The Haywards Heath Poltergeist

In 1923, a house in the growing Sussex town of Haywards Heath became the scene of poltergeist activity that disturbed a local family for several months. The case was documented in local newspapers and investigated by interested parties.

The Town

Haywards Heath in 1923 was a prosperous market town that had grown with the arrival of the railway. The affected house was a respectable villa in one of the newer residential areas.

The Activity

The disturbances began with small objects moving on their own. Keys disappeared and reappeared. Ornaments relocated themselves overnight. Within weeks, more dramatic phenomena began: furniture moved, doors slammed, and strange sounds filled the house.

The Focus

A teenage daughter in the household appeared to be connected to the activity. Phenomena were most intense in her presence. The girl was frightened and denied any involvement or knowledge of what was causing the disturbances.

The Investigation

Local clergy and interested gentlemen investigated the case. They could find no evidence of fraud or trickery. The phenomena seemed genuine, though their cause remained unknown.

The Resolution

The activity decreased gradually through the summer of 1923 and eventually ceased entirely. The family remained in the house without further incidents. The daughter grew up and married, never experiencing similar phenomena.

Assessment

The Haywards Heath poltergeist case fits the established pattern of adolescent-focused poltergeist activity. The case contributed to the growing understanding of such phenomena in the interwar period.