The Crown Derby Plate | A Ghost Story by Marjorie Bowen | A Bitesized Audiobook
Ойын-сауық
Martha Pym bought an almost complete Crown Derby tea service at an estate sale 30 years ago, but the single missing plate has always annoyed her. When she discovers that the current owner of the house, an eccentric and reclusive lady, is also a collector of china, Martha decides to appeal for her help in finding that elusive plate... The story begins at 00:01:20
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:
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:20 The Crown Derby Plate
00:31:29 Credits, thanks and further listening
A textual note: The "governess cart" which Miss Pym drives in the story was a small two-wheeled horse-drawn cart with a tub body; it appeared around 1900 as an early 20th century successor the Victorian "dog cart". They were designed light enough to be drawn by a well-tempered pony, making them popular with single lady drivers; and as the cart's name suggests they were often used by governesses to transport the children in their care. More information (including photographs and artwork) are available here:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governe...
About the author: Marjorie Bowen was the best known of several pen names used by Margaret Gabrielle Vere Long (1885-1952). She also published fiction under the names Joseph Shearing, George Preedy, Robert Paye and John Winch, as well as variations on her real name, Margaret Campbell and Mrs. Vere Campbell. Marjorie was born Margaret Gabrielle Vere Campbell on Hayling Island, Hampshire, and her early years were hard and poverty-stricken, following the abandonment of the family by her alcoholic father, who died soon afterwards. She trained at the Slade School of Fine Art and subsequently spent time studying in Paris.
Marjorie wrote her first novel, 'The Viper of Milan', set in medieval Italy, at the age of just 16, although she struggled to find a publisher for some years - the manuscript was repeatedly rejected, not least on the grounds that it was "inappropriate" for a young woman to produce such work - but when it was finally printed in 1906, when Marjorie was 20, it became a best-seller and became the foundation for a prolific career as an author. She went on to write more than 150 books over the next 45 years, including historical fiction, gothic horror and mystery stories, as well as a number of mystery novels inspired by true-life crimes and non-fiction history books for a general readership. Marjorie Bowen's name appeared regularly in popular periodicals, her first listed story being 'Sic Transit Gloria Mundi', printed in The Lady’s Realm in December 1906; over the next 25 years she contributed innumerable short stories to the Strand Magazine, Hutchinsons, The Story-Teller, and many others.
Margaret/Marjorie married Zefferino Emilio Constanza, a Sicilian, in 1912; they had two children, a son and a daughter who died in infancy, before Constanza himself died of tuberculosis in 1916. A year later she married her second husband, Arthur Long, with whom she had two further sons.
Bowen's supernatural fiction remains highly regarded today by connoisseurs of the genre, and 'The Crown Derby Plate' is perhaps one of her best-known tales. Its earliest publication date is uncertain. It's frequently incorrectly dated to 1933, but the story is listed in the contents of 'Grace Latouche and the Warringtons', a collection of Bowen's short stories published by Selwyn & Blount in January 1931. Several of the other stories in that volume had previously appeared in different London periodicals as early as 1923, so it seems likely that 'The Crown Derby Plate' was first published in a similar format.
Marjorie Bowen died on 23 December 1952 in Kensington, London, following suffering serious concussion after a fall at home. She was 67.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2024.
Пікірлер: 175
Story begins at 00:01:20. Martha Pym bought an almost complete Crown Derby tea service at an estate sale 30 years ago, but the single missing plate has always annoyed her. When she discovers that the current owner of the house, an eccentric and reclusive lady, is also a collector of china, Martha decides to appeal for her help in finding that elusive plate... A textual note: The "governess cart" which Miss Pym drives in the story was a small two-wheeled horse-drawn cart with a tub body; it appeared around 1900 as an early 20th century successor the Victorian "dog cart". They were designed light enough to be drawn by a well-tempered pony, making them popular with single lady drivers; and as the cart's name suggests they were often used by governesses to transport the children in their care. A link to photographs and related artwork can be found in the video description, along with a short biography of the author Marjorie Bowen. Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this, you may like to listen to some of my other recordings: Victorian Ghost Stories: kzread.info/head/PLi95qAoufCZISCGdeBUtYxynNFtZCeRrv Early 20th Century Ghost Stories: kzread.info/head/PLi95qAoufCZI0zeT0uMxvy9TkkoUvtOAZ Classic Detective Stories: kzread.info/head/PLi95qAoufCZL5tiXECltwXUI2QDDFrDHD
@VickiNikolaidis
2 ай бұрын
🐶🐶thanks for explaining!
I spent half my life in the antique business, this story delighted me.
Love the way you have developed after KZread tried to steal your content for their own profit. Hope you are fully monetised now and properly paid for the work you do.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Appreciated, thank you
@user-jd4hm1fo6g
26 күн бұрын
I don't think there's much money to be made by the adverts, but we can join the channel for a monthly amount that couldn't even buy us a packet of crisps..
Mr. Stanhope, I would gratefully enjoy other audios of this author. Thank you, Cee from the little cottage in ireland 💚💚💚🍀🍀🍀
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Noted, thank you!
I always said a good writer could make a story from a broken tea cup .... now here is a perfect example of a fine old ghost story made from a plate. Thank You *Simon* as always well presented & most welcome w/ an excellent closing line
@BitesizedAudio
3 ай бұрын
Wonderful, thank you Miji Yoon
The multicolored lichened wall and the noxious details of a neglected garden!💚🌱
Commenting in support of quality programming.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Thank you, much appreciated
What a fine story of dreadful horror multiplexed upon a comic situation! And well-performed indeed!
I do love these narrations of Victorian & Edwardian stories, they really grasp one's imagination, I've no idea where you get them from but your doing so, is greatly appreciated Thank You Simon for another excellent offering ❤
A plate of pleasure enhanced by diligent and interesting background research notes. Delicious, thanks.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Glad to know they were of interest! Appreciate you taking the time to comment, thank you
Such a vivid description of a marshy, wintery landscape! The hair on the back of my neck was standing on end before Miss Pym even reached the house. Thank you for uploading this beautifully-written and beautifully-read story.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
It is very evocative writing, isn't it?
@WowUsernameAvailable
14 күн бұрын
It's very much like "The Woman in Black", check it out unless you've already read it.
Call me crazy, but I've never, and will never, go antiquing. One can not know who may still have a liking for the same item you do...
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
True... the "haunted artefact" is a popular plot device in this genre
I do so enjoy the time you spend doing the work you do. Thank you for these stories! Also checked the photos of the cart, which made me think of a sidecar with no motorcycle attached 😅.
@THEPAGEBURNER1979
4 ай бұрын
My thoughts exactly 😂
🎉Yay, thank you Simon, another new-to-me short story perfectly timed for bedtime. I just automatically press "like" as soon as I start listening... because it's guaranteed I'm going to enjoy whatever you've chosen 😊
@lizzmickcarcass
4 ай бұрын
I second that YAY 🎉😊 and thank you Simon, from me as well
@carolmikolj5134
4 ай бұрын
Me too! Many thanks Simon!
@nickybaker1338
4 ай бұрын
I press "like" immediately too 😄 It's a foregone conclusion that I'll love it 😊🥰
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
@binkie4940 Thank you!
@aoifeocallaghan8351
3 ай бұрын
Me too thank you Simon
I love this story! Thank you for reading it Simon!
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Glad to know that, thanks @GradKat
I've never heard this ghost story before and thoroughly enjoyed it, I worked out what was going on about half way through but that certainly didn't spoil my enjoyment! Thanks so much, Simon, for another great narration, look forward to the next one! 😊😊
What a great story! I did not see that ending coming! Thank you for giving us this new gem!
We’ve only got dogs, a cat & chickens buried in our field so I’m mightily glad of that. Many thanks Simon, loved it xx
Wonderful! I love Marjorie Bowen's stories and this is brilliant. You voice as the quavering, petulant ghost was spot on!
Great reading as always, Simon; a beautiful rendition of which I am sure Marjorie Bowen would have approved. I, too, would love to hear you read more of her work. In addition, I really appreciate the fact that you display a photo of the author in each of your videos. I love photos so it is a “treat “ to see what the author looked like. As an avid collector of various items over the years, I was very taken with this story and enjoyed it very much. The very final twist at the end took me by surprise and the loneliness aspect saddened me (the sign of a story well written if it stirs the emotions in my opinion). Thank you so much for your excellent channel. Best Wishes, Rebecca in Australia 🇦🇺
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Thank you for your very kind comments, Rebecca, so glad to know you enjoyed it. I certainly hope to return to this author in the future
Yay! Another great story….. I do love these “shorter” ones Thank You!
Will certainly be a great way to finish the week and evening. All your stories a lovely to listen to on any cool night 😌❤️
What a wonderful surprise. You have made my evening.
This is one of my favorites! Now it's perfect with you reading... thanks so much!
That was great!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I woke up to this one. It was a long night of interruptions. This was most appreciated to ease me gently into the real world.
Poor ghost. A case for putting a little salt in some cucumber sandwitches if I ever heard of one. Thanks for reading!
Super good one!👻
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Snippy
One of my favorite ghost stories read by my very favorite narrator! A wonderful story and you did the ghost to perfection! Thanks for sharing. ❤
@BitesizedAudio
3 ай бұрын
I'm so glad to know you enjoyed this one, especially as I had you noted down as the very first person to request it! Apologies it's taken me so long to get around to it...
Another story! My 3 noisy, bouncy grandchildren here, so I'll have to wait until later to listen....😶 Worth the wait 😊 Thank you Simon! 🥰
Thank you, Simon! This story was wonderfully done, and perfectly apt for the damp winter night.
Delightful
So good to hear your wonderful, crisp delivery.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Thank you kindly! Look out on the channel membership tab in the coming days for news on a request you made some time ago...
@PippaAT
4 ай бұрын
@@BitesizedAudio Bated breath.... (Is anything else 'bated'?)
Simon-I love that you thank us for listening, as if we were doing you a favour, instead of the other way about. Well, I'll say it again - THANK YOU! 🥰
Thank you Mr. Stanhope, another enjoyable story. Just love your calming voice.
I think this an excellent example of a ghost story. Poor old lonely shade doesn't know he is dead.
A collector of china would *of course* be delighted to part with a plate wanted by another collector! 😀 Someone's tongue was very firmly in her cheek when writing that. It's that kind of fanaticism that drove the plots of several P.G. Wodehouse books.
@BitesizedAudio
3 ай бұрын
Indeed, I have to admit the same thought crossed my mind...
Loved the story so cannily crafted & perfectly intoned. SPOILER ALERT. Must confess I'd have kept that plate. What a tale one could tell! I shall listen again to relish the clever way the reader is fooled.
@ct92404
4 ай бұрын
Well, he DID say she could have the plate, after all!
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
@rameyzamora1018 It would indeed be a great talking point!
@kathyhorstman7909
3 ай бұрын
I rather think I should have kept it, as well. It would be a trophy, something won through danger. Though, were I in Miss Pym's situation, I might feel as she did, after all.
It's heartening when the youth take the time to visit the elderly, infirm and questionably corporeal.
Carefully drawn characters and a delightful, spooky story.Simon, your narration is pitch perfect and suits these stories so well.Thank you!
This one was really fun! Any idea when the next Max Carrados story will be? I'd love to hear your take on The Disappearance of Marie Severe.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
I've just been preparing a new Max story, as it happens, hoping to record it in the next few weeks... not that particular one, though. I'll keep your request in mind, as I'd certainly like to do lots more featuring that character, one of my personal favourites
@MoonLitChild
4 ай бұрын
@@BitesizedAudio Yaaaassss! I wouldn't have discovered him if it weren't for you and I've been shouting to the rafters about your recordings of the stories and the character/series itself.
WooHoooo!!!! Thank you, Simon.❤
Deep joy, snuggling under a blanket and listening to a wonderful story, narrated by one of the best.
What a beautiful voice you have. So soothing. A joy to listen to you.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
I own several anthologies of Victorian and Edwardian short stories and am familiar with this one, hearing it read aloud adds an extra dimension though.
Oh great. I'm going to an estate sale tomorrow.
@step7274
4 ай бұрын
I love estate sales.😅
@factsoverfiction7826
4 ай бұрын
Lol, happy haunti-- er, hunting. 😉
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Enjoy! I hope you find some interesting pieces...
@saran.4001
4 ай бұрын
@@BitesizedAudio No fine China plates but i bought 6 cans of crushed tomatoes. I bet you could narrate my granddaughter cooking spaghetti and make it creepy.
Just in time for my evening meal :) - Dinner Theatre a la Simon Stanhope - such a treat
Thank you - excellent! I enjoyed her William and Mary trilogy, but had no idea how varied her works were.
As a collector of antique porcelain the emotions stirred by this story had a particular resonance....collecting is a passion that no expedition across a bleak desolate marsh would might deter.
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Quite so! The thrill of the chase...
Oh, man-I love this story.
Left to the imagination! The great, old way of writing , with true intrigue. Splendid.
Thank you, Simon. I wish I was warm, cozy, and content. That would be nice. It's only 37 degrees this morning.
Thank you, Simon.
Liked before I listened. Never a doubt that it will be a brilliant reading. 😃
Yay!
Thank you for this story, love it ❤
After that, I'd probably get rid of the rest of the criwn derby service too. 😮. Very good story Simon. Thank you so much.
Excellent reading, as always. I like how the story captures, in oh-so-genteel fashion, that rabid collector mania, in which even the grave can't hold them!
A great story! Thank you!
Another little gem before bedtime
Read this years ago. Glad that Miss Pym got away okay.
This ia a great story. Thank you so much. ❤❤❤ You are so talented! 👏👏👏
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Thanks so much for your support and kind comments, Sonja!
Loved this story... thank you
Another great tale well read!
That was a pure pleasure to listen to .Thank you Simon that was a gem of a story .
Thank you, Simon! I've heard this a couple of times and probably read it too. Really enjoyed hearing you read it. I could almost smell the smell. 🤮
I would of kept the plate. What a great story it wld of made! Thanks for all you do you have great voice for narration!
really enjoyed this story, TY
Ha ha superb loved it another gem thanks Simon
Superb! As always. Thank you so much.
Great story! Thank you.
Yet another lovely story come to life with your very talented narration. Thank you so much! PS I would have definitely kept the plate.
Superb as always.
Wonderful! Thank you!
Thank you simon for a wonderful narration of this ghost story. I haven't tuned in to listening to much on youtube recently, I've been in a very dark place, but things are beginning to look a little brighter now and I am so glad i did, you are one of my favourite narrators....thank you
I really am enjoying your channel!
Very good, thank you 🙏
Great video! ❤
I too would like to see a ghost. Thanks Simon, needed this tonight to take my mind off of the horrors happening around the world of late. 🥰
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Glad to help 😊
I so like this story .another gem thank u simon. ❤
Excellent thanks 👏👏
Always like before I even listen because i love your audio books but commenting to help the utube stuff 😊
Great story - - Lovely twist at the end - - Most Current authors and movies are so bloody and ugly and this one was a pleasure - - Thank you for the reading - - Well done!!!
Good one!
Thank you! 😊
I always learn something new & hear a story as if from a first with your narration productions. Truly lovely. Are there other stories by this lovely writer that could fit for your channel? If so, it might be nice. Thank you!
Thank you very much 😊
Very much enjoy these tales and your narration. From Canada
Thanks muchly !! from northeastern Illinois, for the enjoyable narration!
Ty Simon ❤
Enjoy your content enormously.
Thank you, beautiful voice and very welll read.😊
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Thank you kindly!
Spooky, funny, and a bit sad top! 😄👍
Ooh! That’s a good one! Thank you so much Simon. And… I would love to hear you read the Shakespeare piece that begins “ tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow”. It’s one of the few pieces I have memorized and I would love to hear you read it😄
@BitesizedAudio
4 ай бұрын
Ah yes, the Scottish play... it seems like my Shakespeare short was quite well received, so I'll keep that in mind as a future possibility
@beverlyadams7205
3 ай бұрын
@@BitesizedAudio thank you Simon. I’m looking forward to hearing your interpretation of this piece.
oooh that was a good one
Thank you
I have to comment on how much i enjoyed that story, really good and kinda cozy, also the author is very beautiful. Im actually surprised in that so many of these Victorian ghost stories were written by women, a lot of these stories im familiar with, and its interesting finding out that so many have come from amazing female writers, unfortunately there seems to be a trend present day that only women can write good female characters, and vice versa. Which is ridiculous.
Oh that’s a good spooky one 😱
Thanks!
@BitesizedAudio
3 ай бұрын
Thank you for the super thanks 🙏
I hope to see The Ash tree on your channel sometime and more from Le Fanu please and thank you. 🙏 😌
@BitesizedAudio
3 ай бұрын
The Ash Tree is very much on my list, although I've actually lined up 'Canon Alberic' as my next James, which I'm hoping to get around to in the next few weeks... but lots more MRJ still to do! Will keep Le Fanu in mind too