The Brighton Rock Shop Poltergeist

In the summer of 1965, a rock candy shop on Brighton’s seafront experienced a series of unexplained disturbances. Stock flew from shelves, equipment malfunctioned, and the shop’s young employee became the focus of intense poltergeist activity.

The Shop

The affected shop was a traditional Brighton rock and candy store near the Palace Pier. Such shops have been a feature of Brighton’s seafront for over a century, selling the striped candy for which the resort is famous.

The Activity

The disturbances began in June when sticks of rock began falling from shelves without apparent cause. Staff initially blamed vibrations from traffic or customers. However, the candy began flying horizontally, striking walls and customers, which ruled out simple falling.

The Focus

A sixteen-year-old girl employed as a shop assistant appeared to be the center of the activity. Objects moved when she was present and remained still when she was absent. The girl was frightened and denied any involvement.

The Investigation

Local newspapers covered the story, and curious visitors came to witness the phenomena. A psychical researcher visited the shop and observed objects moving without apparent cause. He suggested the activity was connected to the girl’s emotional state.

The Resolution

The shop owner reluctantly dismissed the young assistant, and the activity immediately ceased. The girl found employment elsewhere without further incidents. The shop returned to normal operation.

Assessment

The Brighton Rock Shop case displays classic poltergeist characteristics: a young person at the center, objects moving without apparent cause, and cessation when the focus individual leaves. The holiday atmosphere of Brighton made the case memorable but did not explain it.