The Enfield Poltergeist

Background

The Hodgson family, consisting of single mother Peggy Hodgson and her four children, started experiencing strange occurrences in their council house in Enfield. It began with furniture moving by itself, knocking sounds, and unexplained voices. The most significant activity centered around 11-year-old Janet Hodgson.

Phenomena

1. Furniture Moving: Heavy furniture pieces like chests and beds were reported to move on their own. Witnesses, including neighbors and police officers, corroborated these claims.

2. Levitation: Janet was reportedly seen levitating by witnesses. Photographic evidence captured by investigators showed Janet seemingly being thrown across her room.

3. Voices: Janet began speaking in a gruff, deep voice, claiming to be an old man named Bill Wilkins, who had died in the house. The voice phenomena were recorded and analyzed by paranormal researchers.

4. Objects Thrown: Various objects, including toys and household items, were thrown around the house without any visible force.

Investigation

The case drew significant attention, leading to an investigation by the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) and paranormal researchers Maurice Grosse and Guy Lyon Playfair. They spent months documenting the phenomena, capturing audio and photographic evidence, and interviewing witnesses.

• Maurice Grosse and Guy Lyon Playfair: These researchers from the SPR played a crucial role in documenting the case. They collected extensive evidence, including recordings of the mysterious voices and photographs of the supposed levitations.

• Skeptics and Critics: While the case garnered a lot of attention, it also faced skepticism. Some believed the events were exaggerated or fabricated, particularly focusing on Janet's possible involvement in hoaxing some incidents. However, many events were witnessed by multiple individuals, lending some credibility to the phenomena.

Legacy

The Enfield Poltergeist remains one of the most famous poltergeist cases in history. It has inspired books, documentaries, and films, including "The Conjuring 2." The case continues to be a subject of debate among paranormal researchers and skeptics.

Further Reading

For those interested in exploring more about the Enfield Poltergeist, here are some recommended resources:

1. Books: "This House is Haunted" by Guy Lyon Playfair provides an in-depth account of the investigation and the phenomena witnessed.

2. Documentaries: Various documentaries, including BBC's "The Enfield Haunting," provide visual and narrative documentation of the events.

3. Articles and Blogs: Numerous articles and blogs analyze the case from different perspectives, providing insights into both the supportive evidence and the skeptical arguments.

The Enfield Poltergeist case continues to captivate audiences with its combination of compelling witness testimony, extensive documentation, and the eerie nature of the phenomena reported.