The Penzance Poltergeist

In 1889, a house in the fishing town of Penzance, Cornwall, experienced poltergeist activity that attracted local attention and newspaper coverage. The case displayed classic poltergeist features and was never explained.

The Town

Penzance, at the western tip of Cornwall, has a long history of fishing and maritime trade. In 1889, it was a working-class town with strong community ties. The affected family was known and respected.

The Activity

The disturbances began in early spring with knockings and strange sounds. Objects began moving on their own: boots flew across rooms, crockery smashed, and furniture relocated. The activity occurred day and night.

The Focus

A young servant girl in the household appeared to be the focus of the activity. Phenomena were most intense in her presence. She was terrified and repeatedly denied involvement.

The Investigation

A local clergyman investigated, suspecting fraud or demonic possession. He could prove neither. Objects moved when the girl was under observation. His attempts at blessing the house failed to stop the activity.

The Resolution

The servant girl was dismissed and returned to her family in another village. The activity immediately ceased. She never experienced similar phenomena again. The house returned to normal.

Assessment

The Penzance poltergeist fits the established pattern of Victorian poltergeist cases. The presence of a young person, the cessation upon their departure, and the failure of religious intervention all recur in similar cases.