Stivinghoe Bank by R.H.Malden and read by Christopher Halton

Stivinghoe Bank is a classic English ghost story by R. H. Malden, first published in his collection Nine Ghosts (1943). Malden, a close friend and contemporary of M. R. James, shared James’s love of antiquarian settings, hidden histories, and the slow, unsettling revelation of ancient evils lurking beneath the surface of everyday life. Set against the lonely and windswept landscape of the Norfolk coast, Stivinghoe Bank explores one of the great themes of the traditional ghost story: that certain places retain memories of the past, and that some old boundaries were established for very good reasons. Unlike modern horror, which often relies on shock and spectacle, Malden’s approach is one of restraint. The unease gradually grows in the atmosphere, in suggestion, and in a disturbing feeling that the familiar world has been quietly invaded by something older and far less comprehensible. Today, R. H. Malden remains a neglected figure among classic supernatural writers, yet tales such as Stivinghoe Bank show him to be a worthy successor to the Jamesian tradition — a writer capable of turning a lonely piece of English countryside into a place of genuine and lingering dread. Presented by Haunted Tales of Darkness — preserving the finest forgotten tales of the supernatural. Narrated by Christopher Halton. 0:15 - Introduction 1:42 - Main Story 31:54 - Epilogue If you enjoy classic ghost stories, supernatural fiction, and weird tales by M. R. James, Algernon Blackwood, Arthur Machen, E. F. Benson, and William Hope Hodgson, please consider subscribing for more atmospheric readings from the golden age of horror. If you would like to help support future work, you can now support the channel directly via Patreon.   / chrishalton   Every story involves many hours of writing, research, editing, recording, artwork, and production to preserve the spirit of classic supernatural storytelling. There is never any obligation, of course, and simply watching, listening, commenting, and sharing already helps enormously. But for those who wish to contribute monthly, or leave the occasional gift of support, it is deeply appreciated and directly helps keep new stories and projects alive. Thank you for supporting Haunted Tales of Darkness.