The Cardiff Poltergeist

In 1892, a house in the rapidly growing port city of Cardiff became the scene of poltergeist activity that attracted investigators and press coverage. The case displayed classic poltergeist characteristics and contributed to Victorian understanding of such phenomena.

The City

Cardiff in 1892 was booming, enriched by coal exports through its docks. The affected house was in a respectable working-class area. The family had no prior interest in spiritualism or the supernatural.

The Activity

Disturbances began with stone-throwing. Stones appeared to fall from the ceiling or fly through windows without breaking the glass. Within days, other phenomena began: furniture moved, objects flew, and strange sounds filled the house.

The Focus

A teenage servant girl appeared to be connected to the activity. Phenomena were most intense in her presence. She was frightened and denied any involvement. Investigation could not prove fraud.

The Investigation

Members of the Society for Psychical Research visited Cardiff and documented the case. They witnessed phenomena they could not explain, including stones that fell softly and felt warm to the touch.

The Resolution

When the servant girl was dismissed and returned to her family in the Valleys, the activity ceased. She never experienced similar phenomena again. The house returned to normal.

Assessment

The Cardiff poltergeist case fits the Victorian pattern of adolescent-focused poltergeist activity. The case contributed to the growing body of evidence that poltergeists were connected to living people rather than spirits of the dead.