The Mysterious Affair at Newlands Corner

In an extraordinary episode redolent of one of her own novels, Agatha Christie dominated the British papers during the first two weeks of December 1926. She never mentioned the affair in her autobiography, and the motive which fuelled 11 days of intense police and media activity has remained an enigma long after her death.

Agatha Miller married Colonel Archie Christie late in 1914. After wartime service in the Royal Flying Corps, Archie returned to civilian life when their daughter was born, five years later. Agatha's first novel was published in the following year and, by the mid '20s, income from her books helped the couple to buy their own home at Sunningdale in Berkshire.

But material success masked fault lines in the couple's relationship. The war years could not have been easy and, just possibly, Archie felt threatened by his wife's success. She put on weight after their daughter's birth, whilst he found consolation - and romance - on the golf course. On Friday, 3rd December 1926, there was a furious row as Archie told Agatha that he would be spending the weekend with his mistress, Nancy Neele. Divorce was inevitable.

That night, Agatha left her sleeping daughter and treasured dog, climbed into her bullnose Morris, and disappeared into the night. The following morning, the novelist 's car was found abandoned by the chalk pit that you'll see in Water Lane, near the start of your walk. But Agatha Christie was gone.It was national news. Whilst the police scoured southern England and questioned Archie on suspected murder, the Daily News offered a £100 reward for information. The story remained in the press and, on Sunday 12th, thousands of people converged on Newlands Corner to search for Agatha's body. Meanwhile, almost 24 hours after her disappearance, Agatha Christie had calmly booked into a Harrogate hotel under the assumed name of Teresa Neele. Despite the national hue and cry, ten days elapsed before the police located her. Archie was in the clear, deflecting reporters by explaining his wife had amnesia, and the couple fled to Abney Hall in Cheshire, home of Agatha's sister.

This bizarre affair has been shrouded in mystery ever since. Christie herself refused even to discuss it and, after her death, there were unsuccessful attempts to suppress a film adaptation of the story. The unsolved mystery was featured on BBC television in 1997, and the programme included an appearance by author Jared Cade. His subsequent book claims that the entire episode was simply Christie's attempt to embarrass her husband and sabotage his weekend with his mistress. It is, at least, a convincing theory.

What to look for

Many legends surround the tree-shaded Silent Pool, close by Sherbourne Farm. Even in high summer you'll feel a slight chill in the air, and there's something rather unearthly about its clear, bluish-green water. Believe, if you will, that a young maiden was taking her customary dip when the wicked King John rode into the water to carry her off. Despite her brother's efforts to save her, both brother and sister perished, 'locked in each other's arms in the tranquil crystal depth'. It's said that on moonlit nights a white form bathes here still, until with a hideous shriek it disappears below the dark surface.

Where to eat and drink

The all-year-round kiosk in Newlands Corner car park sells hot and cold drinks and snacks, including burgers, chips, soup, salad rolls and cakes.

While you're there

If you're interested in animals, farming or wildlife, then you'll enjoy a visit to Sherbourne Farm, adjacent to the Silent Pool on Shere Road. It's no theme park, but a family run working farm where you can see seasonal displays ranging from lambing, shearing and calving to planting and harvesting. Children especially enjoy feeding the hens, ducks and geese.