Case file · Haunting
The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall
On 19 September 1936 two Country Life photographers produced one of the most famous ghost photos ever, a veiled form descending the staircase of Raynham Hall, Norfolk.
1936 CE · 52.80, 0.79 · status: disputed
The account
Assistant Indre Shira said he saw a vapoury figure take the shape of a woman as Captain Hubert Provand set up the shot. Legend identifies the ghost as Dorothy Walpole, sister of Robert Walpole, said to have been locked away by her husband.
The sceptical view
Critics suggest a smear of grease on the lens, someone moving during the exposure, or a light leak; Joe Nickell argues the photo shows signs of double exposure.