Houses of Parliament Poltergeist

The History and Background

The Houses of Parliament in London, officially known as the Palace of Westminster, stands on the south bank of the River Thames. Completed in 1874 after its predecessor was destroyed by fire, this iconic building has long been shrouded in mystery and controversy, particularly surrounding a poltergeist phenomenon that occurred in the 1930s.

The history of the Palace is rife with political intrigue and architectural drama. However, one of the most fascinating episodes involves a series of unexplained events that left even the most skeptical parliamentarians on edge. The story begins in October 1934, when a young civil servant named James Harris reported strange phenomena in his office.

Key Events or Sightings

#### The Timeline

October 27, 1934: The first official report of unexplained noises and movements was made by James Harris. These incidents were initially dismissed as the work of pranksters.
November 10, 1934: Lady Nancy Astor reported hearing voices speaking in her office, which seemed to be giving orders for items to move around.

#### Specific Incidents

December 27, 1934: A large piece of wallpaper was found hanging from the ceiling, indicating some form of physical manipulation.
February 15, 1935: The Speaker’s Chair in the House of Commons was moved by an unknown force during a sitting. This incident caused considerable disruption and raised serious concerns.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Lady Nancy Astor

Lady Nancy Astor, one of the most prominent female members of Parliament at the time, reported several sightings and experiences. In her memoirs, she described hearing voices giving orders for items to move around. For instance, a cup of tea that was left unattended would suddenly be moved or knocked over.

#### James Harris

James Harris, the civil servant who first reported the phenomena, kept meticulous notes on his observations. He documented a series of events where objects appeared to levitate and reposition themselves in the office. One notable incident involved papers being rearranged on his desk without any visible human intervention.

Investigations or Research

In response to these incidents, the House of Commons appointed a committee led by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the famous author known for his interest in spiritualism. The committee conducted a thorough investigation and documented their findings.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: Conan Doyle was an active member of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) and brought his expertise to the investigation.
Walter J. Levy: A paranormal investigator, who later authored “The Haunted House of Parliament,” provided detailed accounts based on his research.

#### The Committee’s Findings

The committee reported that while they could not definitively prove a supernatural cause, the evidence suggested something unexplained was occurring. They recommended further investigation and suggested that the phenomena might be due to psychokinesis or some other form of paranormal activity.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

While the poltergeist activity at the Houses of Parliament ceased by 1935, the mystery remains unresolved. Today, visitors to the Palace can still explore the offices where these events occurred and hear tales from guides about the unexplained phenomena.

#### Legacy

The case has remained a popular topic in paranormal circles due to its high-profile setting and the involvement of notable figures such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Various books and articles continue to speculate on the nature of the incidents, ranging from psychological phenomena to more supernatural explanations.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Who were the main witnesses?

A: The primary witnesses included James Harris, a civil servant in one of the affected offices, and Lady Nancy Astor, who reported unusual voices and movements in her office.

Q: What exactly was seen or heard during these events?

A: Objects such as papers and cups would move or rearrange themselves unexplained. Lady Astor also reported hearing disembodied voices giving commands for objects to be moved.

Q: Did any scientific studies support the poltergeist activity?

A: The House of Commons appointed a committee, which included Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, to investigate. Their findings suggested that while they could not prove a supernatural cause, there was enough evidence to warrant further research.

Q: Has there been any follow-up investigation since 1935?

A: There have been sporadic reports and investigations over the years, but no official follow-up by the House of Commons. Paranormal enthusiasts continue to speculate based on historical accounts.

Q: Why does this case remain so intriguing today?

A: The high-profile setting, the involvement of famous figures like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the unexplained nature of the phenomena make it a captivating subject for both skeptics and believers in the paranormal.