The Lady Dorothy Ghost

The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall produced one of the most famous and analyzed ghost photographs ever taken. The image, published in Country Life magazine in 1936, shows a luminous figure descending the grand staircase.

The History

Lady Dorothy Walpole was the sister of Robert Walpole, Britain’s first Prime Minister. She married Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend, known for his violent temper. When he discovered her alleged affair with Lord Wharton, he confined her to Raynham Hall.

The Death

Lady Dorothy officially died of smallpox in 1726. However, rumors persisted that her death was staged and she remained imprisoned until she actually died years later. Her unhappy spirit remained trapped at Raynham Hall.

The Sightings

Colonel Loftus first reported seeing the Brown Lady during a Christmas party in 1835. She wore brown brocade and had empty eye sockets. Subsequent sightings occurred over the following century. Author Frederick Marryat shot at the apparition with a pistol.

The Photograph

On September 19, 1936, photographers Captain Provand and Indre Shira were documenting Raynham Hall for Country Life magazine. While photographing the staircase, Shira saw a veiled figure descending. He shouted to Provand to take the picture.

The Image

The developed photograph shows a translucent hooded figure on the stairs. Expert analysis has never found evidence of double exposure or manipulation. The photograph was published in Country Life and remains iconic in ghost research.

Assessment

The Brown Lady photograph has withstood decades of scrutiny. No definitive debunking has been achieved. Whether genuine ghost photograph or unexplained artifact, it remains among the most significant images in paranormal history.