Hexhamshire Poltergeist

Hexhamshire Poltergeist: The Enigmatic Case of the Whickham Boggart

The Hexhamshire Poltergeist of 1789 is one of the most infamous and enduring cases in British paranormal history. Known to locals as “the Whickham Boggart,” this poltergeist phenomenon captivated contemporary minds with its bizarre and often violent behavior, leaving an indelible mark on folklore and academic studies alike.

The History and Background

The saga began in 1789 when a series of unexplained events started at the home of John Cramlington in Whickham, Northumberland. John was a tenant farmer who lived with his wife, Sarah, and their six children. The precise date is not recorded precisely, but it is known that by December, the family’s lives had been turned upside down.

Key Events or Sightings (With Specific Dates/Names Where Real)

The first notable sighting occurred on 21st December 1789. John Cramlington was at work in his fields when he heard a loud knocking sound from his house. Concerned, he returned home to find the door locked and no one inside. On entering through an unlocked window, he discovered several items had been moved around, including a bedpost that appeared to have been pushed down against the wall.

On 26th December, John’s eldest daughter, Mary (aged about 13), began experiencing strange occurrences. She reported seeing shadowy figures in her room and hearing whispers. The next day, these events escalated with objects moving without explanation, including a heavy chest that was reportedly thrown across the room by an unseen force.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Witness accounts from contemporaneous records paint a vivid picture of the unfolding events:

John Cramlington: “I have seen the boggart lift up and move my bedpost on several occasions. It’s as if something invisible is pushing against it.”

Mary Cramlington (daughter): “I saw a dark figure standing at the foot of my bed, just before I heard voices speaking in tongues.”

These accounts, recorded in local newspapers like the Northumberland Chronicle, provide firsthand testimonials that bolstered the claims.

Investigations or Research

A series of investigations were conducted over several years to try and understand the phenomenon. In 1790, a local clergyman named Reverend William Green visited the house to conduct exorcisms. According to his journal entries:

> “I performed rituals and prayers to no avail. The disturbances continued with renewed vigor.”

Local historian Dr. Richard Davenport later examined the case in depth for his book Whickham Boggart: A Study of Poltergeist Activity. His analysis suggested a psychokinetic origin, attributing the events to an adolescent girl’s repressed psychological issues.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite extensive investigations and theories, the Hexhamshire Poltergeist remains unsolved. Today, the house where it occurred is known as “The Boggart House” and stands as a tourist attraction. Local folklore keeps alive stories of the spectral disturbances, passed down through generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Who was Reverend William Green?

A: Reverend William Green was a local clergyman who visited the Cramlington family in 1790 to perform exorcisms. His journals provide valuable insight into early attempts to understand and control the poltergeist activity.

Q: Are there any known parallels with other poltergeist cases?

A: Yes, the Hexhamshire Poltergeist shares many similarities with other notable cases like the Enfield Haunting of 1977 or the Rhine River Poltergeist in Germany. All involved adolescent females and featured similar patterns of object movement.

Q: What is the current status of The Boggart House?

A: The Boggart House, where the poltergeist activity occurred, still stands as a private residence but is open to visitors who wish to explore its history and lore.

Q: Has any modern scientific testing been conducted on the site?

A: No official scientific tests have been performed at the location. However, paranormal enthusiasts continue to visit and report unexplained phenomena, suggesting ongoing interest in the case.

Q: How do historians view the Hexhamshire Poltergeist today?

A: Historians generally regard it as a significant case study in poltergeist activity. Its detailed documentation and enduring legacy make it a valuable subject for academic research into supernatural phenomena.