Brown Lady Ghost Photo
The 1936 Country Life photograph of a ghostly figure descending Raynham Hall's staircase has survived every analysis. The Brown Lady—believed to be Lady Dorothy Walpole—is history's most authenticated ghost.
The Authenticated Ghost
The photograph taken at Raynham Hall on September 19, 1936, showing a translucent female figure on the grand staircase, has withstood nearly 90 years of analysis. The Brown Lady remains the most famous and credible ghost photograph in history.
The Photography
The moment:
- Captain Provand (photographer)
- Indre Shira (assistant)
- Country Life magazine assignment
- Interior photography
- September 19, 1936
The Capture
What happened:
- Photographing staircase
- Shira saw figure descending
- Told Provand to shoot
- Flash photograph taken
- Figure appeared on negative
The Image
What it shows:
- Translucent female figure
- Descending staircase
- Glowing/luminous appearance
- Period dress visible
- Classic apparition
Lady Dorothy
The ghost’s identity:
- Lady Dorothy Walpole
- Wife of Lord Townshend
- Died 1726
- Possibly murdered
- Locked in room
Her Story
The tragedy:
- Married Lord Townshend
- Had affair discovered
- Husband’s rage
- Imprisoned in house
- Death followed
Analysis History
Examination over decades:
- Immediate scrutiny 1936
- Multiple experts
- No tampering found
- Negatives preserved
- Passes every test
Technical Analysis
Findings:
- Consistent lighting
- No double exposure evidence
- Technically possible
- Not obvious fake
- Remains unexplained
Earlier Sightings
Before the photo:
- George IV (1820s)
- Captain Marryat (1835)
- Numerous others
- Same description
- Same location
The Brown Dress
Her signature:
- Brown brocade gown
- Period appropriate
- Consistent detail
- Hence “Brown Lady”
- Always described
Country Life Publication
December 1936:
- Full page feature
- Immediate sensation
- Worldwide interest
- Defended authenticity
- Historic publication
Significance
Most analyzed and authenticated ghost photograph in history with centuries of supporting witness accounts.
Legacy
The Brown Lady photograph established the standard for ghost evidence—an image that has withstood every attempt at debunking and remains compelling nearly a century later.