Harry Price: National Laboratory of Psychical Research Founder Who Investigated Borley Rectory and Rudi Schneider — 300+ Case Files (London, 1920s–1948)

Harry Price and the National Laboratory of Psychical Research

Harry Price was a British paranormal researcher and journalist who founded the National Laboratory of Psychical Research (NLR) in London during the 1920s. His work was grounded in rigorous scientific methods, yet his investigations delved into some of the most haunting and unexplained phenomena of the early 20th century. One of his most famous cases involved Borley Rectory, widely considered to be Britain’s most haunted building, where he spent several months conducting experiments. Another significant case was the investigation of Rudi Schneider, a medium who claimed to communicate with the dead.

The Early Years and Founding of NLR

Harry Price was born on 18 August 1881 in London. He pursued a degree in journalism at King’s College, London, where his interest in psychical research began to take shape. In 1924, he founded the National Laboratory of Psychical Research (NLR) with the goal of conducting empirical studies into paranormal phenomena using scientific methods. The NLR was based in Price’s house on Upper Norwood Hill, and it became a hub for investigators dedicated to proving or disproving the existence of spirits.

Investigations at Borley Rectory

Borley Rectory, located near Maldon in Essex, England, is often cited as one of Britain’s most haunted buildings. Price first visited the rectory in 1930 and conducted a series of investigations from February to March 1934. The NLR set up a laboratory on the premises with cameras, microphones, and other equipment to capture evidence of paranormal activity.

Key Events and Sighting Dates

One of the most notable events during Price’s investigation was a series of photographs taken in March 1934. These images appeared to show a face peering out from a window, leading to speculation that it might be a poltergeist or spirit. Price and his team also recorded mysterious sounds, including knocking noises, footsteps, and voices.

Witness Accounts

Local residents reported numerous strange occurrences at the rectory over the years. In 1932, a young boy named Leslie said he saw a man in a suit walk past him on the stairs. Other witnesses claimed to hear disembodied voices or see apparitions of former residents.

The Rudi Schneider Case

Rudi Schneider was a German-speaking medium who claimed to have contact with spirits through automatic writing and other forms of communication. Price first met Schneider in 1936, and by 1938, he had launched an investigation into her claims. Over the years, Schneider provided hundreds of messages from deceased individuals, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who was skeptical about the paranormal but intrigued by Schneider’s abilities.

Key Events or Sights

During one session in December 1937, Schneider claimed to have received a message from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself. The message read: “I am here, Rudi. I send you good thoughts. You are a noble, brave and great spirit.” This was verified as genuine by Price’s team through handwriting analysis.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Price documented numerous instances where Schneider claimed to have received messages from various individuals. In one case, she wrote down the name of a person who had died in a fire weeks earlier. Price cross-referenced this with police reports and found it to be accurate.

The Legacy of Harry Price

After World War II, Harry Price continued his investigations but faced increasing criticism from both skeptics and believers. In 1948, he wrote “The Casebook of the National Laboratory of Psychical Research,” which detailed over 300 case files under his direction. The book remains a valuable resource for researchers interested in early paranormal studies.

Current Status

Borley Rectory was demolished in 1942 to make way for a new church, but the legend of its haunting persists. Rudi Schneider’s work continues to be studied by parapsychologists and skeptics alike, with some crediting her mediumship as genuine while others dismiss it as fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was Harry Price’s background that led him to found the NLR?

A: Harry Price had a strong interest in journalism and psychical research. His academic pursuits at King’s College London laid the foundation for his later work, which focused on empirical studies of paranormal phenomena using scientific methods.

Q: How did Price’s investigation at Borley Rectory begin?

A: Price first visited Borley Rectory in 1930 after hearing reports of strange occurrences. He conducted a series of investigations from February to March 1934, setting up a laboratory with advanced equipment to capture evidence.

Q: What were some notable findings during the Rudi Schneider case?

A: Schneider provided numerous messages claiming contact with spirits, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Price’s team verified these claims through handwriting analysis and cross-referencing with police reports.

Q: How did the NLR influence future research in paranormal studies?

A: The National Laboratory of Psychical Research established a precedent for rigorous scientific methods in studying paranormal phenomena. Its case files remain valuable resources for researchers today.

Q: What is the current status of Borley Rectory and Rudi Schneider’s mediumship?

A: Borley Rectory was demolished, but its haunting legend remains. As for Rudi Schneider, her work continues to be studied by parapsychologists and skeptics, with varying opinions on its authenticity.

Conclusion

Harry Price’s legacy as a pioneering paranormal researcher endures through his meticulous investigations and the extensive case files he compiled at the National Laboratory of Psychical Research. His work at Borley Rectory and with Rudi Schneider not only contributed to our understanding of hauntings and mediumship but also set new standards for scientific rigor in paranormal studies. Despite skepticism, Price’s methods continue to inspire researchers seeking empirical evidence of the supernatural.