The Ghost Club of London

Founded in 1862, the Ghost Club is the oldest paranormal investigation organization in the world. Based in London, this prestigious group has counted among its members some of history’s most famous names, including Charles Dickens, and continues to investigate hauntings and unexplained phenomena today.

The Founding

In 1862, the club was founded at Cambridge, originally at Trinity College, then moved to London with the purpose of investigating séances using a scientific approach.

Famous Members

Throughout its history, members have included Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, W.B. Yeats, Harry Price, and Peter Underwood.

Charles Dickens

The author was an active member with a strong interest in the occult until his death in 1870, with the club influencing his writing as a notable participant.

Arthur Conan Doyle

The Sherlock Holmes creator believed in spiritualism, was an active member, promoted investigation, held controversial views, and was a dedicated researcher.

Harry Price

The famous ghost hunter led the club, investigated Borley Rectory, employed scientific methods, maintained a public profile, and left a controversial legacy.

The Purpose

Club objectives include investigating claims, using scientific methodology, documenting phenomena, maintaining a skeptical approach, and conducting serious research.

Historical Investigations

Cases examined include famous hauntings, séance exposures, physical phenomena, mediums who were tested, and gathering evidence across various investigations.

Membership

The club has traditionally been exclusive with membership by invitation only, drawing from various backgrounds of serious researchers who are committed members.

Modern Club

Today the Ghost Club is still active, investigates cases, holds meetings, hosts public events, and continues its original mission.

Investigation Methods

Approaches include conducting vigils at locations, using equipment, interviewing witnesses, conducting historical research, and thorough documentation.

Notable Cases

The club has investigated historic hauntings, famous locations, private residences, public buildings, and continues ongoing work.

Legacy Contributions

The club has pioneered investigation methods, established protocols for researchers, trained investigators, published findings, and influenced the entire field.

The Club Today

Currently, the organization is still operational with regular meetings, active investigations, public lectures, and a website presence.

Significance

The Ghost Club is significant for being the oldest paranormal organization, having famous membership, employing a scientific approach, its historical importance, and continuing work after over 160 years.

Legacy

The Ghost Club has influenced every subsequent paranormal investigation organization. Its combination of famous members, scientific methodology, and ongoing work for over 160 years makes it a cornerstone institution in the study of unexplained phenomena.