The Heaton Poltergeist

In 1935, a house in Heaton, a suburb of Bradford in West Yorkshire, became the scene of violent poltergeist activity. The case attracted investigators and media attention before mysteriously ceasing.

The Family

A working-class family occupied the affected house. The household included parents and several children, including a teenage daughter who became the apparent focus of the activity.

The Activity

The disturbances began with small objects moving on their own. Within days, the activity escalated dramatically. Furniture overturned, crockery smashed, and objects flew through the air with dangerous force.

The Violence

The Heaton poltergeist was notably violent. Family members were struck by flying objects. The teenage daughter was reportedly dragged from her bed. The family lived in terror for weeks.

The Investigation

Researchers from the Society for Psychical Research investigated the case. They witnessed phenomena they could not explain. Despite careful observation, they could not determine whether fraud was involved.

The Media

Local newspapers covered the case extensively, drawing crowds to the street. The attention seemed to intensify the activity rather than discourage it. The family became reluctant celebrities.

The Resolution

When the teenage daughter was sent to stay with relatives, the activity ceased immediately. She experienced no further phenomena. The family returned to normal life, though shaken by their experience.

Assessment

The Heaton poltergeist displays the classic pattern of adolescent-focused poltergeist activity. The violence of the phenomena and the cessation upon the focus person’s departure fit established patterns.