"It Happened on the Mysterious Isle of Seacliffe" was first presented as HorrorBabble's fourth Twelve Days of Christmas special, from December 26th, 2020, through to January 6th, 2021. In the last days of 1990, a writer sets out to explore a shadowy island in the North Sea. The little-known Isle of Seacliffe has long haunted the dreams of the middle-aged author-will his long-awaited excursion scratch a lifelong itch? Chapters: 0:00:00 - Title 0:00:24 - On Seacliffe 0:02:58 - Introduction 0:03:18 - Part I: An Island in the Darkness 0:12:32 - Part II: Sirens 0:19:56 - Part III: Market Day 0:29:16 - Part IV: The Pier Pirate 0:40:04 - Part V: The Seven Sisters 0:52:16 - Part VI: The Critters 1:02:10 - Part VII: A Blood Moon Rises 1:10:34 - Part VIII: The House on Silver Street 1:18:34 - Part IX: Crimson Waters 1:26:42 - Part X: The Silhouettes 1:34:22 - Part XI: The Call 1:45:06 - Part XII: The Return of the Sleeping King 2:04:09 - Further Listening Bandcamp link: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com/album/it-happened-on-the-mysterious-isle-of-seacliffe Written and Narrated by Ian Gordon for HorrorBabble Music and Production by Ian Gordon & Jennifer Gill Become a HorrorBabbler here on KZread: kzread.infojoin Support us on Bandcamp or Patreon: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com www.patreon.com/horrorbabble HorrorBabble MERCH: teespring.com/stores/horrorbabble-merch Search HORRORBABBLE to find us on: AUDIBLE / ITUNES / SPOTIFY Home: www.horrorbabble.com Rue Morgue: www.rue-morgue.com Social Media: facebook.com/HorrorBabble instagram.com/horrorbabble twitter.com/HorrorBabble

@NajwaLaylah

3 жыл бұрын

The Little Men of County (phonetically) Bravadas are haunting me. This is not the first, maybe only the latest video of yours in which they are mentioned. Another is (If I Recall Correctly) _the Things That Came From Winter Hill_ . I've tried looking for that name, and haven't found it. I've begun to assume it's a story you have in mind to write but have not written yet-- unless it's special content of yours through Patreon? I'm really going to start worrying if I see them out in the fields, or the woods, or out of the corner of my eye... But seriously, just the name reminds me of the legendary Rocky Mountain Pygmies of NA.

@HorrorBabble

3 жыл бұрын

@@NajwaLaylah Oh, they're out there...

You are single-handedly embodying the genre of eldritch horror for those of us in the 21st century. Thank you for everything you do.

@HorrorBabble

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Ryan!

A little Innsmouth, a little Wickerman, and a lot of HorrorBabble - LOVE IT!!!!

@davagain

3 жыл бұрын

But the first Wicker Man. The remake felt like a pale imitation to me.

@nathanharper5670

3 жыл бұрын

@@davagain Oh, most definitely - the remake was a hilariously terrible ridiculous farce. "NOT THE BEES!!! NOT THE BEES!!!"

@matthewweng8483

2 жыл бұрын

Ian’s stories are ‘A riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma...’ ‘...deep fried in a crispy taco shell and served with tangy homestyle guacamole’

@thefisherking78

Жыл бұрын

A little? Hehe

@frederickbrock2740

Жыл бұрын

A Shadow Over Innmooth my favorite story. I always hoped they would make that story into a really good horror film

Listened to each one as they were released, now listening to the entire thing through again. Am I addicted? Yes...yes, I'm addicted. More visits to Seacliffe, please, Ian!

I must say this is in my opinion one of your best yet! I especially like how the main character has a clear drive and reasons to linger and experience a sense of calmness in reaction to all of the bizarre events and how his sense of familiarity grows as the story progresses. It reminds me of Shadow over Innsmouth, but the perspective of the narrator is different, which gives this story it's own unique feel.

I'm fairly certain that the personality of Mr Gordon has actually been replaced by those of Lovecraft, Ashton Smith, Bloch and Derleth, through some occult ritual. Superb story.

@frederickbrock2740

Жыл бұрын

I can see that

I didn’t realize when starting this tale that it was a Gordon original, and was blown away by the fact when I noticed. Excellent work!

@HorrorBabble

6 ай бұрын

Thanks! I appreciate that.

THANK YOU IAN for acknowledging Dagon's humble origins as a fertility god. Did not at all expect that, and after a long and stressful day now relaxing to your voice this small detail made me smile (something I needed badly)!

Well done. I appreciate the cassette tape.

@jonny2waggons825

2 жыл бұрын

Ya. I kinda miss those things in weird way

Overall pretty amazing, its like The Shadow of Innsmouth but filled with community and friendly faces instead of dread and decay. In a way that only makes it more disturbing. I really do not understand the plastic pirate however.

@justafallperson2108

2 жыл бұрын

No one does

@canonize9241

Жыл бұрын

Yeah the plastic pirate feels out of place.

You've done it again sir Ian, thank you, master of horror!

@parkeaudio1338

3 жыл бұрын

I wonder where you got the inspiration for this story?

@HorrorBabble

3 жыл бұрын

A weird trip to Scarborough... If enough people are interested, we'll put a video together on the subject at some point.

@parkeaudio1338

3 жыл бұрын

You've got my attention, I think that would be a very interesting story

I often find myself listening to your channel as I walk on the trails here, sometimes walking fifteen miles or more lost in your masterful storytelling! Brilliant work👍👍 two thumbs up

Ian Gordon is exceptionally talented! i’ve listening to this one about 5 times, and it never loses its charm

This was a great story and narration. I look forward to more of the same, Mr. Gordon.

Oh yeah, it's all coming together...

Absolutely gripping from start to finish, with the suspense building at a perfect pace. I love hearing a narration by the author because you know it is being read exactly as intended. Have just recommended this story to a friend.

@HorrorBabble

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for checking this one out!

Superb story! Would love to hear more tales of Seacliffe.

@HorrorBabble

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Jenny.

This was absolutely fantastic!! Can’t wait for more from you. I was thrilled the entire time, and with the rising if the sleeping king I found myself trembling in horror.

Seacliffe needs a visit from Peter Van Melsen, I think.

Woot woot! I've held off listening to this so I could listen in it's entirety. Thank you for immortalizing me, Ian! As always a fantastic original work.

@HorrorBabble

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, Mark! Glad you enjoyed it.

Listening for a second time confirmed that this is the very best of your Christmas specials. The plot holds together perfectly, and the balance between the human and the weird kept me gripped throughout.

A great story and very well told. A pity the author didn't find a happyish ending among his folk in Seacliffe. One of the best tales and tellings I've listened to in this channel.

@HorrorBabble

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for listening!

A great story, brilliantly realised 👌

Since day one, I've been a fan of Ian's narrations. His writing has increasingly amazed me as I've encountered it here in this amazing collection. I would very much like to work with Ian in collaboration with creating a figure of his Sleeping King to go along with my plans of making large figures of Dagon and Cthulhu.

@HorrorBabble

10 ай бұрын

I'd love to see those large figures you're planning.

Well done Ian, across the board. Bravo.

@HorrorBabble

2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks!

I like the visual conceit or whatever you call it of the cassette tape. 40 minutes in I'm strongly suspecting the writer may not survive this.

I’m so excited to hear what happens! 😄 Actually, it will be nice to hear it all pieced together for the continuous tale. Thank you!

This is one of, if not my favorite story of yours. I find myself coming back to it every now and again, it’s that good.

Had time to catch about half of this back around Christmas, before I got busy with other things. I cannot wait to finish it up. 🙏

Exceedingly well written, I found myself forgetting that i wasn't listening to an actual lovecraft piece several times

@HorrorBabble

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words.

I get 'The Third Day' vibes from this story. Love it! Amazing !

This has been terrific!! Thank you!!

Yay! Thanks for making my Monday more enjoyable!

It’s my wife’s 50th so we’re both quite merry and I’d never told her you immortalised me - we’ve both just been crying with laughter - my sides are hurting. Every credit mate - that’s even funnier than I remember !!! Thanks for making us laugh when there’s so much misery knocking about. Big love to u and Jen and have top xmas Xxxx

@HorrorBabble

2 жыл бұрын

Happy Birthday to your wife, Paul! From Jennifer and me...! And Merry Christmas to you both, too. Always good to hear from you! Ian

its the perfect night for an ian gordon hb original 💞

I thought this might have been a Lovecraft tale that I somehow had missed. Great work Mr. Gordon. Great writing. Excellent narration.

@HorrorBabble

Жыл бұрын

Many thanks!

Thiswas excellent. There are lots of references without seeming derived. You smush all our ideas together, and you do damn well.

@brograb898

3 жыл бұрын

N.B. I listen at night and need strong glasses.

Nice ending soundtrack...so nice...TY *HorrorBabble* 🎼🎼🎼🎶🎵👍👍👍👍👍 I had to get one of my cats to a vet ...hour there & hour back & so glad for the morning appt...so hot where we are in afternoon...been a terrible day after a terrible night but we found out what is wrong w/her so not as awful as we thought...we luv our fur babies😻😻😻😻😻😻😻

That was magnificent! What a wonderful, original homage!

I feel like this is a well written wintertime "sibling" story to The Wicker Man that follows a clear Lovecraftian route. It takes place on the Isle of Seacliffe during winter, the story is inspired by/using the Cthulhu mythos (Dagon and Shadow of Innsmouth), replacing celtic paganism. The characters, the plot and the writing are spot on, making this story comprehensively different from The Wicker Man beyond the basic idea. Really really good, I really enjoyed this.

Awesome writing and narration you my good sir are a scholar and a gentleman a one man army indeed keep up the awesome work your an inspiration to many

I just wanna say your work has had a big impact on my life and it means a lot. Ive began to dabble in readings myself, even putting out my own version of the black kiss. On top of that it has inspired me to write the horror anthology that began building in my mind as i got started. Truly the best reader on the site! Keep on pushing forward and may your works get even more recognition!

@HorrorBabble

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Excellent story Ian, your voice draws me in so I’m an observer within the story 🤙

@HorrorBabble

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for listening, Dauna!

Thanks for another Christmas Tale :) I'll never think of Scarborough in the same way again!

Very good, it kept me enthralled to the very end.

new fan of the channel here. loved this piece and great narration as usual!

@HorrorBabble

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

It's The Wicker Man meets Shadow over Insmouth. Love it !

Hurrah for the whole thing as one file, I shall listen tomorrow running many errands! Many thanks :)

Oh my God...you finally brought my part of the world into your mythos, thanks so much for this Ian, absolutely brilliant, I drive out to Port Mulgrave at least once a week to go on fossil hunts, I can almost imagine I am going to see Seacliffe from the coast next time...

@HorrorBabble

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! We love it out there... got to be the best thing about living in North Yorkshire!

@evilgenius2221

3 жыл бұрын

@@HorrorBabble funnily enough I happened to be watching a wilderness walks type vid and he was very close to Winter Hill...How's about that for synchronicity? Loved the Seacliffe stuff, you have officially out Lovecrafted Lovecraft on that one...and small detail but I love that all the the street names were Whitby streets, much love to you!

so excited for this!!! thank you! you’ve made my friday night

Very good story. I really do enjoy your original works as well as your readings.

LOVE YOUR WORK IAN .TOP SHOW 👍

"Like an achohol-fueled snowball..." love that.

Absolutely fantastic. Thank you.

Wow this story was really amazing! well done Ian 10/10 sir!😊👍

Really enjoyed this!!!

What a fantastic story. You're quite an amazing writer, Ian!

Brilliant, positively brilliant!

@HorrorBabble

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

BRAVO. and Ian...please...take us back to Seacliffe...soon. ;) BRILLIANT so well done sir :)

I think this is one of my favourite things.

Really enjoyed this - I remember a most pleasurable holiday at Runswick Bay a few years ago, we visited Staithes, I found many fossils at Runswick.....I wish I'd gone to the isle of Seacliffe as well!!! But now I have, thankyou

@HorrorBabble

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks again, Lizzie!

You got me Ian, I'm hooked. Cheers!

My Goodness, Mr. Gordon Whilst never visiting Seacliff before, my recent journey through Winter Hill bodes well.

Thank you!

This one was very cool, excellent story, kept me interested all the way through!

Nice piano at the end of this one. Let's one reflect

Good story, excellent narration. Now I want to know more about Seacliffe.

I kinda took a break from horror babble for awhile, found this the other day, probably listened to it several times already, it was fun, thank you for your time into this.

@HorrorBabble

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for visiting us again, George!

@hindleygj

3 жыл бұрын

TWO ON ONE !!!

I must have missed this when it came out. I love it. But did you have to make the bloody food sound so good? I'm trying to sleep. I don't need to be up and hunting for sausages. Pure gastronography.

@HorrorBabble

Ай бұрын

I love me a good meal!

That was spot on 👌 thank u fantastic

Amazing and thrilling, I absolutely loved this story!

@HorrorBabble

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Really enjoyed this piece.

Excellent Story, told superbly.

👏🏿👏🏿 loved it! 🖤🖤

Ahhhh..... Mr. Gordon, sunken bells are tolling for thee! 🐙

Thx for the good stuff 👻

Well done!

Great Job

This one is EXCELLENT Thank you for creating and sharing Sorry for the delay in response I had waited until the entire series was posted ,intending to do a Binge listen as a Christmas treat to myself But I was unable to arrange for suitable block of time until recently Really enjoyed this offering It has become one of my faves of your inventory I REALLY like the idea / concept that the Sleeping King was not the usual malign entity bent on the destruction of the earth and / or the subjugation of humanity Instead he was a refugee driven from his home and finding safe harbor and acceptance among the people of Earth / the inhabitants of Seacliffe To my mind that is a WONDERFUL idea I really do like the idea/ concept of willing sacrifices and that such offerings are the only ones the entity will accept I wish these ideas were more common in the crop of fiction Well Done I happily note the appearance of James Johnston character in Chapter Six and his pink fronted cottage and lounge / front described as" a shrine to all things trash " and was pleased to see that he was one of the willing sacrifices I thought those eight sided plates was a nice detail I did enjoy all the references to food ( at the market , the complimentary breakfast at the Golden Crab ) I thought the nazi pilot's encounter with the Sleeping King was an excellent detail and a nice bit of story construction I thought the statement ( Chapter Five) that Seacliffe was now the Sleeping King's home makes a very good point that I was very happy and pleased to note Those narrow winding streets made for another great detail In closing GREAT story Thank you for it

@HorrorBabble

3 жыл бұрын

Thrilled you enjoyed it, Jim!

"Shadowy rumours pertaining to cult activity" leads to FEWER tourists? Truly this is a strange and outlandish tale.

Loved it. Well done. I get it about the Coalfish, it has to be fishlike with dead fish eyes and sharp teeth.

Fab!❤

Ian I'm a great admirer of your work. But this one has left me chomping at the bit for an answer that maybe I'm too dense to see. What was the significance of the pirate? Can you or someone else tell me if I missed something? I've listened twice now and am can't shake the feeling that something is right in front of me.

@drewdahlen9660

3 жыл бұрын

same here! especially with the plastic arm found at the end...I cant figure out if its a reference or an inside joke..who is the pirate?!why was the writer never found(presumed dead) if he was one of them?!noone would have believed his story anyway so why kill him?..usually I love unanswered questions in Lovecraftian works but this is kinda bothering me.haha!

@HorrorBabble

3 жыл бұрын

My lips are sealed, Joshua!

Please, where can I hear and download the music at the end of the story, I think its wonderful, so evocative, everything is so well done, congratulations on a fantastic job. You have become my continuos companion while I work on my paintings. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your efforts.

@HorrorBabble

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Bernardo! You can listen to that particular piece and a selection of other HorrorBabble pieces, here: iangordon.bandcamp.com/album/exercises-in-audible-dread-2022 The piece in question is called "The Return of the Sleeping King".

@signx

Жыл бұрын

@@HorrorBabble You are so kind, thank you very much, and keep-up the great work. I've been struggling economically for the past few years, but I would like nothing better than to be able to help you continue with this great project.

The "Toy Story" part in the story was shocking from so long ago. Over the years our stories have kept the same outlines.

Loving the casset...ahhh walkmans

YEP BRILLIANT THANKS PALL

If it weren't for small additions like 'fabric softener' and (happily) the lack of xenophobia, I'd have thought this was a work by Lovecraft himself! :D The details are terrific, and I especially loved all the cultural details in the the market scene.

@philipclay8531

3 жыл бұрын

I hope that's not read as a slight to your originality or skill as a writer!!

@thrownswordpommel7393

3 жыл бұрын

It does lack Lovecraft's trademark racism, but hey, not gonna complain, are we ?

@davagain

3 жыл бұрын

@@philipclay8531 or as a slight to fabric softener ; )

@philipclay8531

3 жыл бұрын

@@thrownswordpommel7393 hahaha not complaining at all!!!

Good book 👍

This is a gooood one

Really good tale

Reminds me of my first visit to Whitby.

And without further ado, I am going to listen to them all .... Thanks Ian....! By the way, I recently stumbled across a little book (a Star book, published 1977, London) called Weird Legacies, with nine stories from Weird Tales. The oldest from 1929 up to 1973. Therein I found a few Stories written in collaboration by a few great names I never knew had collaborated...! Clark A. Smith and Lin Carter with "The Utmost Abomination". And my favorite: Robert Bloch and Henry Kuttner with "The Black Kiss" A real Cthulhu Myth story. "The Survivor" by H.P. Lovecraft and August Derleth I didn't know either and is a jewel of a story. I wonder if you know these stories. I never came across them before. All the best and stay healthy in these strange times.

@HorrorBabble

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Roland! I'll do a bit of digging. There are usually copyright issues associated with Carter, Bloch, Kuttner and Derleth, but you never know... occasionally we get lucky! Ian

Wait, but what's up with that pirate? Why was it's arm in the briefcase? Did I miss something, I must know

@RodIII1000

3 жыл бұрын

"Arrg, its driving me nuts!"

@troymclure8330

3 жыл бұрын

@@RodIII1000 What? The steering wheel in your pants? 😂😂😂

Very Innsmouth , Very Lovecraftian

If Warren is dead then how come he just notified me that the complete Wicker Cthulhu was just uploaded? Answer me that!

I like it. Good horror fiction.

So happy to be a character in one of your stories (even if it is an alias)! Thank you so much!

Excellent story. The only thing I am confused about is the Blackbeard statue. What are who was he and what was his purpose? Any help from you all out there would be very appreciated.

@troymclure8330

3 жыл бұрын

As any good story teller knows, it's the mystery that remains.

@kevinfogle7929

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I am confused as well.

Okay, but why the part about the pirate? For a bit of verisimilitude? Or is it that the critters are bumping it?