The Underground Ghost | John Berwick Harwood | A Bitesized Audiobook
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- Опубліковано 14 чер 2024
- A tourist exploring one of Cheshire's famous salt mines becomes separated from the rest of his party and loses himself in the maze of dark tunnels...
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:
* Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesize...
* Monthly support on Patreon: / bitesizedaudio
* Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/
* Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on UA-cam, from $1 per month with various benefits:
/ bitesizedaudioclassics
00:00:00 Introduction and background notes, written and read by Simon Stanhope
00:02:12 The Story begins
00:47:15 Credits and thanks
The setting for this story is a salt mine in Cheshire, north west England. Cheshire was then, and still is today, a leading centre for rock salt mining in Britain. In the 19th century, the working mines were also a notable tourist attraction. One of the largest mines at the time, the Adelaide Mine near Northwich, covered an excavated area of 15 acres. At the foot of the shaft was a huge open cavern hewn out of rock salt, the roof held up by vast pillars of salt. It was known locally as the Crystal Ballroom as dances and public entertainments were held there, and the lights reflecting from the walls of rock salt was said to be spectacular. The Adelaide Mine closed in 1928, after a flood caused the salt pillars to dissolve, leading the ground above to collapse. The largest working salt mine in Cheshire today is at Winsford, but sadly they no longer offer tours to members of the public. Since the early 2000s the older parts of the mine have been used for document storage, and millions of assets and documents are now stored there, including some of the UK's national archives.
There are very few verifiable biographical details available about John Berwick Harwood (c.1828-c.1899), which is the more surprising given that he was a relatively prolific author in the mid Victorian era. Between 1850 and 1890 he published about 20 novels, with titles such as 'The Serf-Sisters', 'Plain John Orpington', and 'Miss Jane, the Bishop's Daughter', as well as several short stories, generally with a theme of sensation, mystery or suspense. Part of the uncertainty about the exact number of works credited to him stems from the fact that many of his stories were published anonymously in magazines, as was very common at the time. 'The Underground Ghost' first appeared anonymously in the Christmas 1864 edition of Chambers Journal, and subsequently in the 1866 volume 'Major Peter', a collection of Harwood's stories published under his own name.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2022. - Розваги
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction and background notes, written and read by Simon Stanhope
00:02:12 The Story begins
00:47:15 Credits and thanks
A tourist exploring one of Cheshire's famous salt mines becomes separated from the rest of his party and loses himself in the maze of dark tunnels...
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:
* Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesizedaudio
* Monthly support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bitesizedaudio
* Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/
* Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on UA-cam, from $1 per month with various benefits:
ua-cam.com/users/BitesizedAudioClassicsjoin
Hi Simon so happy you are back , Your story telling talent is just amazing . Your voice & voices are excellent as always, hopefully UA-cam has now come their senses & leave you & your wonderful story telling channel alone👍😁
Fingers crossed! Thanks carrie-ann
Wonderful curation and reading Simon - I don’t think I’ve ever come across a salt mine in ghost and suspense stories before. The idea of a ghost trying to show the way to others but failing because she is still lost is sharply poignant.
What a joy! Not only do we enjoy your top notch narration skills, but get the thoughtful and well researched introduction to the story and its context. For literature and drama lovers this is a UA-cam channel at its best
Thank you kindly!
Chambers's Journal... in my day, we were taught to eschew that S's construction. Dickens' novels was deemed correct, not Dickens's. Yet now it is all the rage to approve Dickens's novels. So be it. Your reading, as ever, makes Victoria's ghost smile. Your timbre, elocution and nuance make us know that the literary productions of 1837-1901 were indeed, unparalleled. Kudos.
We’re obviously of the same generation Peter! I identify with everything you say! 😀
My surname ends in an S, and I was taught confusing and conflicting rules about writing the possesive version of my own name. The one that stuck was ....s', although I don't throw a fit if someone writes ....s's'.
Thanks Peter. Yes, that rule seems to have slipped a bit over the years, but then so many people break so many rules these days! I try to maintain standards....
@@BitesizedAudio I am also of the s’ generation. But language is an ever evolving animal. It is there to serve, not to BE served. I wring my language-loving hands at so many words that are now included in our dictionary … but this is precisely how language grows and becomes ever more colourful. Truly, there ought not to be “rules” for language. We should value enough our precious gift of communication to be able to embrace all of its expressions.
@@anneinnes5691 Agree 100% I use my own personal grammar just b/c I like it my way; some words just appear better looking w/out that annoying apostrophe 🤔😠😠😠
Great story, Simon! I am SO glad UA-cam saw sense with regard to your channel - nobody reads these tales like you.
Very kind of you to say so, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for your support
Oh, my goodness. Ok, I was really upset when you got demonetized, but I have to admit, I do love the outcome. This is super cool getting the little glimpse inside the process and also having you read us the autobiographical stuff. Thank you for not giving up!
Every single human being's worst nightmare! Thank you Simon for bringing this story to life. Your interpretation is, as always, perfect.
Im an American and I love British mysteries. Thanks for your entertsining renditions of these great dtories in a lost language of literatute. 💜🇺🇲✌️🙏
What a wonderful story teller you are Simon. I felt the cold, the damp, the fear and the desperation of the poor fellow. Thank you
What a lovely comment, thank you so much!
You have been commented by others and in more eloquent ways than I can express. I simply say thank you, I have enjoyed every single story, some more than once. So glad I have found you.
From Texas.
I listened to this on BC, but I'm going to enjoy listening to it again now. Great story, thank you Simon.
Very creepy offering. I have never been in a mine, but I have been down in caverns, and the guide always turns out the lights at some point to show just how dark it is. When he fell and broke his lantern a shiver went up my spine, remembering that dark! Excellent reading as always, and much appreciated!
It's true. I've done the kerosene lantern tour of Mammoth Caves, and at one point the guides take all the lights away and leave the tour party sitting in the dark. No after-images behind your eyelids, no phantom shadows or glimmers when you strain your eyes open. The darkness is close, stuck to you, creeping into your brain. It's not just that you can't see your hand in front of your face; you could almost believe your hand no longer exists.
Not that I was afraid. They were illustrating the "sunset and sunrise" effect created when the lanterns are taken away and brought back again, and I trusted them not to leave us all sitting there.
Hi Simon!!! I can once again, count on you for a trip to England.... without spending money that I don't have 🤪☺️. Bless you and keep up the great work.⭐🕊️⭐🕊️⭐
Truly a haunting tale. I felt the cold drips of water, the dampness, the magical yet terrible chambers of salt. What a great story and read in your inimitable style. Thank you, Simon!
You're most welcome! Thanks for listening, and for your kind feedback
Oh, boy - I feel like I just read the delicious sounding entree du jour on the menu at a great restaurant.
What a lovely comment! Thank you Chris
Getting ready to listen to your story.
One must prepare and do this correctly.
:)
I really, really enjoyed your narration of this tale, thank you so much. No one narrates and brings scenes, eras and characters to life quite like you.
Oh boy! I can’t wait to listen to this tonight. Get ready to be spooked!
My husband and I enjoy Old Time Classic Radio. So it's enjoyable to listen to these short stories. Just became a small paetroen as well.
Thank you so much for your support
Excellent story! I actually felt a heaviness in my chest as he comes to terms with the reality that he is truly lost, underground, with his light growing dim! A mine is creepy enough, but the ghost girl makes the skin tingle. I always appreciate your great talents in bringing each story to life!
Hello 👋 missy
How are you doing today?
Excellent! Just the thing to take the edge off after a stressful work day. Thank you so much, Simon, for all your hard work and dedication. Not only are your readings phenomenal, but your author bios add a layer and depth to these videos that it's difficult to put into words. Each is a little gem, perfect in and of itself. Thank you again for all that you do!
The background picture which one you've added is almost looking like a place in poveglia ( i think you may have heard about this haunted island) so however thank you for presenting me this exclusive video! well innovated and well presented so thank you once again for the video Mr. Simon.
Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this ghostly tale, look forward to more from the same author, as always a pleasure to listen to your reading, thank you
Thanks Irena. Stories by this particular author are quite hard to come by, but I do have a couple of others on my list for the future
Wow - what a powerful performance of a strangely sweet story, by yet another unfamiliar author: many thanks!
Simon: next level overview, with a map too! You’ve always been a fine performer, and are excelling at the value-added segments. Many of us would do these grudgingly, or in a vapid deadpan. Testament to your being an adult✅
Thank you for bringing these long forgotten great authors of the Victorian period . My great uncle, more than fifty years ago, used to read stories to us at from very old books and journals that he had collected and inherited from his father. We boys liked ghost stories and I remember this one still vividly. Fond memories you have reanimated for me in this excellent reading….my sincere thanks to you 😊👍👍
That's lovely to know, thank you for sharing. Best wishes
First class, as ever. ❤
Thanks so much Bob
Thank you, Simon! Can’t wait to enjoy this with the gang!
Wonderful, thanks Rachel. And glad to see your comments are working again!
Omgosh it's the man with the voice in person ! 👏🏼👏🏼 😳👍🏼
Wonderful to hear your mesmerising voice once again, which has got me through so many hard times and brought so much joy! I raise my glass to your marvellous story telling🍷💕🥇
I was frustrated for you when UA-cam stupidly made you add the intro info…but tbh, I’m rather enjoying it. Somehow you maintain the same relaxing timbre as the stories. Well played!
Looking forward to listening to this very shortly, Simon - thank you!
@@stewartlancaster6155 No need for sarcasm. Because of what the owner of this channel has been through recently, I just wanted to register my delight that this upload is available to enjoy.
Thanks for sharing this spooky and melancholy story, Simon. 😊
So grateful for you and your readings!
Thank you for your kind comments!
Lovely, just lovely Simon! You always select the best stories for us! I thoroughly enjoyed it! ❤
Hello 👋 susan
How are you doing today
Marvellous Simon your narration, intonation and storytelling is spookily atmospheric, chilling and unsurpassed in my opinion. John Berwick Hardwood was a wonderful author. Thank you. Xxxc
Great story. I think the ghost delayed him to give him a chance to live. Really sad story too. Mines can be treacherous to anyone who doesn't pay attention. They're not safe to go for a stroll in. I enjoyed that one. Thank you Simon.
The UK has some the most beautiful sites to see.
As I suffer from claustrophobia, this story scared the daylights out of me!
I might be having nightmares tonight! Thank you Simon, keep them coming!
Thanks Barbara! I hope you don't have nightmares...
I was interrupted multiple times by what I call *real life* but as usual I left it on for the cats to enjoy & they loved it *Simon* 😁👍💖🐈 now my turn to listen to ALL of it at once 😁
Glad to know they liked it!
@@BitesizedAudio 😻
Excellent as always. Please keep them coming!!
I'll do my best!
So glad you are back!!! The setting & biographical details are fantastic - students will be using your channel as a research resource 🤗
Hello 👋 Linda
How are you doing today
Thank you for your beautiful work.
How many sightings of ghosts in Victorian stories have dismissed as “excited nerves”?
Excellent - as always.
Thank you.
top quality thanks Simon. You really have such a gift for story telling....it's wonderful
Extremely kind of you to say, thank you Jim!
Thanks for the very interesting notes you bring of each author, and background on location. ❤❤🥂🇨🇦🇬🇧
Hi Simon! I thought, you were much older. Because of your voice. But I love your voice and your way of reading.
Hello Simon.. What would I do without your soothing voice to send me off to sleep. You are like my comfort blanket.. Thank you. Look after yourself and keep up the wonderful work xxxx 😘💕
Divine, as always! Thank you for all the work, time and love you put into these. 🙏
Brilliant. Superbly paced, as always. You're the best !
Mr. Simon I like the new intro and description. Great job Sir. Good story to boot.
Hey!! It's nice to see your face! Thank you for all of your work. I really appreciate it.
A great story well read as always. Thankyou.
Another absolutely fantastic production simon keep up the great work
The fact the author was clearly being paid by the word is distracting, but what a setting, and what a tale!
Wonderfully presented, Simon!💙
Thank you Simon for another outstanding performance, the fear of being lost underground, in total darkness, was so well portrayed by you, that I felt shivers up and down my spine!
Loved the introduction too!
Thank you, Simon, as always the darkest areas of life promote growth, awareness & opportunity and blessing. You've reached new levels of spectacular, even for you, thank you.I love you
Another good one Simon. Thank you. Very enjoyable..
everytime i hear these audiobooks, i am transported in an old english library, in an armchair, by the fire......
What a lovely image, thank you
A very atmospheric story.Wonderful narration.The background and setting of this story as well as the biographical details adds to the pleasure.
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THIS!!!
Brilliant as usual Mr Simon.
It could feel as though you had been stuck in a cave throughout the story. Nice story indeed. !!
Great story. Wonderfully done. Thank you Simon.
Thanks Tim, appreciated
Loved this story.. thank you.
Great spooky story. I love ghosts!👻
Thank you. Always look forward to the next story, whether I'm familiar with it or not!
Wonderful work as always, thank you!
I do so enjoy listening to your voice. I have always been an avid reader of books but, as I've gotten older , I find myself struggling to keep my eyes open. Your stories are far easier to follow. So thank you for the work you do.
Glad to be of service! Thanks for listening, and taking the time to comment
Really great the way you read it! Reminds me of a lantern tour I took of Mammoth Caves 😂 ♥️
Thanks @Ringpop617. Caves by candlelight/lantern... very spooky!
Superb as always
Absolutely fabulous! Loved it 😍!! Thank you so much Simon & love the lay out and I am glad that you have continued the history bit at the beginning! Many thanks and blessings!
That's good to know, thanks Maria, glad you enjoyed it
This was so deliciously spooky. I love this channel. Thank you, Simon!
Simon, you always do such a great narration. I consider myself lucky to be able to listen to your excellent diction. Thank you for continuing to fight for what you do.
Many thanks Patricia!
Another excellent narration Simon!
Elagant, gripping narritive. Thank toy
You do such an excellent job at narrating. I would really like to make a remark to the lost gentleman if this was a true story. However since I am unclear of this matter I am thrilled that I need not bother writing a small book on the subject. Thank you for the meticulous read.
So very good!
I always appreciate your story-telling! You are the only one I have ever donated to on UA-cam, but I definitely want to support your efforts so we all can continue to enjoy your work for some time to come! (And, I'm ready for another Audible audio book, too!) 🙂
Thank you so much for your very kind support Brenda, I really appreciate it. Funnily enough I've been thinking about doing some more Audible releases - it's a bit of a long process to get stuff on there, but I'd like to do more before too long. I'm wondering about releasing a second volume of Victorian and Edwardian ghost stories (perhaps to include this one), or perhaps a Victorian and Edwardian Detective Story compilation ... what would you vote for? I could do both I suppose! It's just the time involved, but I should get the ball rolling really. Best wishes, Simon
@@BitesizedAudio I have no real preference of Edwardian or Victorian as I never even followed this genre until I heard your narration … since then I’ve come to love it! I actually found you on UA-cam when simply seeking good quality short stories of about an hour to hour -and-half. Leisure time can be hard to come by! But I have come to prefer specific authors who I had never even heard of before, like Emma Orczy, FG Loring, and Catherine Louisa Pirkis. So I do enjoy it when you bring the words of these unheard of (to me) authors to life! I am also enjoying the extra biographical information you give on the authors as well since this opens up a new literary world to me.
Another excellent reading. Thank you.
Kind of you to say so, thank you
very interesting history. :)
and love the music. again, so glad you’re back 🌷🌱
Saving this for bedtime. 🖤
Hello lovely Simon!!! Can’t wait to play this ❤❤
Thanks Annette. Hope you enjoy it!
Uploads from you always make me smile :-).
Thank you!
'exordium' is just a great word!
Thanks Simon. You look handsome here! I know you have been forced by you know who to pad these videos up, but you have done it very well. Really there are a lot of narrators doing these stories, but yours are unique due to your voice talent. I don't know why you got hasseled for not having original content. So, why do we listen to you, then, which is something this platform can't explain..
Thank you Sara, that's very kind of you to say! After experimenting with a few different formats, I'm now keeping the intros very short and directing listeners to the "sleeve notes" in the video descriptions... this is easier to manage to be honest, and also satisfies those who don't like the longer intros. I had a few negative comments about them from people who didn't want to hear about the author and just wanted to get on with the story.... it was a bit annoying to be taken to task for doing something I didn't particularly choose to be doing in the first place! Anyway, I hope the latest format suits all concerned
@@BitesizedAudio Those commenters do not know what you went through. And really, they can fast forward to the story. I like your intros.
Bloody good show Simon ❤️👍 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks Tony!
That was very interesting, thank you very much!
You're welcome, thanks Laura
Listened to this one on Patreon. Really enjoyed it. Thx
Another truly enjoyable little scare.
Lol Levintted omg. Great stuff
Thanks! Superior in sound quality , presentation , voice characterizations …….superior in all respects .
This applies to ALL your narrations , of course .
I will help when I am able . ( side note , this is the first time I have been so impressed as to want to compensate the Narrator ) shame on me .
Well done, Sir !
Thanks so much for your support, and your kind comments, much appreciated
Fabulous to know you are back on YT Simon, loving this post, I've not heard of this author or any of his works but it is one of the best yet. Will you read any more of Harwood's work? be fabulous if you did. Thanks so much for this
Thanks JD. Mr Harwood is quite an elusive author to find, but I do have a couple of his other titles on my list for the future if I can track down a reliable text
Thank you
When I heard " regular listener" I thought that's me!!
Oooo I have had nightmares of being lost in such a place 💀
Iv driven tractor trailers inside underground salt mines / grante mines in Kansas and Missouri
These caves go for miles and in Pennsylvania- the coal mines where literally like ant farms with dozens of stories - pa got flooded - so they say- I suppose many upriver in Scranton are still a deep labyrinth of awaiting survival or terrors waiting for opportunities.
1920s was the pinnacle of human technology and maybe up to 1970
Steam ships could theoretically run on uranium- however I do appreciate these classic stories as a well connected person could have a real adventure in the 1920s.
Definitely go on a mine tour - coal or salt- worth it
Thanks!
Thanks for your support
TS 17:39 weight of forced solitude* that is a true phrase ... being the key word is *forced* not solitude 🤔 loved this ghost tale it had it all *TY Simon*