Episode 85 – The Tudor Chimney by A.N.L. Munby

A Podcast to the Curious - The M.R. James Podcast

This episode Mike and Will grab their torches and disappear up ‘The Tudor Chimney’ by A.N.L. Munby. But what is that shape moving up above? Meh, it’s probably nothing.

Thanks to Debbie Wedge for providing the readings for this episode!

In this episode, we also mention Will’s new project DarkOxfordshire.co.uk, which explores the darker side of Oxfordshire’s history, including ghosts, legends, murders and mayhem!

Story notes:

• The Tudor Chimney by A.N.L. Munby (Archive.org)
  Contrary to what we say in the episode, this story can in fact be read online for free! Thanks to Zach Forn for sharing the link with us.
• The Alabaster Hand by A.N.L. Munby (Sundial Press)
  Munby’s only volume of ghost stories is currently out of print and consequently rather hard to get hold of unless you have very deep pockets. However, Sundial Press are due to publish an affordably priced paperback to follow their recent hardback edition very soon.
• A.N.L. Munby book collector, academic and ghost story writer (jot101.com)
  This article republishes an article written in tribute to Munby that was published in 1975, a year after Munby’s death, and contains some entertaining details about his life and personality.
• The story location (Google Maps)
  In the story, Munby describes the location of the hall as being located between Lambourn and Wantage. The villages of Letcombe Bassett and Letcombe Regis seem likely candidates. Other locations that may have provided inspiration include Crowsley Park and Lambourn Place (check out those chimneys!)