felt underneath the weind in the centre of Wygan too, but no one likes to talk about that either. But then, there's always been a strange forgetting round here.

[@schnoz2372]

Very well written! I love it

[@ambroselwatson]

Mate, this is the single most enjoyable piece of fiction I have experienced in months.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks, Ambrose! Much appreciated. :)

[@justachick9793]

This is one of the most engaging stories I've heard in longer than I care to recall. Absolutely excellent!

[@Boogie_the_cat]

I really like this one, Ian. Never stop writing. I've enjoyed all your tales so far, so I was really glad to hear a longer one. BTW, I also appreciated you inclusion of multiple forms of para-human monstrosities. It is a welcome change from the "one form fits all" approach of many horror authors.

[@alphadraconis9898]

Wow, great reading. Having family in Horwich, this is amazingly eerie to me. The Wilderswood, Pigeon tower and Winter hill, all real places, all otherworldly. A British Leng. Very well researched.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks Alpha! I actually grew up in the vicinity, and had always felt compelled to write about it. And it's always strange to see comments from people familiar with the place!

[@Zarryon12]

0-0 you wrote this? good lord man!!! I think I spent a bit of time trying to find some kind of summary or seller before coming back here and realizing it was an original. I spent so much time listening to the Audio books of you reading Robert E. Howard and your complilations of sci-fi and horror short stories that this one ran so seamlessly that I thought it was penned by one of them!!! WELL DONE!!!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you!

[@CJ-uf6xl]

Such a wonderful story. I found the ending quite moving, thank you so much.

[@gwenowens6727]

Absolutely brilliant! I was completely absorbed listening to this story, so well narrated and so compelling. Thank you.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you, Gwen!

[@crayolahalls]

I've listened to this 4 times now. Easily my favorite new story of 2019. Has a feeling like it was written by one of the early 20th weird fiction masters. Would purchase if published in print. Thank you!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you Fred!

[@jamiecameron7615]

This is a magnificent tale and one that is definitely worth listening to many times!!! Thank you very much!!!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks again Jamie - always appreciated, sir!

[@critictactic7090]

Dear Ian, I came to this channel after listening to the full Lovecraft collection. I am a huge fan of his and I wanted to find an alternative reading of his stories. Of course I fell in love with your narration, I was absolutely lost in his stories again brought to life with your wonderful voice. Soon I exhausted his stories and started writing my own little stories, that were inspired by the Cthulhu mythos. Some of my readers liked those little stories, but I was not very fond of my own writing and then... then I came upon this story of yours. And dare I say, you have a true talent! This story is amazing! It’s captivating, it’s gripping and it’s so ambient! Never before has a story been so alive before my eyes! Every scene, every dialogue, every diary entry is alive and vivid. I’m listening to this in December just a dozen days before Christmas and this story is my favorite now! Please, please keep writing because in you lives a genius of prose, of art and of outstanding narration! Thank you from the bottom of my heart and the warmest wishes for this Christmas!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you for the kind words! I very much appreciate it. All the best to you, too! Ian PS: Keep writing!

[@critictactic7090]

@@HorrorBabble thanks for your reply! Will do.

[@michellebastiani6470]

This was such a great story! Written beautifully. You are extremely talented Ian! Thank you so much for sharing your exceptional talents and plz keep it up 👍✌❣

[@HorrorBabble]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@flamiaminu5536]

THAT TWIST AT THE END THOUGH HOLY SHIT

[@FigofFae]

Oh, I loved this! I want to know everyone of your characters! You make them so real and endearingly, heartbreakingly human. And how do you pull the skeins of stories from so many time periods together so beautifully? You’re a huge talent and I’m, obviously, a great fan!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you very much!

[@richardferguson6893]

So, re-listening to this to brush up for this years epic and did a double take at the mention of the Little Men of County Bravadus. I've mentioned my admiration of Ian's world building but it's getting truly amazing. Between Rillington and The Zetland Hotel, it just keeps getting better and better.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks, Richard!

[@rainshowers24]

The things that came from winter hill. Such a brilliant story penned by Ian. I enjoyed every minute of it. And especially as I live near to winter hill. What a fantastic movie it would make. Thanks Ian. 😊

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks once again! Winter Hill remains one of my favourite places in the world. Ian

[@BloobleBonker]

Great to hear this tale narrated in the authentic Lancashire accent. Many thanks.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks, Geoff. Always a pleasure to employ the native tongue!

[@imeka222]

Simply superb... I'm a Lancashire Pakistani born in 70... This takes me back to the fantastic childhood and stories I heard and read... Why has everything changed... God bless you... And all the listeners.. Ali Ali ✨🤲

[@HorrorBabble]

Great to hear from you! I'm glad you enjoyed the story. :)

[@imeka222]

@@HorrorBabble Bravo Mr Gordon... Your voice is simply captivating and conjours every image... I wish you the utmost success .. I'm truly hooked God bless... Ali Ali...✨✨🤲👌

[@nenasadie]

That was an incredible tale... real crafting went into that. Thank you for sharing! Just wonderful :)

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you!

[@09purpledyer]

I really like this story. Thanks to all who made it possible. ❤

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Oh my! The end! This is a fantastic story. Truly amazing. There is something iconic about narrators reading in "British English". Fireplace roaring, scotch in hand, this story playing is a wo derful evening.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks again, Donald!

[@kaf890890]

Listening for the second time now. I’m glad you posted them as one video.

[@steve-ocreep7434]

Loved the reading Ian! Hope all is well! My son was just born yesterday :) so my little Avery Rose has a listening partner now !

[@HorrorBabble]

Congratulations! I hope the little guy isn't too impressionable...! :)

[@bittybitty8233]

Congratulations !!! Nothing so wonderful as our children , yeah ?? 👣🍼 👶

[@tonietteh2015]

I figured it out when you described (briefly) the item found inside the little boy's clothing..... This was an EXCELLENT story and your narration made it sooooo enjoyable Thank you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kristinavanvorst9624]

This is an amazing story- one of the best I've heard lately and I'm blown away by the fact that it's a modern author- well done Ian! Please write more and narrate then on your channel!!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you! 😊

[@RolandWieffering1]

For the first time I was able to listen to the whole story in one go. And I have to agree with the comments below. This is awesome. On the same level as any modern Mythos writers. A big thumbs up from me. I look forward to hearing more from you. Really good 👍🏻. All the best Ian.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks again, sir!

[@mitchelloughman8382]

Thank you soooo much, iv been listening to this fantastic story to go to sleep to and switching between videos was a pain. This channel always delivers such high qualities videos I’m always impressed.

[@laurahenriksen19]

Well that just broke my heart. Fantastic story. Seriously. Hang on YOU WROTE THIS?? Wow x

[@mariameere5807]

I didn’t realise you had so many Older British stories! I have become an avid fan now!!!🕊🤍🕊

[@sub-jec-tiv]

It’s a real joy returning to your past holiday pieces, while waiting for the new one!

[@f.maximo7760]

Oh God! What a beautifully written and narrated story! That plot twist in the end was better than most plot twists I've read and seen in movies! Well done, Ian!

[@greeniem]

Ian, you're story is fantastic and a new favorite. Thanks for sharing.

[@Wombats555]

Holy crap I haven't listened to this for years I'd forgotten how brilliant it was. Bloody goo job Ian!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks for coming back!

[@Wombats555]

@@HorrorBabble oh I listen every night:) I'd forgotten what a good story this was. Glad we are getting a sequel!

[@MrSarollia]

Sat in Bolton, yes the Bolton of "Bolton Royal Infirmary" where I was born 5 decades ago. Today Winter Hill was covered in snow... the old Neolithic ruins are sat brooding under a cover of ice Being a lover of MR James and HP Lovecraft this Ian is amazing. Thank you. My home town has always inspired me a love of the occult and folklore.

[@34kbro]

It's my favourite story on here thus far. Well done. 🇨🇦

[@MrsJanLong]

Absolutely brilliant :)

[@winstonware3270]

Wow wow wow!! This was so good! An immersive slow burn with a fabulous ending. So rare to hear a story so good in all aspects. I’m honored you share your material and so glad I upped my Patreon donation recently because holy shit Ian this was just so good. Also, love your natural accent!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you, Winston! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Ian

[@GuyTurrell]

You're a man out of another time, in regards to how you write. Wonderful, my friend. Thank you.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you too!

[@mauricedavis8261]

Thank you HB, another excellent tale of the otherworldly, or is it the outer worldly!!!👌👏😷

[@BBasiliscus]

Really quite enjoyed this one. I'm still puzzling over the creatures and how they fit into things but the ending reduced me to tears and hit pretty hard. Wonderful narration and writing around there, I think that alone was done perfectly.

[@susanhepburn6040]

Well, I just have to say, that was BRILLIANT, Ian! Thank you very much indeed!

[@HorrorBabble]

Many thanks!

[@FergieTheTaurus]

Brilliant! I did not expect that ending at all. 😲

[@noneyabeeswax3200]

Excellent story sir I tremendously enjoy your work and your channel.

[@Vates104]

Excellent story. Thank you.

[@peapod4962]

Absolutely Brilliant!! Thank you

VERY good Story Ian! I enjoyed the suspense and the mystery, and it was well written and had a good flow to it! Thank you for sharing that with us! Very well read as well!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you very much!

[@audrey3688]

Wow! This story was better than any of the old ones that I’ve listened to so far!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you Audrey!

[@elizabethlyons1066]

Absolutely fantastic!!!!!! I can listen to you for hours. Wonderful story!!!

[@FigofFae]

This sucked me in from the beginning and held me right through to the satisfyingly creepy end! Sooooo good! Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@nicholasriviello3899]

Really great and special story. Thank you Ian

[@jmpsthrufyre]

What a treat. Thanks Ian! (&Co.)

[@bburns2478]

Outstanding tale and narration.Sat up way too late listening to it - just couldn't turn it off! What an ending. Have just subscribed and cannot wait to see what other gems you have on your site. Keep up the excellent work. Many thanks.

[@timhancock1267]

Incredibly well written , on par . Bravo old chap

[@cody1570]

Sonething about these stories and the horrors, along with the cthulhu mythos just keeps the mind constantly abuzz and engaged in these stories. Love them all and your killing it with the theme tone and presentation of all these stories

[@Shineon83]

Truly excellent story!!

[@alxandra74]

This was amazing! I loved the contemporary story that read so much like a classic. It was understated and beautiful. 👍

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you!

[@johnnyboy5004]

Thank you so much for this this work Ian and crew.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks for checking this one out, Johnny!

[@laurahenriksen19]

This is such a good tale. Immaculately written. X

[@insight3973]

Great twist, wonderful tale. I love it also..... Very much a missing 411 story inspired

[@beverlyamarantes9775]

Amazing. Just amazing. I loved this tale.Thank you.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you, Beverly!

[@beverlyamarantes9775]

@@HorrorBabble Thank you. I feel privileged!

[@strangetrip837]

Excellent story, fantastic narration, thank you.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks for listening!

[@mikehunt8769]

Brilliant and touching. Wow. Thank you.

[@zombiemutt5222]

Thoroughly enjoyed this! Your original works compliment the works of the other authors, you lend your voice to, beautifully. While also showing themselves to be worthy of mentioning in the same breath as William Hope Hodgson, or HP Lovecraft. I started on the stories featuring Peter Van Melsen, several months ago, I’m relatively new to the channel and he has rapidly become one of my favourite literary characters. I would love for Peter to have encountered Carnacki and in my mind, the goings on around Winter Hill would have allowed for that. Thank you for sharing all the work you put into the recordings and also, thanks for sharing your original stories, I’m as excited to see a classic pop up on the channel, as I am to see a future classic of yours.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed this one and the VM tales.

[@Anters7734]

As a Turton Lad who's lived in the village of Edgworth, a few villages over from Belmont and Winter Hill, even deeper into the West Pennine Moors I really appreciate this. Could you point to me towards any more local tales?

[@HorrorBabble]

Always good to hear from fellow Boltoners! There aren't too many set in those parts, but THE PIT, for example, takes place in my hometown of Westhoughton: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foCZlWqEgLKbZpI Ian

[@BlueDemon77]

"Boys, keep off the moors, stick to the roads".

[@leojablonski2309]

When the powers of evil....

[@Graycata]

Beware the moon!

[@tomcurran1538]

You'll never meet The Demoiselle d'Ys then, lol. See Robert W. Chambers.

[@Catlitter84]

That was bloody brilliant. I normally fall asleep to audiobooks and have to revisit them the next night. This story however, gripped me from start to finish. Thank you so much xx

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you Donna - I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@onerandomperson]

Haven't heard such an excellent story for a long time. The ending! So good!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you!

[@monkdog007]

This story is awesome. Super impressed. Keep 'em coming Ian.

[@mijiyoon5575]

I will share this ... I luv it... TY *Ian Gordon w/ HorrorBabble* luv the layout & illustrations too👍👍👍👍👍

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you!

[@dovel1000]

This is fantastic. I was going to listen for a bit to fall asleep. Ended up staying awake until the end. Great twist at the end. I did not see that coming.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks Christian! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Ian

[@sunshyn784]

Amazing. The end completely took me by surprise.

[@bluegreenglue6565]

Wonderful story! Thanks so much for sharing this with us.

[@spacecase13]

Absolutely riveting story with good characters. Keep writing Ian every single story of yours is a memorable treat!

[@JJ-np1ig]

Duuuude! You reeled me in like a fish on a hook! Great story with a wonder twist! This story was time well spent. Thank you!

[@HorrorBabble]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Padoinky]

Got me hooked on these elongated stories

[@CPWebster]

brilliant story so well told...

[@Julian-bq9qv]

Excellent tale, well written and so very atmospheric!! But the clincher, the kicker, the twist - that was outstanding!!!!!

[@clubbox457]

Being a Lancashire lad and having lived at the bottom of this hill all my life in the little town of Chorley. This is best thing I have ever listened to. When you mentioned pigeon tower that part I could picture perfectly thank you for this reading 👍

[@HorrorBabble]

It's always great to hear from folks who are familiar with the area!

[@blixten2928]

Ian your own are the BEST!! So subtle, detailed, personal ... yet oddly remote,abstract... in short, haunting. Lovely work!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks again!

[@marinakaiser7639]

Such a fabulous story dear Ian so glad i stumbled back then upon your channel i'm not so long here that's why i didn't knew the story so exited i can hear it now. Keep up the good work you are a mastermind 😊👍

[@Morboeatspeople]

Fantastic story, AMAZING ending! Damn fine job, Ian; keep up the good work!

[@anindk2049]

Ian, brilliant story and narration! thank you! 😉

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks for listening!

[@lerelilereli3569]

BRAVO!!! 🙏🏻

[@libertycowboy2495]

Serious talent! Thanks!

[@WhoCares69]

Third time listening to this great story, first two I fell asleep 😴. Wonderful twist at the end.Your voice is BRILLIANT!!!! 👏👏

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks, Shaun!

[@FirCorred]

this really was very good! Beautifully crafted, with a sly end. More, please?

[@CaptainSpork7]

This was an excellent story! Really had me in the ending. Keep up the writing Ian!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks so much!