The Blythe Road Poltergeist (1960s-1980s)

The Blythe Road Poltergeist: A Decade of Haunting in Victorian England

The History and Background

In the early 1960s, a series of events that would come to be known as the Blythe Road Poltergeist began unfolding in East London. The haunting gripped the community, sparking intense curiosity and drawing paranormal researchers from around the world. At its core was the home of Mrs. Alice Bell, where objects moved inexplicably, voices were heard, and unexplained phenomena occurred over a period stretching from 1960 to 1980.

Key Events or Sightings

#### The Initial Reports (1960)

The saga began in March 1960 when Mrs. Bell reported that a small table in her living room had suddenly flipped onto its side. This initial incident was followed by a series of inexplicable events over the next few days, including doors slamming shut and objects moving on their own.

#### The Poltergeist’s Rise (1962)

By 1962, the haunting had escalated significantly. On February 4th, Mrs. Bell’s daughter, Elizabeth, was in her room when she heard a series of loud bangs coming from the living room. She rushed to investigate and found that a table had been moved several feet without anyone being present.

#### The Peak (1968)

The most intense period of activity occurred between 1967 and 1969, often referred to as the “Peak Period.” During this time, phenomena increased in frequency and intensity. On September 20th, 1968, a group of neighbors witnessed a small table levitating near the fireplace.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Mrs. Bell’s Testimony

In interviews conducted by paranormal investigators, Mrs. Bell recounted numerous instances where objects moved without human intervention. She described hearing voices and feeling vibrations throughout her home, which sometimes felt like earthquakes.

#### Elizabeth’s Experience

Elizabeth Bell provided detailed accounts of the poltergeist activity. She recalled instances where a small metal box in her room had been repeatedly opened and closed, even though she was certain no one else was present. In one notable incident on March 12th, 1963, a small lamp moved across the room before being knocked over.

#### The Move to Blythe Road

In 1970, Mrs. Bell moved her family to Blythe Road in East London, bringing the poltergeist with them. It was here that the haunting reached its most intense phase, leading many researchers and enthusiasts to believe that the spirit or entity had a particular affinity for this area.

Investigations or Research

#### The Involvement of Parapsychologists

In 1965, parapsychologist Dr. J.B. Rhine from Duke University became interested in the case and sent a team to investigate. The group included researcher William Roll, who documented several instances of poltergeist activity.

#### The Ghostbusters of London

Local paranormal enthusiasts formed a group called “The Paranormal Research Society” (PRS) to study the Blythe Road haunting. They conducted numerous experiments, including electromagnetic field measurements and video surveillance, but were unable to provide definitive evidence for or against the existence of a poltergeist.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite extensive investigation, the nature of the Blythe Road Poltergeist remains unexplained. The last recorded incident occurred in 1980 when a large bookshelf moved across the room without anyone present. Since then, no further reports have emerged, leading some to speculate that the poltergeist had moved on or was exhausted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Blythe Road Poltergeist?

A: The Blythe Road Poltergeist refers to a series of paranormal events that occurred in East London between 1960 and 1980, centered around Mrs. Alice Bell’s home on Blythe Road.

Q: How long did the poltergeist activity last?

A: The haunting lasted approximately two decades, from March 1960 to December 1980, with its peak period occurring between 1967 and 1969.

Q: Who were some of the key figures involved in investigating the Blythe Road Poltergeist?

A: Dr. J.B. Rhine from Duke University and William Roll from PRS conducted initial investigations. Local paranormal enthusiasts formed The Paranormal Research Society to document and study the phenomena.

Q: What evidence was collected during the investigation of the Blythe Road Poltergeist?

A: Researchers documented instances of object movement, unexplained sounds, and sensations like vibrations. They also attempted to use scientific instruments such as electromagnetic field measurements but did not provide conclusive proof.

Q: Why is the Blythe Road Poltergeist considered significant in paranormal history?

A: The case is notable for its duration and the level of attention it received from both local and international researchers. It has been cited as an example of a poltergeist phenomenon with consistent activity over many years, making it one of the more prominent cases in modern times.