The Battersea Mystery House

The Hitchings family of Battersea experienced poltergeist activity for over a decade, making their case one of the longest on record. The phenomena centered on teenage daughter Shirley and was investigated by multiple researchers including Harold Chibbett.

The Beginning

In January 1956, the Hitchings family began hearing loud knocking on the walls and front door. When they answered, no one was there. The knocks came at all hours. Neighbors heard them too. The local vicar was unable to help.

The Escalation

Objects began moving on their own. Keys flew across rooms. A poker floated in midair. Shirley’s bedclothes were pulled off repeatedly. Messages appeared written in various locations. The entity communicated that it was named Donald.

Donald

The poltergeist identified itself as Donald, claiming to be connected to a man named Louis who had lived in the area in the eighteenth century. It demanded attention and responded to questions through knocking patterns. When ignored, it grew violent.

The Investigation

Harold Chibbett investigated the case for years. He witnessed phenomena firsthand and documented hundreds of incidents. The case attracted media attention and visits from other researchers. Despite scrutiny, no fraud was ever proven.

The Duration

Unlike most poltergeist cases, which resolve within months, the Battersea case persisted for twelve years. Activity waxed and waned but never completely stopped until the family moved. Shirley remained convinced Donald was real.

The Aftermath

Shirley Hitchings later wrote about her experiences, maintaining the phenomena were genuine. She spent her life researching poltergeists, trying to understand what had haunted her family for so long.

Assessment

The Battersea case’s exceptional duration challenges the psychological explanations often applied to poltergeist phenomena. Whatever its ultimate cause, the family’s long suffering under investigation by multiple witnesses argues against simple fraud or delusion.