The Torquay Poltergeist

In 1958, a house in the seaside resort of Torquay, Devon, became the scene of poltergeist activity that drew investigators and media attention. The disturbances affected a working-class family and displayed classic poltergeist characteristics.

The Location

Torquay, part of the English Riviera, is known for its mild climate and Victorian elegance. The affected house was in a residential area away from the tourist seafront, a modest dwelling in a quiet neighborhood.

The Activity

The disturbances began with small objects moving on their own. Keys, coins, and ornaments relocated themselves. Soon heavier items joined: furniture moved, doors slammed, and crockery flew. The family was terrified.

The Focus

A teenage daughter appeared to be the center of the activity. Objects moved when she was present and remained still when she was away. She was frightened and insisted she had nothing to do with the phenomena.

The Investigation

Investigators from the Society for Psychical Research visited the house. They witnessed objects moving and documented the case thoroughly. Despite careful observation, they could not explain what they saw. The phenomena appeared genuine.

The Resolution

The activity decreased after several weeks and eventually ceased. The family remained in the house without further incidents. The daughter grew up and married, never experiencing similar phenomena.

Assessment

The Torquay poltergeist case is typical of mid-20th-century poltergeist activity. The presence of an adolescent at the center, the escalation and cessation of activity, and the inability of investigators to explain the phenomena all fit established patterns.