The Worthing Seaside Poltergeist

In the summer of 1952, a small guesthouse in the seaside town of Worthing, West Sussex, became the scene of intense poltergeist activity. Objects flew through the air, furniture moved on its own, and guests fled in terror from forces they could not see.

The Location

The guesthouse was a typical Victorian-era building on the Worthing seafront, popular with summer visitors. The owners, an elderly couple, had run the establishment for decades without incident before the disturbances began.

The Initial Events

Activity began in June when guests complained of objects moving in their rooms. Suitcases were found open with contents scattered. Doors opened and closed on their own. The owners initially blamed drafts and careless guests.

The Escalation

By July, the activity had become violent. Crockery flew from shelves and shattered against walls. A heavy wardrobe was found overturned in an empty room. Guests reported being pushed or shoved by invisible hands. Bedding was torn from beds while occupants slept.

The Investigation

Local reporters documented the phenomena. Investigators from the Society for Psychical Research visited and witnessed objects moving without apparent cause. They noted that the activity seemed centered on a particular room on the top floor.

The Focus

Investigation revealed that a young maid had recently been hired and dismissed. She had been accused of theft, which she vehemently denied. The activity began shortly after her departure and seemed focused on rooms she had cleaned.

The Resolution

The disturbances ceased as suddenly as they began in late August. The guesthouse returned to normal operation, though some guests reported minor oddities for years afterward. The former maid was never contacted, and whether she was somehow connected to the events remains speculation.

Assessment

The Worthing case displays classic poltergeist patterns, including the possible connection to a young person experiencing emotional distress. The coastal location and transient nature of guesthouse life may have contributed to the spiritual instability.