The Paxton’s House by Beyond Midnight

Summary

Summary of "The Paxton’s House" Episode from The Horror! (Old Time Radio)

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Horror! (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Episode: The Paxton’s House by Beyond Midnight
• Release Date: July 5, 2025

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Introduction

In this chilling episode of The Horror! (Old Time Radio), RelicRadio.com delves into "The Paxton’s House," a story from the Beyond Midnight series originally airing in South Africa between 1968 and 1970. Hosted by Michael McCabe, Beyond Midnight is renowned for its atmospheric tales of mystery and terror. This episode, the second of the series, transports listeners to post-World War I England, where a seemingly tranquil countryside hides dark secrets.

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Background of Beyond Midnight

Michael McCabe, the mastermind behind Beyond Midnight, previously produced the science fiction series SF 68. Beyond Midnight aired for 78 episodes, each weaving intricate narratives filled with supernatural elements and unresolved mysteries. "The Paxton’s House" stands out as a quintessential episode, blending family drama with eerie folklore.

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Plot Summary

Setting the Scene

The story centers around Reverend Arthur Maydew, a dedicated clergyman working tirelessly in a large parish. Seeking respite, Arthur exchanges his dark industrial town parsonage for a serene country house in Overbury, an English county setting shortly after the First World War. He is accompanied by his two daughters, Maggie and Alice, who are eager for a period of peace and quiet.

Narrator [00:06]: "From the gentle green acres the Meidu sisters passed into the dark regions of terror that lie beyond midnight."

The Arrival in Overbury

Upon moving to Overbury, the Maydew family is enchanted by the lush surroundings. However, their idyllic aspirations soon give way to unsettling experiences. The daughters, particularly Maggie, become fascinated with a mysterious house located at the bend of the road known as "brick at bottom."

Maggie [03:08]: "That's a quaint looking old fashioned house. Red brick, just where the road bends to the right."

Discovery of the Paxton’s House

As days pass, Maggie becomes increasingly obsessed with the Paxtons, the supposed residents of the enigmatic house. Despite Alice's skepticism and their father's apprehensions, Maggie insists on visiting the house to meet its inhabitants, Colonel and Mrs. Paxton.

Alice [03:08]: "I was thinking nothing of the sort. I merely wondered what he was like."

Maggie [10:57]: "Oh, I saw the old lady and she is absolutely a darling. I believe she simply lives in that garden."

The Disappearance

Maggie's curiosity leads her to the Paxton’s House, where she interacts with Mrs. Paxton, an attractive elderly woman with silver hair. Encouraged by the warm reception, Maggie agrees to visit the house again. However, shortly after, Maggie vanishes without a trace.

Narrator [12:53]: "Where is Maggie, Father? Where is Maggie?"

The family and local authorities are baffled by her disappearance. Investigation reveals that the house previously belonged to the Paxtons, a retired military couple with a troubled history, including the mysterious death of their daughter.

Unveiling the Past

Through flashbacks and testimonies, the episode uncovers the dark history of the Paxtons. The Colonel, known for his violent temper, and his wife became reclusive after their daughter’s untimely death. Subsequent visits by other individuals to the now-demolished house ended in disappearances, including that of a young maid servant.

Narrator [20:00]: "I speak of certain events having taken place at the house and the old couple having died. It was sold by their heirs to Lord Carew, who shortly after pulled it down on the ground that it interfered with his shooting."

The Supernatural Element

The story suggests a lingering malevolent presence tied to the Paxton’s House. Maggie's disappearance mirrors past tragedies, hinting that the house may still harbor restless spirits or vengeful entities connected to the Paxtons’ tormented history.

Narrator [24:50]: "Miss, you must know the house, you really must. Why we saw it only the other day."

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Key Characters

• Reverend Arthur Maydew: A diligent clergyman seeking peace in the countryside.
• Maggie Maydew: The elder daughter, whose curiosity drives the plot.
• Alice Maydew: The younger daughter, skeptical of the supernatural.
• Colonel Paxton: A retired Indian army officer with a troubled past.
• Mrs. Paxton: The enigmatic and charming wife of Colonel Paxton.
• Mr. Roberts: A local figure involved in the investigation of Maggie’s disappearance.
• Smith: The long-time servant with knowledge of the county’s history.

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Themes and Insights

The Haunting Past

"The Paxton’s House" explores how unresolved histories and buried secrets can haunt the present. The Maydew family's move to Overbury brings old wounds to the surface, illustrating how places can retain the echoes of past tragedies.

Obsession and Curiosity

Maggie's relentless pursuit of the truth about the Paxtons highlights the fine line between healthy curiosity and dangerous obsession. Her disregard for warnings sets the stage for the unfolding horror.

Isolation and Loneliness

Both the Maydew family and the Paxtons grapple with isolation. Arthur’s desire for peace contrasts with the Paxtons’ reclusive existence, emphasizing how loneliness can lead to vulnerability and even madness.

Supernatural vs. Psychological Horror

The episode masterfully blends supernatural elements with psychological tension. While the house itself may harbor dark forces, the true horror lies in the mystery and the characters' internal struggles.

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Notable Quotes

• Narrator [00:06]:

  "From the gentle green acres the Meidu sisters passed into the dark regions of terror that lie beyond midnight."

• Maggie [03:08]:

  "That's a quaint looking old fashioned house. Red brick, just where the road bends to the right."

• Alice [10:57]:

  "I was thinking nothing of the sort. I merely wondered what he was like."

• Narrator [20:00]:

  "It was sold by their heirs to Lord Carew, who shortly after pulled it down on the ground that it interfered with his shooting."

• Maggie [24:50]:

  "Miss, you must know the house, you really must. Why we saw it only the other day."

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Conclusion

"The Paxton’s House" serves as a spine-tingling narrative that intertwines family dynamics with supernatural mystery. Through its rich storytelling and atmospheric tension, the episode leaves listeners pondering the thin veil between the living and the dead, and the shadows that the past can cast on the present. RelicRadio.com's The Horror! continues to captivate audiences with such masterfully crafted tales, ensuring that the chills linger long after the final word.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Oh, stories. Real stories. And murder too. Turn out your legs. Turn them out. Good evening. Come in, won't you? What's the matter? Surely you're not nervous. For example, I think we are meant to call from out of the past. Stories Strange and weird tales of mystery and terror by radio's masters of the MAA Stories of the supernatural. The supernormal dramatized the mystery of the unknown. We tell you this. Frank. Frank. So if you wish to avoid the excitement tension of these magnets play. Ladies, we urge you our latest return. All.

[Host]

Welcome back to the Horror Old Fashioned Fear every Saturday@ Relicradio.com Our story comes from Beyond Midnight this week. A South African series that debuted on November 1st of 1968. It aired for 78 episodes until April 24th of 1970. It was written and produced by Michael McCabe who was also responsible for SF 68, a science fiction series that preceded this series. Our story Today is the second episode from November 7, 1968. Here's the Paxton's house.

[Narrator]

The Reverend Arthur Maydew worked very hard in a large parish for 11 months of the year. He was also a student and a man of no strong physique. So that when an opportunity was presented to him to take a holiday by exchanging his parsonage in a sprawling dark industrial town with the country living of another clergyman in the sunlit south, he was very glad to avail himself of it. Arthur Maydew had two daughters, the heroines of this story set in an English county shortly after the first World War. Both these girls rejoiced at the prospect of a period of quiet and rest in the pleasant country neighborhood of Overbury. But their dreams were shattered. From the gentle green acres the Meidu sisters passed into the dark regions of terror that lie beyond midnight. Biotex, the new soak and pre wash powder presents Beyond Midnight.

[Maggie]

Quite, quite lovely. Oh, Maggie. We shall persuade old Mr. Roberts to exchange Overbury for Father's parish permanently. Oh, as if he would. The this lovely place, these surroundings for Sheffield. Oh, Alice. Who in all the world would make such a bargain? Look. That was a song thrush. Did you see him? No. With eyes like yours I'm surprised you did. Well, I will not wear spectacles. And if it contents me to say I saw a song thrush, then a song thrush I saw. Do you think Father is contented here? Murder, of course. Of course. He has Mr. Robert's library. What could content him more? Books, books and more books. A hundred thousand books. Oh, how green it is up here. That's Brick at bottom. Down there. The glen. How long do you think it is? 1 mile? 3 quarters perhaps. You must ask Smith. He knows all the county's history. Oh, I would not dream of asking Smith anything. He's quite stupid. Look. You see? That's the road which leads to Blaize's farm. Ah. Oh, I wish there were a few friendly neighbours, that's all. Then it would be paradise here. That's the only trouble. Once we've fully explored. What shall we do then? On this side of Bricket Bottom there's nothing but Carew Court. And that's miles and miles and miles away. I wonder what he's like. Who? The owner. Lord Carew, of course. They say he's one of the wealthiest men in England. I've heard tell that he doesn't have a handsome 25 year old son, Magg. Only a rather plain daughter. I was thinking nothing of the sort. I merely wondered what he was like. It is bleak though, isn't it? All about here. Beautiful, yes, but bleak. Oh, come on, it's getting dark. We must. Tomorrow we'll explore right to blazes far. Who knows, we may be treated to fresh, warm, creamy milk. Alias. Look. Look. How very curious. There's a house down there in the bottom which we have never. Leastways I have never noticed before. House. Well, do you see? We've walked along the path down there. But I. No, no. There, girl, there, you see. I don't see any house. You must be able to see it. A quaint looking old fashioned house. Red brick, just where the road bends to the right. See the garden? No, I certainly can't see a house. Oh, Alice, I am very sorry, but if you don't persuade father to buy spectacles for you, soon you'll be incapable of seeing anything. Yes, yes, perhaps I can see a house. But the light is getting so bad. Oh, Maggie, we really must fly. All right. But tomorrow we shall come and explore it. Perhaps we shall meet some charming people, make new friends. Wait for me. Perhaps we may persuade Father to desert his books and come with us too. We will meet the people in the hospital. Otherwise Father will be too shy. We can't go tomorrow. Maggie.

[Narrator]

Sa.

[Maggie]

Oh. What in heaven's name. Alice. Oh, my uncle. Oh. Oh, Maggie, help me. Why did you come down the stairs like an elephant? It's your own fault. You told me to hurry. Don't stand. Sit down. Rested well? I wanted to go to the house. Father's forgotten all about visiting Overbury. We can go this morning. Oh, it's swelling. Oh, Look. Oh, Maggie, it's so painful. I shan't leave the house this morning, that's evident. If you wish to explore, you must go alone. Yes, father. If we don't go now, we'll never get away. He's sure to want to go to overbrick so good I cannot stand. Go alone and tell me about it when you come back. If there is a house in brick at bottom, I swear I saw not. I shall see you soon. If they are pleasant people and we are invited to tea and your ankle still pains you, tomorrow we shall take the trap over. Maggie, you are so forward. Don't try to walk. Preserve your ankle at all costs. I shall not be late. Tell father I am just walking. He will be cross if he thinks I have gone to the height of the. Very old fashioned, but. Oh, absolutely charming. Oh, and Alice, you should just see the garden. Oh, there are hollyhocks and roses and Canterbury bells and foxgloves. It is absolutely lovely. A darling little house. It set close to the woods, just where the lane turns off to blazes from farm. And Alice, I saw the people too. An old lady and gentleman. The gentleman was sitting on the porch. I couldn't see him clearly, but the lady was in the garden tying up her flowers or weeding or something or the other. Oh, she looked up and smiled as I went by. Alice, I'm sure they are nice people. It would be awfully pleasant to make their acquaintance. And we shall too. I shall make their acquaintance if it is the last thing I do. Hello. Hello. You're walking. The ankle is fully healed. I hobble. What's the matter? Matter? Yes. You don't look yourself as Molly. Father was not angry yesterday, was he? I am sure he was not awfully keen on going into Overbury. No, no, not angry. No, I'm all right. Only I did not sleep very well. I kept on dreaming about the house. It was such an odd dream too. The house seemed to be home and yet to be different. What? That house in brick at bottom? What on earth is the matter with you? You seem perfectly obsessed with the place. Well, it is curious, isn't it? I mean that we should only just have discovered it. And it looks to be lived in by nice people. I do wish we could get to know them. Mmm. There's going to be a storm. Oh, the swelling just will not go down.

[Narrator]

It.

[Maggie]

Alice, I went to the house. House? Oh, the house in Bricket Bottom. Well, I saw the old lady and she is absolutely a darling. I believe she simply lives in that garden. Mind You. It's absolutely enchanting. Oh, anyway, she came to her gate and talked with me and she asked me in to look at her flowers. She's terribly keen on flowers. Anyway, the thing is. Oh, I was a little shy, I suppose, and she said, you needn't be afraid of me, my dear. I like to see young ladies about me and my husband finds their society quite necessary to him. She's awfully attractive. Lovely silver hair. Anyway, she told me about herself and the Colonel. That's her husband. He used to be in India in the army. Paxton's their name. Colonel and Mrs. Paxton. She said they were awfully lonely at times and she asked me in to meet the Colonel. I hope you didn't go in. Why not? Well, I don't like her asking you in that way. Well, I didn't actually go in because it was getting late, but. But what? I have accepted Mrs. Paxton's invitation to pay her a little visit tomorrow. Well, I do think you ought to find out a little more about them before you go calling Maggie. Why? Oh, what on earth is the matter? They are lovely people. How do you know? Well, I'll tell you when I come home. Oh, you would have to go and hurt your ankle. Look, I'll go this afternoon, just for a short visit. I'll be back for tea and then we can have some croquet. You know how happy Father is when he plays croquet. Oh, Alice, don't look so disapproving. Maybe the colonel and his lady have a handsome smile, son. After all, you're getting awfully old, Alice.

[Narrator]

Where is Maggie, Father? Where is Maggie?

[Maggie]

Out for a walk. And she's bound to pay a call on some neighbours whom she has recently discovered.

[Narrator]

Neighbours? What neighbours? Mr. Roberts never spoke of any neighbours to me.

[Maggie]

Well, I don't know much about them. Maggie and I were out walking the other day, the day before I hurt my ankle and we saw, at least she saw a house in brick at bottom. Honestly, Father, I am so blind.

[Narrator]

What house?

[Maggie]

It belongs to Colonel and Mrs. Paxton in brick at bottom. A little red brick house. Maggie has made the acquaintance of the Paxtons perfectly all right. He's a retired Indian army officer. Maggie went along this afternoon, but she said she'd be back long before this.

[Narrator]

I am not too well pleased about this, Alice. Maggie should not be so impulsive and scrape acquaintance with unknown people. She said she'd be home early.

[Maggie]

Well, yes.

[Narrator]

Had there been nice neighbours at Bricketbottom, I'm sure Mr. Roberts would have told us. It's getting late. Can have delayed her. You say she saw the house? You didn't?

[Maggie]

It was getting dark. You know how short sighted I am.

[Narrator]

But surely you must have seen it at some other time.

[Maggie]

That is the strangest part of the whole affair, Father. We have often walked along there but neither of us had ever seen the house till that evening. And as I said it was getting dark. Father, perhaps we should ask Smith to harness the pony and bring Maggie back. I am not happy about her. I'm rather afraid, I must confess I don't know why.

[Narrator]

Afraid of what? What could have gone wrong in a quiet place like this? Still I. I'll send Smith over for her. Yes Smith, if you feel you can manage with that ankle of yours perhaps you'll come too. Poor dear departed mother always swore she would have preferred sons. There's trouble. Not that she wasn't terribly fond of her two daughters of course, bless her so. But. Ah. Smith, I want you to harness a pony at once and go over to Colonel Paxton's house in Bricket Bottom and bring Ms. Maydew home. Well what are you waiting for man? Go where sir? To Colonel Paxton's house. Bring Miss Maggie home. I never heard of Colonel Paxton, sir. I don't know what else you mean. Alice, tell this fellow where your sister has gone to and let us be off to fetch her. The Paxton's house man, in brick at bottom. Colonel Paxton.

[Maggie]

Miss, you must know the house, you really must. Why we saw it only the other day. At least Maggie saw it.

[Narrator]

I not too heavily on that ankle. Now girl, harness the pony at once. Yes sir. Stupid man. Alice, is your ankle strong enough?

[Maggie]

Yes father.

[Narrator]

Then you must show Smith where this house is. I must own. I'm worried Alice.

[Maggie]

But why Father? Maggie merely went to pay a visit to the Colonel and his wife.

[Narrator]

And why have I not heard of the Colonel? Roberts would have informed me if there had been pleasant neighbours hereabouts. Ah, that as it may. Come let me help you. I shall find it difficult not to be stern with Alchester when we meet her again. The place depresses me Alice, that I must own. It depresses me. The country all around is beautiful but I'm not fond of this part. Where is the house?

[Maggie]

At the bend of the road.

[Narrator]

It should be there coming dark yet you remember no house. Smith, how long have you worked hereabouts? Nigh on five and 20. Yours sir. I shall be fierce with her, I promise you.

[Maggie]

Here we are Smith. It's here. Just.

[Narrator]

This is the place. Yes father, but there's no house here, sir. Look, sir. What?

[Maggie]

Some part of a building. Here. And here in the grass.

[Narrator]

There. There was a dwelling here at one time. A long time ago. There were terraces here, running. What does it all mean, Alice? Are you sure of yourself, girl? You're not mistaken? Perhaps further.

[Maggie]

No, Father. I promise. It stood here, the house. Maggie pointed it out to me from. From up above.

[Narrator]

And she went to visit the Paxtons. Well, then, where is Maggie? Listen, Smith.

[Maggie]

Maggie, where are you?

[Narrator]

That was Maggie's voice. She's near and in some trouble. Where did it come from, Smith? I didn't hear anybody call him, sir. Alice, go back to the trap. Let me help you. Smith. We must search. Miss Maggie. Miss Maggie.

[Maggie]

Where are you? Maggie.

[Narrator]

We heard you call again. Where are you? Alice? Drive on to Blaze's farm. Bring help. Ask Mr. Rumbold to come and his sons too, if they're at home. And ask him to fetch lanterns.

[Maggie]

Father. She might have returned over the downs while we were going by road. Perhaps she saw us and called us.

[Narrator]

Try to please his farm, girl. Maggie. Maggie.

[Maggie]

Maggie. Maggie. Maggie. May I offer you more tea, Mr. Roberts?

[Narrator]

No, thank you, my child. No, thank you. Nothing. Four days. Nothing. Where? What can have happened to her, Roberts? The police have questioned the old woman. She saw her on the path to Bricked Bottom, but no one else has seen her since.

[Maggie]

She. The old woman said. What was it, Father?

[Narrator]

She described Maggie as smiling but looking queer. Like the house. There is no house. And yet. Have you ever heard any local gossip concerning Miss Colonel and Mrs. Pe. No, I never heard mention of their names until.

[Maggie]

I think the pup needs more hot water, Father.

[Narrator]

Well, I'll tell you all I can about them, which is not very much, I fear. I am now nearly 75 years old and for nearly 70 years no house has stood in brick at bottom. But when I was a very young child, there was an old fashioned red brick house standing in a garden at the bend of the road, such as you have described. It was owned and lived in by a retired Indian soldier and his wife. A Colonel and Mrs. Paxton at the time. I speak of certain events having taken place at the house and the old couple having died. It was sold by their heirs to Lord Carew, who shortly after pulled it down on the ground that it interfered with his shooting. The Paxtons were well known to my father, who was the clergyman here before me, and to the neighbourhood in general. They lived quietly and were not unpopular. But the Colonel was supposed to possess a violent and vindictive temper. Their family consisted only of Themselves and their daughter, The Colonel's old army servant and his Eurasian wife. Well, I cannot tell you the details of what happened. I was only a child. My father never liked gossip and in later years when he talked to me on the subject, he always avoided any appearance of exaggeration or sensationalism. However, it is known that Miss Paxton fell in love and became engaged to a young man to whom her parents took a strong dislike. They used every possible means to break off the match and many rumours were set on foot as to their conduct. Undue influence, even cruelty, were charged against them. I do not know the truth. All I can say is that Miss Paxton died and a very bitter feeling against her parents spread up. Yes, but Roberts, I pray you. What. Please let me continue. I know how shocked you are. This story, well, it may shed some light. My father never saw Paxton after his daughter's death and only saw Mrs. Paxton once or twice. He described her as an utterly broken woman and no one seemed at all surprised when she followed her daughter to the grave. Within sight three months, Paxton himself became a recluse. He was rarely if ever seen and himself died in a very short time, some said by his own hand. He was buried like his wife and daughter in the churchyard at my church. The property passed to a distant relative who came down to it for one night. Soon afterwards he never came again. It said he conceived a violent dislike to the place. He sold it to Lord Carew, who later pulled it down and the garden was left to relapse into a wilderness. Those are the facts. But there is something more. I can see it in your face. You have a right to know. What I am going to tell you now is rumour vague and uncertain. About five years after the house had been pulled down, a young maid servant at Carew Court was out walking one afternoon. She was a newcomer to the district. On returning home to tea, she told her fellow servants that as she walked down Bricket Bottom, which place she described clearly, she passed a red brick house at the bend of the road and that a kind faced old lady had asked her to step in for a while.

[Maggie]

I saw the old lady and she had absent nuclear die. She came to her gate and talked with me and asked me in to look at her flowers. She's awfully attractive. Lovely silver hair.

[Narrator]

Did this girl go in? No. She feared that she might be late. Back at the hall for tea, she never visited the bottom again. But two or three years after that, after my father's death, a traveling tinker and his wife and daughter camped for a night at the foot of the bottom, the girl strolled away up the glen to gather blackberries, and she was never seen nor heard of. Of course one does not know the truth, and she may have run away voluntarily from her parents, although there was no known cause for her doing that. That is all I can tell you of either facts or rumors. All that I can do now is to pray for you and for her. Beyond Midnight is presented every Friday night at half past nine by Biotechs the New Soak and Pre Wash Powder. The program is adapted for broadcasting and Produced by Michael McKay.

[Host]

That's the horror for this week. There's more from beyond midnight@ Relicradio.com alongside all of the other shows and our Shoutcast stream. Lots to listen to there, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the support links on the website. Thanks to those who have thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with another episode of Strange Tales and next Saturday with our next episode of the Horror.