Brown Lady of Raynham Hall
In 1936, photographers captured one of the most famous ghost photos ever—a luminous figure descending the staircase. The 'Brown Lady' is believed to be Lady Dorothy Walpole, confined to the house until her death in 1726.
The Most Famous Ghost Photo
The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall is one of the most documented ghosts in history, immortalized in a 1936 photograph that remains unexplained. Lady Dorothy Walpole, imprisoned by her husband until death, has haunted this Norfolk estate for nearly 300 years.
The House
Raynham Hall:
- Norfolk, England
- Built 1620s
- Townshend family seat
- Grand estate
- Historic mansion
Lady Dorothy Walpole
The ghost’s identity:
- Sister of Robert Walpole (PM)
- Married Charles Townshend
- Accused of adultery
- Imprisoned in house
- Died 1726
Her Imprisonment
The tragedy:
- Locked in room
- Years of confinement
- Smallpox killed her
- Or pushed down stairs?
- Tortured existence
The Brown Dress
Why “Brown Lady”:
- Wears brown brocade
- Period dress
- Consistent description
- Identifying feature
- 300 years
Early Sightings
First reports:
- 1835 Christmas
- George IV allegedly saw her
- House guests
- Multiple occasions
- Pattern established
The 1936 Photograph
Famous image:
- September 19, 1936
- Country Life magazine
- Captain Provand
- Indre Shira
- Historic photo
The Photographers
Professional assignment:
- Photographing house
- For magazine
- Saw figure on stairs
- Captured image
- Shocked
The Image
What it shows:
- Luminous figure
- Descending staircase
- Vague features
- Draped in fabric
- Ethereal
Analysis
Photo examined:
- Not double exposure
- No obvious manipulation
- Period technology
- Film intact
- Never debunked
Skeptical Views
Critics suggest:
- Camera glitch
- Intentional fake
- Light reflection
- Manipulation possible
- Debate continues
Country Life Publication
Historic moment:
- Published December 1936
- Internationally famous
- Ghost photography icon
- Still discussed
- Cultural impact
Other Sightings
Beyond photo:
- Multiple witnesses
- Over centuries
- Consistent description
- Location specific
- Staircase area
Current Status
Today:
- Private residence
- Townshend family
- Tours occasionally
- Sightings continue
- Still haunted
Significance
Most famous ghost photograph of a documented spirit with centuries of sighting history.
Legacy
The Brown Lady represents the ideal haunting—a known identity, tragic history, centuries of sightings, and photographic evidence that has never been definitively explained.