Raynham Hall, located in Norfolk, England, is renowned not only for its architectural splendor but also for its ghostly resident, the Brown Lady. This spectral figure is believed to be the ghost of Lady Dorothy Townshend, wife of Charles Townshend, the second Viscount of Raynham. The story of the Brown Lady is one of the most compelling and well-documented ghost tales in English history, featuring eyewitness accounts and even photographic evidence.
The Legend of Lady Dorothy Townshend
Lady Dorothy Walpole married Charles Townshend in the early 1700s. Before her marriage, she was rumoured to have been the mistress of Lord Wharton. Charles Townshend, known for his jealous and temperamental nature, suspected Dorothy of infidelity. Despite official records stating that Lady Dorothy died and was buried in 1726, rumours persisted that Charles had staged her funeral and instead imprisoned her in a secluded part of Raynham Hall until her actual death many years later.
Ghostly Encounters
The ghost of Lady Dorothy, known as the Brown Lady due to her distinctive brown satin dress, has been sighted numerous times at Raynham Hall. Notable encounters include:
- King George IV: In the early 1800s, King George IV reportedly saw a woman in a brown dress beside his bed while staying at Raynham Hall. He was so frightened that he left the hall immediately.
- Colonel Loftus: In 1835, Colonel Loftus saw the Brown Lady during the Christmas holidays. He described her as wearing a brown satin dress, with a glowing, pale complexion and hollow eye sockets.
- Captain Frederick Marryat: A few years later, Marryat and two friends saw the ghost carrying a lantern along an upstairs hallway. Marryat claimed that she grinned at them in a diabolical manner, and although he fired a pistol at her, the bullet passed through without effect.
The Famous Photograph
The most famous piece of evidence supporting the existence of the Brown Lady is a photograph taken in September 1936. Captain Provand and Indre Shira, photographers for Country Life magazine, were assigned to photograph Raynham Hall. According to Shira:
“Captain Provand took one photograph while I flashed the light. He was focusing for another exposure; I was standing by his side just behind the camera with the flashlight pistol in my hand, looking directly up the staircase. All at once I detected an ethereal veiled form coming slowly down the stairs. Rather excitedly, I called out sharply: ‘Quick, quick, there’s something.’ I pressed the trigger of the flashlight pistol. After the flash and on closing the shutter, Captain Provand removed the focusing cloth from his head and turning to me said: ‘What’s all the excitement about?'”
Upon developing the film, the image of the Brown Lady ghost was revealed. It was published in the December 16, 1936, issue of Country Life, causing a sensation. This photograph remains one of the most famous and well-regarded pieces of ghostly evidence ever captured.
Continued Sightings
The Brown Lady continues to be seen occasionally, maintaining her presence as one of the most famous ghosts in England. Raynham Hall remains a place of intrigue and mystery, drawing visitors and ghost hunters eager to glimpse the legendary Brown Lady.
Visiting Raynham Hall
Raynham Hall offers open days several times a year, providing a unique opportunity to explore this historic and haunted estate. To visit, tickets must be booked in advance. You can book your tickets directly online or by emailing the administration at [email protected].
Private tours are also available upon request. To arrange a private tour, please contact Raynham Hall directly to make the necessary inquiries.
Open Days:
- Cost: £30 per person
- Availability: Offered on specific dates throughout the year. For the most current dates and additional information, please visit their official website.
For the latest details and to book your visit, check their website: Raynham Hall.
This hauntingly beautiful estate provides not only a glimpse into its rich history but also the chance to possibly encounter the famed Brown Lady. Don’t miss out on this eerie yet fascinating experience.
Photo by Captain Provand and Indre Shira, first published in Country Life magazine, December 16, 1936. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
