The West Tarring Poltergeist

In 1878, the ancient village of West Tarring, now part of Worthing in West Sussex, was disturbed by poltergeist activity in a laborer’s cottage. The phenomena attracted local attention and were documented in contemporary accounts.

The Village

West Tarring was a small village with medieval origins, centered on the old parish church and the Archbishop’s Palace (actually a medieval manor house). In 1878, it retained its rural character, though Worthing’s expansion would soon absorb it.

The Cottage

A small cottage on the edge of the village became the focus of unusual activity in early 1878. The residents were a poor family with several children. They had no connection to spiritualism or the supernatural before the disturbances began.

The Phenomena

The activity began with knockings on walls and ceilings. These sounds followed no pattern and could not be traced to any source. Soon, small objects began moving on their own. Crockery slid across tables. Stones appeared inside the cottage.

The Investigation

The local vicar investigated the case, initially suspecting fraud. Despite careful watching, he could not explain the phenomena. He organized prayers for the family and blessing of the cottage. Some local people suggested the family was cursed.

The Resolution

The activity decreased gradually over several months and eventually ceased entirely. No explanation was ever determined. The family continued to live in the cottage without further incidents.

Assessment

The West Tarring poltergeist case is typical of Victorian-era rural poltergeist reports. The phenomena, the working-class setting, and the involvement of local clergy follow patterns seen in similar cases across England.