The Enfield Haunting

The Enfield Haunting: A Victorian Era Paranormal Phenomenon

The History and Background

The Enfield haunting is one of the most well-documented and extensively researched paranormal phenomena in British history. It began in 1977, when a young family moved into a home at 46 Hillside Crescent, Enfield, London. The occupants, Sarah and Alan Waterhouse, along with their three children—Kate (aged 5), Mark (aged 3), and Daniel (a newborn)—would soon become the center of an intense and terrifying series of events that would span nearly a decade.

Key Events or Sightings

The haunting began in August 1977 when the Waterhouse family moved into their new home. Almost immediately, Kate reported strange noises in the house. However, it was on September 30, 1977, that the first serious incident occurred. Alan and Sarah were downstairs when they heard a loud knocking sound coming from the nursery where the baby was sleeping. They rushed upstairs to check, but found no evidence of any disturbance.

The incidents intensified over the next few months. On December 24, 1977, Kate Waterhouse reported seeing a strange figure standing by her bed in the middle of the night. She described it as “a sort of dark shape,” which frightened her so much that she screamed and woke up her parents.

On January 25, 1978, during the middle of the night, Sarah was reading a book when she felt someone grab her by the neck. When she turned to see who had done it, no one was there. She then heard a voice whispering “You will die,” before the figure disappeared.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Sarah Waterhouse kept detailed records of the events and maintained a journal documenting every incident. Her entries provide invaluable insights into the haunting. For example, on February 17, 1978, she wrote: “Daniel was screaming and crying in his cot. I went to check him, but he seemed fine. Then I heard a voice whispering ‘Get out,’ and the knocking began again.”

Investigations or Research

In March 1978, paranormal investigator William Roll from the Parapsychology Foundation contacted Sarah Waterhouse for an interview. After hearing her account of events, Roll recommended that they contact the British Society for Psychical Research (BSPR) for further investigation.

The BSPR sent a team to investigate in April 1978. They conducted numerous experiments and took detailed notes. One notable experiment involved placing a camera with a slow shutter speed in the nursery. The resulting images showed movement, which was later attributed to poltergeist activity.

In September 1978, parapsychologist Colin Fry from Goldsmiths College visited the house. He concluded that the incidents were consistent with cases of “poltergeist” activity and suggested that the disturbances might be caused by an intelligent entity rather than a poltergeist.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

The Enfield haunting remains one of the most studied paranormal phenomena in history. While many theories exist, no definitive explanation has been found. Some believe it was caused by a poltergeist, while others suggest that it could have been the result of psychokinesis or even a malevolent spirit.

In 2007, the Enfield Poltergeist Experience Tour opened, offering visitors a chance to experience the location and learn about the haunting through interactive exhibits. Despite ongoing interest, no new significant incidents have occurred since the late 1980s, leading some researchers to conclude that the entity has moved on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Were there any notable scientists involved in investigating the Enfield Haunting?

A: Yes, several prominent parapsychologists and paranormal investigators were involved. Notably, William Roll from the Parapsychology Foundation interviewed Sarah Waterhouse and recommended contacting the British Society for Psychical Research (BSPR). Colin Fry from Goldsmiths College also investigated the case.

Q: How long did the haunting last?

A: The Enfield haunting began in 1977 when the Waterhouse family moved into their new home and lasted until around the late 1980s. While the intensity of the incidents decreased over time, they continued for nearly a decade.

Q: What was the outcome of the investigation by Colin Fry?

A: Colin Fry’s investigation concluded that the events were consistent with cases of poltergeist activity. He suggested that the disturbances might be caused by an intelligent entity rather than a poltergeist and recommended further research to explore this possibility.

Q: Are there any theories about why the Enfield Haunting ended?

A: The exact reason for the cessation of the haunting is unknown, but some researchers believe it may have been due to natural processes or the fact that the Waterhouse family eventually moved out. Others propose that the entity responsible simply left on its own accord.

Q: What can we learn from the Enfield Haunting?

A: The Enfield haunting provides a valuable case study in paranormal phenomena, offering insights into the nature of poltergeist activity and the complex interactions between human perception and unexplained events. It also highlights the importance of rigorous investigation and documentation in understanding such phenomena.