The Residence at Whitminster (An Occult Tale) by M.R.James

“The Residence at Whitminster” is a short ghost story by British author M.R. James. It was first published in 1919 as part of the anthology "A Thin Ghost and Others." The story unfolds in two different periods: around 1730 and a hundred years later.
In the first part, the story is set in a house next to a church, originally intended to house many clergymen and other people working there. During the early 18th century, the clergyman Dr. Thomas Ashton and his wife occupied this house. They cared for two adolescent boys, Frank Sydall and Saul, the latter being the son of an Irish nobleman. Saul, known for his strange behaviour and fascination with old ruins and graveyards, and Frank dabble in the occult. Tragically, both boys die soon afterwards.
In the second part of the story, set about a hundred years later, a new clergyman and his niece move into the house. The housekeeper complains about one unused bedroom being infested with insects. The niece starts seeing visions of the two boys who lived in the house a century earlier.
The story is a chilling tale of the supernatural, exploring themes of the occult and the consequences of dabbling in it. It’s considered one of M.R. James’s creepier and more neglected ghost stories.
Story narrated by Chris Halton.
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Introduction music:
Dramatic Atmosphere with Piano and Violin
UNIVERSFIELD
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Thank you for watching our video.
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[@kariwellborn5083]

This is another one that gave me chills when you first posted it years ago. The chills are back with this posting. Thanks Chris!

[@HauntedTalesofDarkness]

My pleasure, Kari.

[@hilaryeales1268]

Hi, from England........rainy Sunday, decided to do some sewing, need something to listen to and here you are!!! All my old favourites and some some great sounding new ones, all in one place. You are, officially, my hero 😊

[@HauntedTalesofDarkness]

Welcome aboard my channel, Hilary. I hope you enjoy my readings and also my own stories.

[@terrymitchell2533]

Very clear and well narrated thank you. I did enjoy it 👍🥂

[@HauntedTalesofDarkness]

Awesome, thank you!

[@samsum3738]

The eighteenth or early 19th century , a large country house ,or small inn , the seaside , a full bright moon, Scotch fir trees , yes we are in MRJ Land ....

[@HauntedTalesofDarkness]

I think that pretty much sums up the M.R.James landscape.

[@mzeewatk846]

It’s a bad sign when the Doctor picks a prayer book out of his black bag.

[@HauntedTalesofDarkness]

Welcome to my channel. And yes, not very encouraging. :)

[@Blackhawk364]

Some of these stories are in the MR James books i have but not all.
Love hearing you read these stories. They take on a whole new dimension. My favorite time is in the evening with tea while im working on a project. Makes for a nice evening.

[@HauntedTalesofDarkness]

Thank you!

[@clairegreenaway9653]

Thanks Chris, haven’t heard this one before!

[@HauntedTalesofDarkness]

It`s one that`s seldom told, yet strangely it`s better, Claire!

[@Lorriann63]

Great story, Chris. Thank you.

[@HauntedTalesofDarkness]

Thanks for listening, Lorraine!

[@Boogie_the_cat]

You got my sub. One of my favorite stories if not the favorite (full stop) by James.
I couldn't find this M.R. James tale read by anyone else (modern day reading)
I ❤ James' work so much.
Thank you /⁠ᐠ⁠｡⁠ꞈ⁠｡⁠ᐟ⁠\

[@HauntedTalesofDarkness]

Welcome aboard! Thanks, Boogie :)

[@BryinWillis-e8g]

Complete

[@HauntedTalesofDarkness]

Thank you!

[@ufosrus]

I couldn't figure out what was going on after the part with the room full of bugs.

[@HauntedTalesofDarkness]

I hear you! MRJ loved to add in nauseating creatures to deepen the horror of his stories.