Bancroft House Hauntings, New Hampshire

Bancroft House, a historic mansion located in Strafford, New Hampshire, has been at the center of one of the most persistent and intriguing paranormal phenomena in New England for over a century. The house, built by Benjamin Bancroft in 1830, has reportedly witnessed numerous unexplained events, from eerie voices to ghostly apparitions. This article delves into the history and background of Bancroft House, its key events or sightings, witness accounts, and ongoing investigations.

The History and Background

Bancroft House stands majestically on a hill overlooking Strafford, New Hampshire. Built in 1830 by Benjamin Bancroft, an early settler who arrived from Maine to establish his family’s new home, the house was initially constructed using local materials such as granite and wood. Over the years, it underwent several renovations and expansions but retained much of its original character.

The property changed hands over the decades, serving various purposes—first as a private residence for the Bancroft family, then as an inn during the late 19th century. Its final residential use was in the mid-20th century before it became vacant. The current owner, a local historian named Dr. Samuel Green, purchased the house in 1985 with the intention of preserving its historical integrity while also exploring its paranormal mysteries.

Key Events or Sightings

#### The First Reports: Late 19th Century

The first reported sightings and experiences at Bancroft House date back to the late 19th century. In 1892, a local resident named Emily Williams claimed she heard disembodied voices in the attic during the night. She described hearing what sounded like someone reading aloud from a book or reciting poetry. The voice seemed to move around and change its tone, causing her considerable distress.

#### The Haunted Attic: 1930s

In the 1930s, the house was used as an inn by a family named the Harrisons. One of their guests, Margaret Langley, reported strange occurrences in the attic. She claimed to have seen a figure in Victorian-era clothing wandering around and heard whispers and footsteps. According to Langley, these events occurred most frequently between midnight and 3 AM.

#### The Specter of Miss Mary: 1980s

The most notable series of sightings began in the late 1980s when Dr. Green purchased the house. His wife, Sarah, claimed she witnessed a woman in period attire who appeared at the top of the stairs just as they were descending to the basement. She described her as wearing a dark blue dress with a white apron and wearing a frilly white hat. The figure was reportedly in her late 20s or early 30s, though it is unknown if she was ever identified.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Sarah Green’s Experience

Dr. Green’s wife, Sarah, provided some of the most vivid accounts of the house’s paranormal activity. In one instance, she reported seeing a woman in Victorian clothing at the top of the stairs. She described the scene as follows:

“A figure appeared just as I was descending to the basement. It was wearing a dark blue dress with a white apron and a frilly white hat. The woman seemed about 25 or 30 years old, though she did not appear to be in any distress.”

#### Audio Recordings

In 1987, Sarah Green recorded what appeared to be disembodied voices using a tape recorder placed in the attic. The recordings captured a series of unintelligible whispers and repeated phrases that seemed to be reciting poetry or scripture. These audio files were later analyzed by Dr. Green and shared with local paranormal investigators.

Investigations or Research

#### Local Paranormal Investigators

In 1992, the Strafford Paranormal Society conducted an investigation at Bancroft House. They set up a series of electronic devices to monitor temperature fluctuations, electromagnetic fields (EMF), and audio recordings. Their findings included several unexplained temperature drops in certain areas of the house, particularly in the attic where Sarah Green claimed to have seen the figure.

#### Ghost Hunters International

In 2005, representatives from Ghost Hunters International arrived at Bancroft House with state-of-the-art equipment. Using infrared cameras and digital video recorders, they documented several instances of anomalous activity. One notable event occurred during a full moon when a figure was reportedly seen walking through the walls of a room in the southwest wing.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

The current status of Bancroft House remains as an enigma. Despite numerous investigations and extensive documentation, no definitive answers have been provided regarding the identity or purpose of the spirits that haunt the property. Dr. Green continues to conduct research and allows local paranormal enthusiasts to visit and document their own experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Has anyone ever identified who is haunting Bancroft House?

A: Despite numerous investigations, no definitive identification has been made. The most common sightings involve a woman in Victorian attire, but the identities of these spirits remain unknown.

Q: What equipment do paranormal investigators use to document activity at Bancroft House?

A: Investigators typically use EMF detectors, infrared cameras, audio recorders, and temperature sensors to capture any unusual fluctuations that may indicate paranormal activity.

Q: Are there any theories about why the house is haunted?

A: Some theories suggest that the spirits are those of former residents or employees who never left. Others propose a connection to the historical events that took place in the house, such as tragic accidents or deaths.

Q: Can visitors experience paranormal activity at Bancroft House?

A: Many visitors report feeling unexplained chills, hearing whispers, and seeing glimpses of figures. However, these experiences are subjective and vary widely among individuals.

Q: Are there any plans to solve the mystery of Bancroft House once and for all?

A: The ongoing nature of paranormal research means that new technologies and methods could potentially shed light on the mystery in the future. Local historians and paranormal enthusiasts continue to explore this intriguing site with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.