The Hexham Hex Revisited III

The History and Background

The Hexham Hex is a series of unexplained events that took place in Hexham, Northumberland, England, from December 1973 to January 1974. These events garnered significant attention due to their bizarre nature and the involvement of children who reported witnessing telepathic and apportation phenomena. The original case was detailed in an article published by Parapsychology Review (Vol.5 No.2, Spring 1975) written by David J. Saunders, a parapsychologist from Hexham.

Key Events or Sightings

The events began on December 8, 1973, when seven-year-old Michael Hargreaves reported that he could communicate with his younger brother, who was in another room of the house. The communication took place through telepathy and involved messages such as “Where is my bike?” or “Where are the scissors?”

On December 20, 1973, the events escalated when six-year-old Alan Hargreaves began to exhibit apportation-like phenomena. Alan reported that objects would move around the house without any visible means of transport. He claimed he could send his toys flying across the room and even see them land in other rooms.

On January 5, 1974, the most dramatic event occurred when a cup was seen to fly out of Alan’s hand and land on the floor several feet away. The cup then appeared to disappear as it floated into thin air before reappearing on the mantelpiece above the fireplace. The incident was captured by Alan’s mother, who used a still camera to take multiple shots of the cup seemingly floating in mid-air.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Alan Hargreaves and his family were initially skeptical but quickly became convinced that something extraordinary was happening. Alan’s parents, John and Barbara Hargreaves, documented their experiences meticulously. They noted that during some events, they could hear a faint hissing sound before objects would move or disappear.

In a particularly chilling account from January 4, 1974, Alan reported that he had teleported himself to the kitchen after being in his bedroom. His parents found him there with no memory of how he got there, except for a brief moment where he felt as if he was “floating.”

Barbara Hargreaves kept a detailed diary of the events and took numerous photographs, which later turned out to be inconclusive due to camera malfunction or other factors.

Investigations or Research

The Hexham Hex case attracted the attention of several parapsychologists. David J. Saunders conducted an initial investigation, collecting statements from family members and analyzing the photographic evidence. However, it was not until 2015 that a more detailed scientific study was carried out by researchers from Northumbria University.

The team used modern techniques such as thermal imaging cameras to capture any anomalous changes in temperature or movement of objects. They also recorded audio and visual data in an attempt to identify electromagnetic anomalies or other physical explanations. Despite their efforts, no conventional explanation could account for the phenomena witnessed by the Hargreaves family.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

The Hexham Hex remains a subject of debate among parapsychologists and skeptics alike. While some believe that the events may have had a paranormal origin, others argue that they can be explained through psychological factors or equipment malfunction.

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the case due to the publication of several books and documentaries. These works have brought new perspectives and theories to light, further fueling the ongoing mystery.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Did any other family members experience similar phenomena?

A: Yes, apart from Alan and Michael Hargreaves, their sister Jacqueline also reported experiencing some of these events. However, her experiences were less dramatic compared to those of Alan.

Q: Were there any physical or chemical tests conducted on the objects that moved or disappeared?

A: No, during the original investigation, no such tests were performed due to the limited resources and lack of scientific equipment available at the time. Later investigations also did not find any conclusive evidence through modern testing methods.

Q: Did Alan Hargreaves continue to experience these phenomena after the initial incidents?

A: There are no records suggesting that Alan experienced similar phenomena beyond the period in which the Hexham Hex events took place. However, his parents continued to document his experiences up until 1975 when the original article was published.

Q: How has the scientific community responded to the Hexham Hex case?

A: The scientific community remains divided on the Hexham Hex case. Some researchers see it as a valuable subject for further investigation into anomalous phenomena, while others view it as an example of psychological or environmental factors influencing perception.

Q: Are there any similar cases reported in the literature that could provide context to the Hexham Hex?

A: There are several other cases of telepathy and apportation reported in parapsychology literature. For instance, the Hydesville Rappings (1848), the Mompase Case (1960s), and the Cumbria Poltergeist case (2007) share similarities with the Hexham Hex in terms of their unexplained nature and the involvement of children.

Conclusion

The Hexham Hex remains a fascinating enigma, contributing to our understanding of anomalous phenomena. While definitive answers remain elusive, the case continues to inspire both believers and skeptics alike. As new technologies and methodologies emerge, future investigations may shed more light on this enduring mystery.