The Enfield Poltergeist

The Enfield Poltergeist case, which occurred in a council house in North London between 1977 and 1978, remains Britain’s most famous and controversial poltergeist incident. The events, witnessed by police, journalists, and researchers, have never been fully explained.

The Family

The Hodgson family lived at 284 Green Street, Enfield. Peggy Hodgson was a single mother with four children. The phenomena centered on daughters Janet, aged eleven, and Margaret, aged twelve. The case would transform their lives.

The Beginning

In August 1977, the family heard knocking sounds and witnessed furniture moving on its own. Marbles and plastic bricks flew through the air. When police constable Carolyn Heeps visited, she saw a chair slide across the floor. She signed an affidavit confirming her observation.

The Escalation

Activity intensified throughout late 1977. Janet was allegedly thrown from her bed. Furniture overturned. Objects materialized and dematerialized. Most dramatically, Janet began speaking in a deep, masculine voice, claiming to be Bill Wilkins, a man who had died in the house years earlier.

The Investigation

Society for Psychical Research investigators Maurice Grosse and Guy Lyon Playfair spent months at the house. They documented phenomena extensively, including photographs and recordings. They became convinced the case was genuine, though they acknowledged some incidents might have been faked.

The Controversy

Critics noted that much activity occurred only when Janet was present and observers were not directly watching. Janet admitted to faking some phenomena, stating she did so to see if investigators would catch her. However, she maintained that the majority of events were genuine.

The Resolution

Activity decreased in 1978 and eventually ceased. Janet and Margaret have continued to maintain that genuine phenomena occurred, while acknowledging that adolescent mischief complicated the case. The family’s experiences left lasting psychological impacts.

Assessment

The Enfield Poltergeist case represents the complexity of poltergeist investigation. Some phenomena were witnessed by credible observers. Some were clearly faked. Separating genuine paranormal activity from adolescent behavior proved impossible.