Photo of the ghost, taken by Hubert C. Provand. First published in Country Life, 1936.
The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall: The world's most famous ghost photo
The Mystery of Raynham Hall
In Norfolk, England, lies Raynham Hall, a country house that is not famous for its architectural beauty or historical significance, but for its most notorious inhabitant - the "Brown Lady". This spectral figure, often associated with the spirit of Lady Dorothy Walpole, has long been the source of countless stories. However, what truly cemented her place in paranormal history is a notorious photo, simply known as the "Brown Lady photo".
The Story of the Brown Lady
Lady Dorothy Walpole was the sister of Robert Walpole, the first Prime Minister of Great Britain.
She married Charles Townshend, a man known for his violent temper. It is said that Townshend, after learning that his wife was having an affair, locked her in Raynham Hall, where she remained until her death in 1726.
Since then, her spirit, dressed in a brown brocade dress, has been spotted repeatedly in the house.
The Story of the Brown Lady Lady
Dorothy Walpole was the sister of Robert Walpole, the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. She married Charles Townshend, a man known for his violent temper. It's said that after Townshend discovered his wife was having an affair, he locked her in Raynham Hall, where she remained until her death in 1726.
Ever since, her ghost, clad in a brown brocade dress, has been sighted repeatedly in the house.
The Brown Lady Photo
The famous photo of the Brown Lady was taken on September 19, 1936, by photographers Captain Hubert C. Provand and Indre Shira.
They were at Raynham Hall on assignment for Country Life Magazine to take photos for an article. As they photographed the staircase, they saw a misty form approaching them. They grabbed their camera and shot the now-famous photo, which shows the vague silhouette of a woman in a long dress and a veil.
Is the Photo Real?
Since its publication, the Brown Lady photo has been the subject of controversy and skepticism. While some regard it as definitive proof of paranormal activity, others believe it to be a hoax. Investigations of the photo have not provided conclusive answers, and so the truth behind this iconic image remains a mystery.
You might also be interested in these ghost stories:
The White Lady in the Tower of London
The Headless Horseman
The White Lady of Houska Castle
Famous Ghost Sightings of the Past