The Cideville Poltergeist

In 1851, the rectory at Cideville, France, experienced violent poltergeist activity that led to a civil lawsuit. The case was one of the few poltergeist events to be tried in court, with testimony about supernatural phenomena entered as evidence.

The Activity

The rectory experienced classic poltergeist phenomena: knockings, objects flying through the air, furniture moving on its own. The activity seemed to center on two young boys staying at the rectory.

The Accusation

The local priest accused a shepherd named Thorel of causing the phenomena through witchcraft. He claimed Thorel was taking revenge for being denounced from the pulpit. Thorel sued for slander.

The Trial

The court heard extensive testimony about the supernatural events. Witnesses described objects moving on their own and the boys being attacked by invisible forces. The judge had to evaluate whether supernatural claims could constitute legal evidence.

The Verdict

Thorel won his lawsuit, as the court ruled the priest could not prove his accusations. However, the testimony about the poltergeist phenomena was entered into the legal record, creating an official document of the events.

Assessment

The Cideville case is unique for its legal documentation. The court records provide contemporary accounts of poltergeist activity that were recorded with the formal requirements of legal testimony.