Harry Price: The Showman-Investigator Behind Borley Rectory and the National Laboratory

Introduction to Harry Price and His Legacy

Harry Price (1881-1948) was a British paranormal investigator, journalist, and author whose career spanned both the golden age of spiritualism in the early 20th century and the dawn of modern parapsychology. He is best known for his involvement with Borley Rectory—a site so haunted that it earned the nickname “the most haunted house in England”—and as the founder of Britain’s first laboratory dedicated to the scientific investigation of paranormal phenomena, the National Laboratory of Psychical Research (NLPR).

The History and Background

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on 17 February 1881 in Leicester, Price grew up in a family that harbored an interest in spiritualism. His father was a Freemason who believed in reincarnation, and these early influences likely shaped his lifelong fascination with the paranormal. After studying at King Edward VII’s School and later at Leicester University College, Price pursued journalism alongside his interest in the supernatural. He began working for various newspapers, including the Daily Mail, where he would soon become an investigative reporter.

The Spiritualist Movement

In 1911, Price joined the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) as a member and started writing articles for the SPR Journal. His work caught the attention of leading spiritualists like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who encouraged him to delve deeper into paranormal phenomena. This guidance laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.

Key Events or Sightings

The Borley Rectory

Borley Rectory in Essex, England, became Price’s most famous case. Built around 1842 and abandoned in 1930, it was a Victorian-era country rectory that reportedly housed a malevolent spirit. Price took on the investigation of Borley Rectory after receiving complaints from local residents about strange noises, shadows, and other unexplained phenomena.

1936: Price visited Borley Rectory for the first time. He conducted séances with various mediums, including Mina Crandon in Boston, to communicate with the alleged spirits.

1937: Price published his findings in “The Haunted Rectory of Borley,” which detailed numerous sightings and experiences reported by locals. The book was a bestseller and further cemented Borley’s reputation as one of Britain’s most haunted places.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Notable Witnesses

Price collected countless witness accounts over the years, but perhaps none were more compelling than those from local residents who claimed to have seen apparitions, heard unexplained noises, and experienced other eerie phenomena. One particularly striking account came from a local woman named Mrs. Bristow, who reported seeing a ghostly figure every night in the rectory’s kitchen.

1936: Price recorded an incident where a medium allegedly communicated with spirits who claimed to be former occupants of the rectory. These claims were met with skepticism by some, but Price remained convinced of their authenticity.

Scientific Evidence

Price was keen on using scientific methods to verify his findings. He conducted experiments such as measuring electromagnetic fields and recording temperature fluctuations in areas where strange phenomena were reported. His reports often included diagrams and graphs that attempted to correlate paranormal experiences with physical changes in the environment.

1937: Price installed cameras and microphones in various locations within Borley Rectory, hoping to capture evidence of supernatural activity. These devices recorded nothing conclusive, leading some critics to dismiss his efforts as a waste of time and resources.

Investigations or Research

The National Laboratory of Psychical Research

In 1934, Price founded the National Laboratory of Psychical Research (NLPR) in London. This laboratory aimed to provide a more rigorous scientific approach to studying paranormal phenomena. The NLPR conducted experiments ranging from psychokinesis studies to EVP research.

1937: The NLPR initiated Project Alpha, which involved placing cameras and microphones in various locations across Britain to capture any unusual activity. Price also began publishing the Journal of Parapsychology, which aimed to disseminate information about paranormal phenomena using a scholarly approach.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

After Borley Rectory

Despite his best efforts, Price could not definitively prove the existence of supernatural entities at Borley Rectory. However, the rectory remained a source of fascination for decades after Price’s investigations ceased. In 1940, it was destroyed by fire, adding to its legendary status.

2013: The site is now largely forgotten, but the ghost stories and urban legends surrounding Borley continue to circulate in modern media and paranormal circles.

Legacy of Harry Price

Price’s work at the NLPR laid the groundwork for future parapsychologists. Although his methods were sometimes criticized for lacking scientific rigor, he played a crucial role in popularizing the idea that supernatural phenomena could be studied using empirical methods. Today, his legacy is remembered not only for his investigations but also for his efforts to bridge the gap between skepticism and belief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was Harry Price’s most famous case?

A: Harry Price’s most famous case was the investigation of Borley Rectory, which he conducted from 1936 to 1937. This rectory in Essex, England, became known as “the most haunted house in England” due to its numerous reported paranormal incidents.

Q: How did Harry Price’s background influence his investigations?

A: Harry Price’s upbringing in a family with an interest in spiritualism and his early work as a journalist heavily influenced his approach to investigating the paranormal. His journalistic skills allowed him to gather extensive firsthand accounts, while his belief in the possibility of supernatural phenomena drove his commitment to scientific investigation.

Q: What was the National Laboratory of Psychical Research (NLPR)?

A: The NLPR, founded by Harry Price in 1934, aimed to provide a more rigorous and scientifically sound approach to studying paranormal phenomena. It conducted various experiments, published scholarly journals, and served as a hub for parapsychological research.

Q: How did Price’s investigations at Borley Rectory end?

A: Despite his extensive efforts, Harry Price could not definitively prove the existence of supernatural entities at Borley Rectory. The rectory was ultimately destroyed by fire in 1940, leaving behind only urban legends and ghost stories.

Q: What impact did Harry Price have on modern parapsychology?

A: Although criticized for his methods, Harry Price’s work paved the way for future parapsychologists by promoting the idea that supernatural phenomena could be studied using empirical methods. His investigations at Borley Rectory remain a benchmark in the field of paranormal research.