The Eastbourne Stone-Throwing Poltergeist

In the summer of 1904, a residential area of Eastbourne experienced repeated incidents of stones falling and being thrown by invisible forces. The disturbances drew crowds of onlookers and police attention before mysteriously ceasing.

The Resort Town

Eastbourne in 1904 was a prosperous Victorian seaside resort, known for its genteel atmosphere and respectable visitors. The poltergeist activity was entirely at odds with the town’s refined image and caused considerable scandal.

The Onset

In late July, residents of a quiet street began finding stones in their gardens that seemed to have fallen from the sky. Initially dismissed as pranks, the stones continued falling even when all local residents were accounted for. The stones appeared to materialize from thin air.

The Escalation

By August, the activity had intensified. Stones were thrown at windows, sometimes breaking them. Passersby were struck by small pebbles. Despite police patrols and watchers stationed on rooftops, no source could be identified. The stones seemed to come from nowhere.

The Investigation

Police investigated thoroughly, suspecting local youths. They found nothing. Natural explanations such as birds dropping stones were considered and rejected. Some suggested it was a hoax, but no hoaxer was ever identified.

The Witnesses

Multiple credible witnesses, including police officers and local clergy, observed the phenomena. They described stones falling from a clear sky, changing direction in mid-air, and landing with less force than expected from their apparent trajectory.

The Resolution

The activity ceased as suddenly as it began in late August. No explanation was ever determined. The incident was reported in newspapers of the day but gradually faded from memory.

Assessment

The Eastbourne poltergeist displays classic stone-throwing characteristics found in similar cases worldwide. The inability to identify any perpetrator or natural cause leaves the case officially unexplained.