The Cardiff Poltergeist

In 1904, a house in Cardiff, Wales, became the site of exceptionally violent poltergeist activity. Objects flew with dangerous force. Furniture moved on its own. The phenomena was witnessed by police officers and journalists, making it one of the better-documented historical cases.

The House

The affected house was occupied by a family with several children. As is common in poltergeist cases, the activity centered on an adolescent, though which child was never definitively determined.

The Phenomena

Objects moved with unusual violence. Heavy furniture slid across rooms. Pictures fell from walls. Coal flew from the fireplace. Items disappeared and reappeared in impossible locations. The activity occurred day and night.

The Witnesses

Police constables investigated after neighbors reported disturbances. They witnessed objects moving without apparent cause. Journalists from local papers observed the phenomena firsthand and published detailed accounts.

The Investigation

Investigators ruled out fraud after careful observation. The weight and trajectory of thrown objects exceeded what family members could secretly accomplish. The phenomena occurred even when the family was under close observation.

The Aftermath

As is typical, the activity eventually subsided without clear cause. The family continued living in the house. No explanation was ever determined.

Assessment

The Cardiff poltergeist case benefits from credible witnesses including law enforcement and press. The violence of the phenomena and the documentation by independent observers make it a significant historical case in poltergeist research.