The Southampton Poltergeist

In 1903, a family in Southampton, Hampshire, experienced several months of poltergeist activity that attracted local attention and investigation. The case displayed classic poltergeist features and was documented by researchers of the time.

The Family

The affected family lived in a modest house in Southampton’s old town. They were working-class and had no previous interest in spiritualism. The household included parents, several children, and a teenage servant girl.

The Activity

The disturbances began with knockings and rappings that could not be traced. Soon, objects began moving: crockery flying from shelves, furniture sliding across floors, and personal items relocating themselves. The activity occurred day and night.

The Focus

As in many poltergeist cases, the teenage servant girl appeared to be the focus of activity. Phenomena were most intense in her presence. She was terrified and repeatedly denied any involvement.

The Investigation

The Society for Psychical Research sent investigators to Southampton. They observed some phenomena but could not explain what they witnessed. Fraud was considered but not proven. The investigators remained uncertain about the case’s nature.

The Dismissal

The family eventually dismissed the servant girl, suspecting she was somehow responsible. The activity immediately ceased. She found employment elsewhere and reportedly experienced no further incidents.

Assessment

The Southampton case is typical of Edwardian-era poltergeist reports. The presence of a young person at the center, the difficulty of proving fraud, and the cessation upon their departure all fit established patterns.