The Residence at Whitminster
A young woman inherits a country house from a distant relative and discovers it has been the site of a tragic event involving a family member who died under mysterious circumstances. As she explores the house, she uncovers clues that suggest her ancestor's death was not an accident but rather a murder. The story is a classic example of a ghost story, with elements of mystery and suspense.
By M.R. James · First published 1930 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Supernatural · 12,117 words
First lines
Dr. Ashton -- Thomas Ashton, Doctor of Divinity -- sat in his study, habited in a dressing-gown, and with a silk cap on his shaven head -- his wig being for the time taken off and placed on its block on a side table. He was a man of some fifty-five years, strongly made, of a sanguine complexion, an angry eye, and a long upper lip. Face and eye were lighted up at the moment when I picture him by the level ray of an afternoon sun that shone in upon him through a tall sash window, giving on the west. The room into which it shone was also tall, lined with bookcases, and, where the wall showed between them, panelled. On the table near the doctor's elbow was a green cloth, and upon it what he would have called a silver standish -- a tray with inkstands -- quill pens, a calf-bound book or two, some papers, a churchwarden pipe and brass tobacco-box, a flask cased in plaited straw, and a liqueur glass. The year was 1730, the month December, the hour somewhat past three in the afternoon.
What this Textopian page supports
The Residence at Whitminster is listed on Textopian as a short story by M.R. James, dated 1930 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: M.R. James
- Date: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Supernatural, Mystery, Literary Fiction
- Length: 12,117 words
- Structure: 1 section, 43 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Residence at Whitminster by M.R. James
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Residence at Whitminster?
- How does this short story by M.R. James fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- A Neighbours Landmark by M. R. James
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- The Familiar by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
- An Authentic Narrative Of A Haunted House by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
- The Uncommon Prayer Book by M. R. James
Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The story features elements typical of Gothic fiction, including a mysterious setting, supernatural occurrences, and themes of death and the macabre.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context (1730) and incorporates historical details about the church and societal norms of the time.
- Supernatural — The plot involves supernatural elements, such as visions and the presence of ghosts, which are central to the story's conflict.
- Mystery — The unfolding events and the investigation into the past create a sense of mystery that drives the narrative.
Tags
Gothic Fiction · Supernatural Horror · Mystery · Historical Fiction · English Setting · Small Town Life · Isolated Location · Haunted House · Ghost Story · Paranormal Activity · Unexplained Events · Atmosphere of Fear