Janet Hodgson and the Enfield Entity

Between 1977 and 1978, eleven-year-old Janet Hodgson became the center of Britain’s most famous poltergeist case. Objects flew, furniture moved, and Janet spoke in a deep masculine voice claiming to be a dead man. The case was investigated by the Society for Psychical Research.

The Family

Peggy Hodgson was a single mother living in a council house in Enfield, north London, with her four children. The activity centered on daughters Janet (11) and Margaret (13) but affected the entire household.

The Phenomena

Beginning in August 1977, knockings were heard throughout the house. Furniture moved on its own. Objects flew across rooms. Janet was seen levitating above her bed. The family was terrified.

The Voice

Most disturbingly, Janet began speaking in a deep masculine voice identifying itself as Bill Wilkins, a man who had died in the house. Researchers verified that a man by that name had indeed died in the living room chair, just as the voice described.

The Investigation

Maurice Grosse and Guy Lyon Playfair investigated for the Society for Psychical Research. They witnessed phenomena personally. Photographer Graham Morris captured images of Janet apparently levitating.

The Controversy

Skeptics noted that some phenomena occurred only when children were unobserved. Janet later admitted faking some events. Investigators maintained that while some incidents were fabricated, the core phenomena were genuine.

Assessment

The Enfield case remains controversial precisely because it contains both documented genuine phenomena and admitted hoaxing. Separating what was real from what was performed may be impossible.