The Water Ghost of Harrowby Hall | John Kendrick Bangs | A Bitesized Audiobook

The unfortunate owner of Harrowby Hall is condemned to be haunted every Christmas Eve "for one mortal hour" by a quenching spectre. But after more than 200 such visits, the newest heir to the estate is determined to deal with the spirit once and for all... The story starts at 00:01:25
Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me (and get access to exclusive content):
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:25 The Water Ghost of Harrowby Hall
00:25:03 Credits, thanks and further listening
John Kendrick Bangs (1862-1922) was an American author, editor and satirist. Born in Yonkers, New York, he cut his teeth as a writer contributing articles and poetry to Life magazine in the 1880s. Subsequently he also supplied pieces to Harper's, where he became "Editor of the Departments of Humor" in 1889. He maintained his connection to Harpers as well as Life until the start of the 20th century, when he served as editor of the 'New Metropolitan Magazine' (1903) and in 1904 he became editor of the popular humorous magazine 'Puck'.
One of Bangs' most famous works is 'Alice in Blunderland' (1907), a political send-up of the famous Alice books by Lewis Carroll. In all he published dozens of books and countless short stories, including several which parody established fictional characters created by other authors, such as Sherlock Holmes and E. W. Hornung's Raffles, the amateur cracksman.
Bangs died in Atlantic City, New Jersey, from cancer at the age of 59.
Although it's set on Christmas eve, the first printing of 'The Water Ghost of Harrowby Hall' I've been able to verify was in the middle of summer, in Harper's Weekly on 27 June 1891. The story has gone on to be much anthologised ever since.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2023.

[@CrowSkeleton]

"Congeal, madam, congeal!" has to be among the funniest lines to be found in a ghost story. Thank you for reading this.

[@MoonLitChild]

I love the humor these older stories can have!

[@trishtraynor]

I have to hear this story now !

[@ludovica8221]

3 wives in 20 years in an era before common divorce... I think he has more than a ghost frozen in that storage facility

[@annagettings4675]

That was wonderful, and so funny! Thank you Simon. I loved it! Oh, I found Stephen Fry reading Max Carrados stories. In all honesty, and dearly though I love Stephen Fry, you do it much better 😊

[@8739PS]

Another brilliant ghostly tale. Loved it. Thank you, Simon 🙂

[@hossenfeffer8383]

Simon, my most sincere admiration for your outstanding artistic renderings. Words can hardly convey how enjoyable they are, and what a fond companion you have become especially through the bleak of the pandemic. The appearance of another production on my feed has become such a wonderfully welcome sight. You are held in the utmost regard, and thought of always with the deepest fondness. Thank you. 🇨🇦

[@fluffyfour]

Felt so sorry for the ghost. Treated badly by both her father and those she was doomed to haunt.

[@Boogie_the_cat]

I'm so happy to have a classic ghost story to unwind to tonight. Thank you, Mr. Stanhope for your hard work.

[@possumaintdead]

I’m not overly fond of humorous ghost stories, but your reading made this most enjoyable. Thank you Simon, and happy holidays!

[@patriciajrs46]

It is damn disagreeable! Ha, ha. I love it. Your words are of such a bright, lovingly, and dark flavor. It's like a sour sweet chocolate.

[@thrashrap]

I don’t think I ever chuckled as much with any story before…😂 The banter between the water ghost and her to be humidified heirs together with both parties abject intent of conquering the other was the absolutely most delightful contest of wills and absurdity I’ve heard for a long time. Add Simon’s masterful intonation and storytelling art this reading becomes a witty masterpiece! Thank you, Simon, for sharing your voice and spirit to call long gone or frozen generations and specters into the scene to mingle with us once more !💝

[@Frenchblue8]

This video has been in the public realm for 10 seconds and already 12K people have hit the like button, lol! You got to love KZbin 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@jeffashley5512]

Always loved this story. I first heard it told by Vincent Price. Great telling Simon.

[@Frenchblue8]

But it's so wonderful! I actually got the notification immediately! KZbin is a strange and untamed wilderness on it's best day 🥳

[@Linnet09]

A funny story, and new to me. I was particularly amused by the fact that the ghost got the blame/credit for the death of one victim at the age of 78, four years after the incident with the ghost.

[@maxgc6413]

Another chilly entry for the evening

[@vickif.4645]

Delivered perfectly - what a gem! Thank you, Simon!

[@susangordon1153]

Wonderfully done Simon. I had not heard this one before and it is a delightful little story. But as far as I'm concerned, you could narrate my grocery list and I would find it captivating. You are indeed a blessing to me. Thank you! ❤

[@anthonysokolsky6210]

Absolutely loved the way the young master took revenge on this persistent ghost!

[@TheMysteryandSuspenseStories]

Thank you for this delightful rendition of 'The Water Ghost of Harrowby Hall' by John Kendrick Bangs. Your narration perfectly captured the eerie yet humorous essence of this classic ghost story. It's a wonderful treat for fans of Victorian-era literature.

[@nickybaker1338]

Marvellous! What a delightfully amusing tale. The banter between heir/s & ghost is hilarious.😅 Thank you very much indeed Simon. 🥰

[@Aiko2-26-9]

A rather silly story of a peculiar haunting and a clever heir who overcame it. Most amusing. Thank you for this recording, Simon.

[@altasheridan7815]

Oh Thank you, Simon❤. I first round this story when I was about 10 (just after the Peace of Amiens;) ) in one of those paperback anthologies of ghost stories. I still remember the illustration of a boney, dripping pointing hand draped with seaweed.

[@SpuktasticAudio]

Bravo, maestro! I do so love a happy ending. 😂 ❤

[@katherinelinkous223]

Thank you for this! I've loved this story since the 60's when I was in school. It is difficult to find, and it was a pleasure listening to it tonight.

[@jaidebrooke5946]

Defeated by asbestos 😂 Starting my day with top tier reading. Many thanks Simon.

[@ginabeena6757]

Ohmygosh!! So excited for this!! 🤗❤️🎄🥰

[@elizah2093]

Yippee. 🎉🎉🎉

[@jenncornthwaite2763]

I am only a minute in and can't stop giggling. This author! Thank you Simon!

[@dorissoler1987]

Awww, I was actually sorry for the ghost in the end !

[@ClipperHorizon]

"He had paid the lady the compliment of fainting from his first surprise." "Well, my humor is drier than yours ever will be." "It was perhaps more of a trickle than a fade, but as a disappearance, it was complete." The writing in this is just delightful!

[@rallyeraidr7841]

Thank from Australia!

[@tonyeden8381]

Brilliantly quirky story very well presented 😊👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@lyndaa7560]

A very clever Master of Harrowby Hall but a very forlorn & sorrowful ghost, poor young lady dying because of a nasty Father & a colour scheme she found distasteful. I wish the young Master much luck in his third marriage! Many thanks Simon, a voice as smooth as silk & a perfect reading.xx

[@susanotway7875]

So enjoyable! Thanks Simon - another gem.

[@pyrettablaize205]

I fell in love with this story when my mom gave me her childhood book ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S HAUNTED HOUSEFUL. Then a few years ago I discovered a reading by Vincent Price ♥️

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

What a wonderfully delightful Christmas ghostly story

[@julielevinge266]

Really enjoyed this one, but have enjoyed each & every post you’ve ever made!♥️✊

[@davehopkins1970]

Superb funny brilliant thank you Simon

[@SueCooke]

Absolutely love this story. This is the 6th time I've listened to it. Just gets better & better! Thank You Simon. I know all the KZbin hassle was a while ago, but it really is so very marvellous that you're here.

[@suitov]

Poor young lady. I would've had a platform built in the garden, designed with heating and excellent drainage between the slats, and done her the service of holding a nice conversation with the offer of mince pies to flood. It's Christmas, after all!

[@elizabethrapoza7056]

Thank you Simon! One of my favorite ghost stories since I was a child - in fact many in your collection are. I love your channel and narration.

[@chrissy529]

A Very Unique And Interesting Ghost Story.

[@nanphx2038]

laughed out loud a few times. Thanks!

[@paulacnote]

Yippee Simon...so happy today 😊

[@cinnybuggable]

Thanks! That was quite superb 🥶

[@simoneclift3155]

Another lovely telling. You are a sanity saver Sir. X

[@mjrchapin]

Fascinating tale! I got cold just listening to it!

[@ropeburnsrussell]

I also read this as a nipper. Almost 60 years ago. 😮

[@JD-cw4qg]

what a fabulous little christmas ghost story, one I've definitely not heard, thank you Simon 🤩

[@ruthhase-gutierrez9830]

Thank you for another narration. It's so pleasing to listen to.

[@luvuforeverjames]

Thank you Simon for a really entertaining and amusing story, your narration as usual is first class!

[@aoifeocallaghan8351]

Thank you so much Simon that was a lovely surprise and a very Happy Christmas to you and your family.

[@patriciajrs46]

Hi Simon!! I hope your holidays are going well and gearing up to be great. Thank you for narrating. Merry Christmas.

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Happy Christmas, Simon!! Thank you.

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Excellent. Thank you 😊

[@PINKRIVER1]

A ghost story but it helps me relax. Thank you!

[@kerrijones1726]

What a wonderful story...love the dry wit....

[@mrmeowmeow710]

Another great story by a master story teller👍👍

[@merlapittman5034]

What a wonderful ghost story! Hilarious! And beautifully narrated - thank you!

[@kerrijones1726]

Thanks

[@carolmikolj5134]

How lovely to hear a story by Bangs. He is not so well known these days but deserves to be; and your reading was an absolute delight. Many thanks.

[@Themovieposterchannel]

Hi Simon thank you for the stories, they keep me company whilst working on my own

[@imh9524]

Hilarious! Well done😀

[@spews1973]

Thank you for introducing me to this bit of festive fun, reminiscent of Jerome K. Jerome's "Told After Supper" and Oscar Wilde's "The Canterville Ghost". I wonder, did the American author's recreation of upper-class British speech come across as realistic back in 1891, or did it sound then something like Dick Van Dyke in "Mary Poppins" would sound to later generations?

[@shannondore]

Great job as usual Simon. This was wonderful! And that had to be the most annoying ghost I've ever heard of.🤣

[@robertkulb6640]

Read this story as a kid and I’m always hoping the son in the diving suit takes the ghost out on the water to confront the sea nymph and make her free the ghost from her forced hauntings. Oh well.

[@lena-jherrmann6064]

Thank you for your recordings. I love them.

[@mariameere5807]

I missed this one I see! Just on time then! Thank you so much ❤

[@adriennedunne1748]

This was also wonderful. I love your channel. Thank you

[@leonaheraty3760]

Simon, thank you for your excellent rendition of this spooky story. Merry Christmas to all! 🌲😀👻

[@maryporter868]

Thanks!

[@evelanpatton]

Wonderful. Thank you. 📚📖🎉

[@margaretwood7135]

Delightful :)

[@paultaylor5774]

Could easily be a Saki story, just the sort fiendishly inventive solution to a haunting that would occur to Clovis.

[@taliabee8661]

Well, that was excellent. Thanks everso 😀♥️

[@chrizzbenyon3993]

Tbanks for this. I read this gem when I was kid and itt really took me back. I felt a bit sorry for the poor girl though, she cant get any rest eve n in death.

[@sharingmyfun8804]

What a delightful treat at the end of this busy 80° day! No ghost story has ever made me laugh so much. Beautifully narrated, as always. 25:56

[@MsMak12356]

So very very funny! Thank you! Happy New Year!

[@diadorim3992]

"Aqueous femininity" I lost it

[@amgroves76]

Started out funny but then made me sad

[@TheSillybilly15]

Brilliantly funny story 😂😂

[@valrahosman6463]

8 really liked this one. Thank you. V

[@PippaAT]

This was a good one, very funny. x

[@tammyb8742]

What a hoot!

[@jlworrad]

Wonderful!

[@welshgruff]

For a time I lived in Harrowby Hall at Keele University but never saw a ghost.😂

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Thank you, Simon! Well done. Happy holidays to you and yours.

[@sherylyneversteyn5126]

You've done it again Simon. This was wonderfully amusing. I had to turn the heater up while listening. 💦💦💦

[@smythharris2635]

What a coincidence, here, in Ireland, it's raining.😅

[@mijiyoon5575]

TS 12:12 *'more a trickle than a fade'* BaaaaaaaaaHaaaaaaa!🤭

[@MsDormy]

What a strange story! I would have brought in an exorcist before spending all that money on asbestos storage space!! And why is he on his third wife? Do they keep jumping over the bridge? Seems to me the story has only just begun! Thank you for your fab reading skills.

[@diadorim3992]

This one is so funny omg

[@ryangooseling]

😊

[@cristinagoode8509]

Walking emoji ❤

[@cristinagoode8509]

Die hard Family's curse 😮

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@patriciajrs46]

Simon, are you related to Ann Stanhope?

[@BitesizedAudio]

Hello Patricia - how funny, I've recently had a similar question from a listener on another platform. Unless that was you, signed in under a different account....? A spooky co-incidence otherwise! The short answer is: not that I know of, but I'll look further into it!

[@stephaniealeman8522]

💦💚🙏🏽

[@spacehound3355]

Hmmmm...😐👻👍

[@JustSayin916]

😂😂😂😂😂