Mr. Mortimer's Diary | A Ghost Story by Amyas Northcote | A Bitesized Audio Production
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ต.ค. 2021
- The strange behaviour of Mr. Roger Mortimer in the days before his death puzzled his friends and neighbours at the time, but the man himself and the peculiar circumstances of his demise have long been forgotten. When, after 25 years, his long-lost diary is discovered, the bizarre mystery may finally be explained...
A new, original recording of a classic public domain text, read and performed by Simon Stanhope for Bitesized Audio.
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Amyas Northcote (1864-1923) was the seventh and youngest son of a senior Conservative politician of the Victorian era: Sir Stafford Northcote (later the Earl of Iddesleigh), who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and Foreign Secretary in the governments of Disraeli and Salisbury, as well as Leader of the Opposition when Gladstone was prime minister. (A historical footnote for trivia buffs: while Foreign Secretary under Salisbury, Iddesleigh was also First Lord of the Treasury and so lived at 10 Downing Street, even though he was not prime minister. He died suddenly in No.10, while still in office, in January 1887.)
Amyas appears not to have followed his father into politics, although he presumably had very good connections: his London neighbours during his adolescence apparently included Lord Randolph Churchill and his young son Winston. However, precise details of Amyas's life and career are rather obscure. He was born at the Stafford family seat, Pynes House near Exeter, and was educated at Eton, a year or two below M. R. James (who was slightly his senior, having been born in August 1862), but there is no evidence to show whether or not the two were acquainted at school. Very little is known about Amyas Northcote's adult life and work: as an author he is only known to have published one book, in his late 50s: a collection of 13 short ghost stories entitled 'In Ghostly Company', published by Bodley Head in November 1921. His death barely eighteen months later in 1923 at the age of 58 or 59 meant that 'In Ghostly Company' fell quite quickly into obscurity, his only contribution to supernatural fiction (or fiction of any kind for that matter). It was not republished for many decades. Northcote may have been forgotten entirely had it not been for Montague Summers choosing one of his stories - 'Brickett Bottom' - for inclusion in his 1930s volume 'The Supernatural Omnibus'. Northcote's ghost stories have been compared to those of his old school-fellow M. R. James; certainly the antiquarian character of Mr. Roger Mortimer has Jamesian echoes.
'Mr. Mortimer's Diary' was first published in the volume 'In Ghostly Company' in November 1921.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2021. - บันเทิง
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beautifully read - and you don’t overdramatize and try to make the story scarier. you just read the with the implicit emotions and let the text speak for itself, which is only enhanced by your acting. thank you so much. i love listening to you :) 🎭
Thanks Alexa, I really appreciate that feedback. All best wishes
I will force myself to resist the urge until prosecco o'clock before sating my appetites. Deep forthcoming joy. ❤
You need help if you spend your whole days counting down the minutes until you are “allowed” to have a drink. Alcoholism is very sad and I feel extremely sorry for you 😣😔
I can’t wait to go to bed to listen to this.
Thanks Dean. Sleep well!
@@BitesizedAudio I did. Thank you very much again. The story was a corker and your reading of is was, once again, peerless.
You are spoiling us Simon, I’m saving this for midnight because then it will be my birthday, and this is my kind of treat! Thank you!
Happy birthday Maria! I hope you have a wonderful day
@@BitesizedAudio That’s very kind of you thank you! I was falling asleep so I kept rewinding it and made it last a long time! I really enjoyed it! Thank you again
Have a wonderful birthday.
Happy Birthday!
It's a wonderful evening when Simon uploads :). It's Saturday night dinner time at my part of the world & it's been raining throughout the day...Imagine tropical monsoon. What better way to end such a day than listen to a ghost story? Might even burn a candle for added effect :D
That sounds very atmospheric! Thanks for your kind comments
The candle is a good Idea. I am waiting until Christmas when I will listen Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the M.R. James Christmas ghost stories whilst having a log fire from you tube burning on my TV screen.
Fff za a
@@deanwal1962 yes, waiting for December myself, at least till after American Thanksgiving, to begin Simon's reading of a Christmas Carol! Just one more thing Christmassy to look forward to that might actually become a new tradition as well!🎄
@@Frenchblue8 I have added listening to him to my usual Christmas rituals. Simon’s Christmas stories are as eagerly anticipated for me as is the rendition of “Once in Royal David’s City” that is broadcasted from Kings College, Cambridge.
Groan! - a new ghost story is up and here I have to leave for work shortly.
Oh, well - something to look forward to when I get home.
It looks to be a very good one - I hope my day passes quickly!
I hope so too, and hope you enjoy it whenever you're able to listen! Thanks Chris
Just got home, made a cup of tea - sitting in my comfortable chair (this has to be done correctly) and ready to be entertained.
Thanks again!
I am very thankful you are sharing yet another forgotten story by a particularly interesting but all but forgotten author. Reading his biography (another great feature I don't remember ever thanking you for - so TY) I understand how he 'became obscure' so to speak even sooner than other authors. For sure he seems to have a very busy public life from what is known but I so wish he had left us more ghost stories as I find this "Mr. Mortimer's Diary" to be quite superb in providing that 'pleasant chill' another and near contemporary Etonian put it. James Bradshaw's presence in such a crescendo of tense, creepy torment is magnificently achieved. By your extraordinary interpretation (much more than a reading) as much as by the author's gifted pen. By the end I could feel myself inside the story and it I do believe I literally shivered. The closing words of the diary are of such sheer despair mixed with a lack of conviction in the self-persuasion that may haunt me later tonight. So: all in all a wonderful addition to my evening. Seriously I send you a most sincere feeling of gratitude.
Thank you so much for your kind words @portugasque, I'm so glad to know you enjoyed it. I've added a little more information to the biography now, with some historical trivia in case you're interested. I'd certainly like to record some more of his stories at some point. All best wishes, and thanks as ever for your support
Excellent... Thank you!
Made my ironing session a lot more bearable 😅 Thank you for your wonderful story telling - have you ever been an actor on screen? You really do more than just recite words, you bring it to life.
Thanks @Gumblina1. Yes, I have done some, although not a huge amount, probably 90% of my acting career has been in the theatre, but along the way I've done a couple of bit parts on TV and a few independent shorts and feature films, though again not in leading roles. Also a few radio plays some time ago. I must say I've really enjoyed getting into audio narration over the last few years, a wonderful opportunity to explore different characters and voices. Glad to be of help with the ironing!
@@BitesizedAudio Yes - you have a perfect voice for the theatre - a wonderful talent 👏 Looking forward to getting your works on audible this month.
thank you for taking the time to reply.
Perfect for a lazy Saturday afternoon, Thanks Simon⚘
My pleasure! Thank you Nancy
Nance! You here? I love spooky stuff, too! And this narrator is the champ. 🏆
@@h.calvert3165
Hi H. CALVERT🌺🐈
Hope it's an awesome day for you.
I agree this is a lovely channel.
I sit on my rocking chair (of course, the cat has to join me, lol)😍 and get to have a spooky adventure. Think you know what Iam trying to say....good times!😏
Stay safe~⚘
Thanks so much for this, hope all is well Xxx
Thanks Janet. I hope you're keeping well too
Today is the start of my super lazy vacation. And what a way to start it but with a cup of coffee and an awesome story from you Simon. The creepy ghost voice gave me chills.👻😱😊
This was great! I’m surprised I never heard of it before. Can one really strangle oneself? Who cares - it’s a genuinely creepy tale!
I do love those long, convoluted sentences in these old stories. Beautiful and elaborate use of language. But needs someone with a voice like yours to do them justice Simon.
Thanks GradKat. Yes, I wondered the same, it does sound like an extremely difficult thing to do (which to be fair the doctors in the story point out) Appreciate your kind comments - there were some particularly long and convoluted sentences in this one, especially in the opening paragraphs! Glad to know you enjoyed it
Medically, no, you can't strangle yourself (dont try folks). I think it is implied that Bradshaw compelled or possessed Mortimer in his last moments. Reminiscent in it denouement of James' A View from a Hill. Very good nonetheless, and a great Yorkshire accent.
Thank you.
That was interesting, the way the beginning stated Mortimer's respectability. Then, nearing the end, a base character, indulging in the weakness of the flesh. Like the forthcoming retribution made the writer come clean. As usual, you've done an excellent job, as if you are becoming part of the story. Thanks.👍👋👋
Smashing, thank ‘ee! 😀♥️
You’re welcome 😊
This one seemed like a much more macabre version of A Christmas Carol - without the redemption or Christmas theme.
Yes indeed, there's one section in particular which reminded me of the end of Stave IV, but as you say rather darker... Thanks D R
That makes it particularly interesting. Maybe Bradshaw was more unforgiving than the ghosts who visited Scrooge, but maybe Mortimer's repentance wasn't really genuine? He lists off all the people he owes amends to, but instead of, like Scrooge, immediately taking action, tries to save himself - going to the priest and being unable or unwilling to confess, turning to human help to survive the deadline. I got the impression that had he survived the deadline, making recompense to Bradshaw and all the others wouldn't have been his first priority!
@Linnet09 Yes I concur with your thoughts, that was very much my impression too!
Exemplary narration Simon, although, as with many of these wonderful tales, a disappointingly abrupt ending. Thank you for bringing these immersive stories to life.
Thanks @ripleygordon Yes, I know what you mean about the abrupt ending of many of these stories, although this particular one is unusually structured, inasmuch as the end is outlined much earlier the story and then we're shown how it happened. Quite a modern approach! Thanks as always for listening, and taking the time to comment
Well the prosecco came out early - I blush to disclose - but prosecco and you are my favourite combo. And what a cracking story that was - rendered with your customary aplomb. Already on my second listening and second glass. I thank you. Roger Mo(h)rtimer thanks you. Deep, deep joy. ❤
I calculate approximately two hours between comments Bob, admirable restraint! So glad you enjoyed it. I'm still very amused by your own tale of Roger the Lodger, a very entertaining listen - sharing the link th-cam.com/video/bNZB_33nnAA/w-d-xo.html for those who'd like to check it out!
@@BitesizedAudio You're a gentleman and a scholar, Simon. And my hero. ❤
What a treat. Just got back from a stellar visit to the beach, and find a new story in my notifications.
Thank you, Simon.
Wonderful, thanks Tammy
Excellent. So enjoyable. Thank you.
Thanks for listening
❤Your channel!
Thanks Stella, very kind!
Have just finished listening to this most compelling and enjoyable story, Simon. What a horrible, horrific treat! And it was perfect for showcasing your talent for acting - indeed your maniacal laughter is to be envied! I will definitely be listening a second time tomorrow! (No, probably tonight!) Thanks so much, Simon! Warmest wishes for a great weekend, from all of us - 🐭🙀😺🐶
Thank you so much Rachel. Best wishes to all of you (and especially little Simon)!
Bitesized Audio Classics 😺
A superb performance of this masterpiece. Thank you very much! This is surely one of the most shocking stories of its kind. The sketch of the protagonist's austere appearance, his lack of friends, followed by the scene with the empty chair and the visit of the disturbed lodger, all seen from the outside, followed by the record of his feeble self-exculpations and resolve to repent--all are perfectly judged. I know of only one other story of about this time that is equally frightening: Bernard Capes's 'The Green Bottle' (1902), reprinted in Hugh Lamb's _Tales from a Gaslit Graveyard_ (1979). It would be wonderful to hear you read it, Simon! Thank you again!
Thank you beluch, so glad to know you enjoyed it. Funnily enough you're the second person to have requested a Bernard Capes story in as many days. He's (yet) another author on my to-do list. I've already got the next few weeks' stories in development but will certainly try to get around to him before too long
This ranks with M.R. James, and l can pay no higher compliment. Thank you.
You have outdone yourself. I just hung on every word. A very well written story (too bad this author did not have a greater body of work) read to perfection. Cheers Pat in NJ
Thank you Pat. I'll certainly be revisiting Amyas Northcote's stories, especially as this one seems to have been well received! Best wishes
A great story! Thanks for finding such overlooked gems; I had never heard of this author, in spite of reading many ghost stories, and would probably have never heard this story without you.
So glad to know that, glad you enjoyed it. Yes Northcote's output was small but he produced a few neglected gems and I certainly plan to read more of them in the future
You have the perfect voice for these stories.
Thank you cole Marie. Lovely to hear from you, I hope you're keeping well.
Wonderfully read, an intriguing story! In anticipation of more!!
Thank you David. Yes, I'm certainly planning to read more from Northcote's collection in the future
Awesome story eloquently narrated, thank you
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Min
Brilliant, thank you!
Please, please……how about ‘The Lumber Room” by Saki? 😀
Thank you. That story is already on my (ever-growing!) list as it's been requested before by a couple of people now, can't promise when but I'll certainly get round to it as soon as I can
Great narrating! Loved the scary Mr. Bradford voice and the little song! You out did yourself, Simon! You really scared me! lol Many thanks from across the pond!
Excellent, thanks sugarfalls1
You never fail to mesmerize with these stories!
Thank you Gina, much appreciated!
Unlike Ebenezer Scrooge, Mr. Mortimer was denied a chance for redemption.
A ghostly tale, well constructed, written and - as usual - narrated.
Love this one!
Thanks Jasper, glad to know that. I was interested to see you've done a reading of 'Brickett Bottom' - I've not had a chance to listen to it yet, but I shall endeavour to do so asap!
Thanks, very Jamesian with particular echoes of "The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral" in its use of the acquired journal and hinting at misdeeds. So Jamesian in fact, that one could be forgiven for believing that Amyas Northcote is a pseudonym, or at least that he learned at the feet of the Master!
Thanks Tony. Yes, it's strange there's so little information available about Northcote's life, especially as he was the son of a well-known man in his day. I've not been able to establish whether or not he knew James, although they were likely to have overlapped at school. No doubt if he didn't know him personally, he presumably read some of his stories. I was reminded of Barchester too.
Thank you Simon, really enjoyed this ghostly tale of horror that made my day. 👻💀😱👍
Glad to know that, thanks Space Hound!
Fabulous, fabulous acting! Incredible! Thank you!
Another gem! So glad I found this channel!
listening from the ukwales 2021❤️
Wonderful, thank you. I love Wales, I went to drama school in Cardiff (RWCMD) and have very fond memories of my time there, plus many happy holidays over the years in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. Such a beautiful part of the world
Splendidly read, as ever. Thank you! I have always enjoyed Northcote, and often re-read my copy of In Ghostly Company. A much under-rated writer, with only Brickett Bottom ever really given any credit. Unjust, in my opinion. This story alone proves he is worthy of much more attention. Thank you again.
Thank you Amanda. Yes, I'll certainly be returning to Amyas Northcote in the future. Any favourites you'd particularly like to hear? It's a shame his output was relatively small...
@@BitesizedAudio indeed, a mere thirteen stories, I believe. It’s been a while since I read it, but I do remember particularly enjoying “Mr Kershaw and Mr Wilcox”.
Thank you again, Simon for sharing your gifts with the world.
Thank you for your lovely comment, much appreciated!
Second time listening. That's the great thing about Simon's recordings: one wants to listen to them again and again.
Such a fun and visual story! Thank you.
Fantastic narration! The voice of James Bradshaw was really good.
Amazing as always....you are a natural storyteller ❤
As always well read and acted. Could feel the fear and anguish in Mortimer. As the haunting progress he changed from being an arrogant man to a scared and troubled one. He felt in the trap of the devil by delaying to make amends for his past endeavours and denying the fact that God is forgiving and merciful. At least then his soul could have been saved for Death comes to all of us in the end.
Thanks Sarah
Yeah, he seems to have missed the whole point of Christianity. Any minister could have prayed with him, walked him through repentance. Even if he couldn’t make amends himself, the blood of Christ would wash the guilt away.
Oh, a de~licious one👻 TY *Simon Stanhope w/Bitesized Audio Classics*
Thank you Miji!
Superb. Both the story and the reading of it.
Brilliant! TY so much dear Simon! :-)
Thoroughly enjoyed this. A good listen.
I've oft been enticed to make jest of the influence these tales bear on one's vernacular. Yet, I think it best to refrain. For I perceive it highly desirable that we should revive the former splendor of the English language, and I'll not suffer my jocularity to serve at all to the contrary. I myself may be, at times, a bit of a popinjay. I quite fancy the term, in fact. "Popinjay." Yes, even the term itself sounds a bit priggish. Such that, upon naming it, one bears its title. 🤭 Orneriness notwithstanding, I thank you sincerely, Simon, for your wonderful selections and stellar performances. And I thank the audience for keeping beauty alive in an increasingly dour world. God bless
I did so enjoy that Sir ☺️
Indubitably!
Thank you for your kind comments
First rate! I will have to explore this author’s work. Your reading as always, excellent. I love the expression you put into your voice. I listen to several “ghost” channels and rate yours highest!
P.S. I wonder if you might consider Margaret Irwin’s The Earlier Service? I think it’s one of the best scary stories out there. Published in the 30’s I believe.
That's very kind of you to say, thank you! Re 'The Earlier Service', leave it with me and I'll see what I can do...
Excellently read. Northcote's literary tone resembles that of Conan-Doyle: one departs from scientific rationalism into the realm of poppycock only with the most extreme reluctance.
Thank you Peter, appreciated. Yes indeed, I was reminded at some points of Doyle's 'The Parasite' in the depiction of the growing despair of the protagonist...
Thoroughly enjoyed thank you
Really enjoy readings by Simon Stanhope, the tremble in the voice during scary passages, and I never knew what a fine singing voice he has.
Thank you Sara, that's very kind of you to say!
I agree with Alexa, a wonderful narration that captures the fear and incipient insanity to perfection.
Simon Stanhope, you are a treasure! Fantastically read, voiced, and acted. Well done. That man had four days and yet he did not act upon his good intentions to apologize and pay kindnesses to those he had wronged. His shame was arrogance and ultimately his own undoing. Thank you for uploading this story.
And thank you for your kind comments Patricia, greatly appreciated!
Brilliant story and your reading of it moved me. Wow, well done
one of the best so far
I so throughly enjoy your voice, it is a gift of celebration. As are the short stories/novellas to be honored for their historically inspired use of language, etiquette, & otherworldly conversations, as it was a time when the life/death cycle was closer to the hearth & the home in ALL classes, thus their almost scientific discourse on the gothic themes, which is to be celebrated in a time when we often are far removed from death in our modern times. Thank you for sharing your storytelling gift with the World Wide Web, for behind the computers we are all human beings starved for stories with good bones. Your production has been “on point” since you began this channel. I am so grateful you persevere & persist in your right to take up digital data space. You are a star of light to celebrate in an often very vapid space. God bless your New Year!
🪐✨🌟✨🌞🌝🌍🌏🌎💚💙
Thank you so much for your kind comments Evelan. Happy New Year to you
Excellent! Thanks for sharing. 😊 👻
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for listening!
Great narration of quite a scary story.
Our dear Simon's dedication to his craft is exemplified by the splendid singing in this tale! Much thanks and love - a loyal subscriber
Thank you so much for your loyal subscription, and lovely comment! I can sing normally, but this was a challenge as it was in a character's voice rather than my own, and he's supposed to be rather drunk... but I thought that would give me some leeway!
Thanks, Simon. You've done a great job with that crashing bore Thorndyke! From Australia.
Always a treat.
Why would you post a spoiler? Badly done!
@@PippaAT Sorry. I didn't mean to do that. Thank you. I'll fix that.
you read and elaborate the nuances of each character. it’s as if there were actors on a stage. and your little songs bring more life yet to the story :) 🌷🌱
but i must finish this story as i feel it pulling me to write as it should have been ended. . . . and in a will, written with trembling hand, found tucked away in his old desk, he had bequeathed a legacy to the ones he had wronged. 🥀
What a lovely comment, thank you so much Alexa. I appreciate your righting of wrongs at the end!
Thank you.☺️👵🏻🇦🇺
You’re welcome 😊
Thanks!
Nice one great story
Thank you
Fantastic story 👍thanks
Thanks for listening
That was a wonderful ghost story, what a horrific end for Mr Mortimer - though I dare say he deserved it, don't you?
The perils of a classical education. 💀👻
Brilliant story.
Very good in every way.
Glad to know you enjoyed it, thank you!
Ah, "Confusion to mine enemies!" indeed... 🙃
Listening to this while preparing quarterly vat filing…. Tales of demonically possessed self-strangulation seem somewhat appropriate listening 😆
Ha, I can imagine! Thanks Missy
hurray! singing!
Wonderfully performed. Perfection
I just wish I understood the ending.
Every good story needs a Belgian! 😃👍
Quite so! Thanks for listening Steven
The end of the reading seems to be cut off with the words, 'He returned from his club at about half past eleven'.
Hello beluch, I've just checked the video and the last sentence of the reading is "'He returned from his club at about half past eleven that evening" .. Were the words "this evening" missing for you? Possibly a glitch related to temporary connection problems? I've had that happen to me before where a video appears to skip. I was worried I'd accidentally cut the end off in the edit (it's happened before!), but having just listened can confirm the whole sentence is definitely there!
@@BitesizedAudio My mistake, Simon. It's all there. I did not remember that the story ends so abruptly. Please accept my apologies.
So scary! I had listen during the sunlight 🤣
*”In the name of the Devil whose servant I am, cease to annoy me,”*
Yeah, now THIS is a story
Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!
@@BitesizedAudio I love all the stories you narrate here. These are amazing.
The moral of the story be: don’t steal another academic’s work.
I'd never have made it in this society. I'd stay in jail for beating shit out of some of the upper class
A general question to ALL: the name of the Author---Amyas. Is also the name of a central character in Agatha Christie's book, "5 Little Pigs". Hence, the question: is the name 'Amyas', for the time period a known one given to boys; an unusual one, or one that even in the time frame of the author would have been considered--highly unusual. Thanks
Good questions! The little Wikipedia article on the name list six other ‘famous’ men with the forename: in birth-year order: 1532, 1560, 1886, 1901, 1949, 1975. Perhaps Kingsley naming a character Amyas Leigh in his Elizabethan historical novel, Westward Ho! (1855), revived it and gave it a boost? (Amyas Northcote was born nine years later.)
A strange ending.
What a fabulous n
A member of the Megatherium Club?
These British intellectuals kill people at the drop of a hat. This is not the first time a butterfly collector or paper writer has offed one of their fellows over a slight.
Thank you for sharing.
I got it! "the bear went over the mountain, the bear went over the mountain, the bear went over the mountain to see what he could see." fits perfectly - Love it!🏔🌱
Yes indeed! In the UK, we also know this piece as the tune for singing 'For he's a jolly good fellow" (three times), "and so say all of us!"
Splendidly read, as ever. Thank you! I have always enjoyed Northcote, and often re-read my copy of In Ghostly Company. A much under-rated writer, with only Brickett Bottom ever really given any credit. Unjust, in my opinion. This story alone proves he is worthy of much more attention. Thank you again.