The Enfield Poltergeist Case

The Enfield Poltergeist Case: A Haunting Unraveled

The History and Background

The Enfield Poltergeist case began in earnest on March 3, 1977, when Janet Collins, a young mother living with her husband, Ray, and their three children in the borough of Enfield, North London, reported strange noises emanating from various parts of their house. The disturbances initially consisted of knocking sounds that were heard throughout the day and night. These knocks were felt by the family as well as neighbors, and they often seemed to be directed at specific objects or people.

Key Events or Sightings

On March 13, 1977, the situation escalated dramatically when Janet Collins was reportedly struck on the head with a heavy object that knocked her unconscious. This incident sent shockwaves through the community as well as the media, which began to take an increasing interest in the case.

#### The Knocking Phenomenon

The knocking became increasingly intense and frequent over the next few months. In April 1977, Janet’s husband Ray and their children—Michael (age 8), Sarah (age 6), and Kate (age 3)—began to experience similar phenomena. Doors would slam shut or open unassisted, objects would move on their own, and cold spots were felt in various parts of the house.

#### The Poltergeist Apparition

On August 14, 1977, a series of extraordinary events unfolded when Ray Collins observed what appeared to be a ghostly figure standing in front of him. He reported that the being was not visible through his eyes but rather “sensed” its presence and described it as having a “strange aura.” This encounter marked a significant shift in the nature of the disturbances, as it suggested an entity with more than just physical manifestations.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Janet Collins’ Account

Janet’s account is perhaps the most vivid description of the events. She reported that she was often awakened by loud knocks on her door and heard knocking sounds from other parts of the house, even when no one else was home. On several occasions, she felt a presence in the room with her, causing her to scream for help.

#### Ray Collins’ Account

Ray’s testimony is particularly compelling as he provided detailed descriptions of the phenomena. He recalled one instance where he was sitting on the sofa watching television and heard a series of knocks that seemed to be coming from inside the TV set itself. He also mentioned an incident where a heavy book fell off a shelf and landed directly in front of his face, despite no one else being in the room.

Investigations or Research

The Collins family’s experiences caught the attention of several paranormal investigators, including parapsychologist Tony Lawrence from the Parapsychology Foundation. Lawrence conducted an initial investigation on March 14, 1977, and reported that he felt a presence in the house, which was corroborated by other family members.

#### The Role of William Roll

In August 1977, Dr. William G. Roll, a professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, became involved after being contacted by Ray Collins. Roll conducted his own investigation and concluded that the phenomena were consistent with poltergeist activity. He believed that the disturbances were likely caused by an adolescent male entity, possibly associated with one of the children in the household.

#### The Enfield Poltergeist Research Society

The case garnered enough attention to form the Enfield Poltergeist Research Society (EPRS), which was established specifically to investigate and document the phenomena. The society consisted of a group of paranormal enthusiasts and researchers who conducted various experiments and collected data over an extended period.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

By 1978, the intensity of the disturbances had significantly diminished. Janet Collins moved out of the house in July that year, citing fears for her children’s safety. However, the EPRS continued to monitor the situation and documented several residual phenomena, such as occasional knocking sounds and cold spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long did the Enfield Poltergeist case last?

A: The core of the disturbances lasted from March 1977 until July 1978. However, some residual phenomena were reported even after Janet Collins moved out of the house.

Q: What was the final explanation given for the Enfield Poltergeist?

A: There is no definitive explanation provided by any official body. Parapsychologists and paranormal investigators offered theories such as poltergeist activity or a malevolent spirit, but none were conclusively proven.

Q: Were there any psychological explanations considered?

A: Yes, some researchers considered the possibility that the disturbances could have been caused by repressed memories or psychokinesis (PK) on the part of one of the family members. However, no direct evidence linking a specific individual to these phenomena was found.

Q: How did the media cover the Enfield Poltergeist case?

A: The case received extensive coverage in both British and international media. It became a cultural phenomenon, with newspapers running numerous articles and television shows featuring the events. This exposure helped to popularize interest in parapsychology and poltergeists.

Q: What impact did the Enfield Poltergeist case have on paranormal research?

A: The case provided valuable data for researchers studying poltergeist phenomena and contributed to the broader understanding of such occurrences. It also highlighted the need for rigorous investigation methods in paranormal studies, as well as the potential role of psychological factors in reported hauntings.