The Enfield Haunting Overview
In 1977, an ordinary council house in Enfield, London became the epicenter of an extraordinary paranormal event. The Hodgson family, led by mother Peggy, found themselves in the midst of inexplicable occurrences that would captivate the nation.

It began when daughters Margaret and Janet reported furniture moving on its own. Peggy, initially skeptical, witnessed a chest of drawers sliding across the room. Neighbors Vic and Peggy Nottingham corroborated the strange happenings, and even a police officer observed a chair move independently.
Maurice Grosse from the Society for Psychical Research documented over 2,000 peculiar incidents, including:
- Levitating objects
- Spontaneous fires
- Janet seemingly channeling the voice of a deceased resident, Bill Wilkins
Ed and Lorraine Warren, renowned paranormal investigators, briefly visited the house and affirmed the legitimacy of the haunting. Their involvement, though short-lived, added credibility to the case.
The events spanned 18 months, with photographs allegedly showing Janet levitating. While Janet later admitted to fabricating about 2% of the incidents, she maintains the majority were genuine.

The Enfield Poltergeist case remains a subject of debate, blending elements of the supernatural with skepticism, and leaving an indelible mark on paranormal lore.
Role of Ed and Lorraine Warren
Ed and Lorraine Warren’s involvement in the Enfield case, though brief, left a lasting impact. Arriving in 1978 with their reputation as seasoned paranormal investigators, they brought a mix of experience and skepticism to the Hodgson home.
Lorraine, known for her clairvoyant abilities, and Ed, with his demonologist background, conducted a short investigation. Despite their limited time on-site, they concluded that the haunting was genuine, lending credence to the family’s claims.
"Those who deal with the supernatural day in and day out know the phenomena are there โ there's no doubt about it," Ed Warren stated.
Their endorsement of the case’s authenticity significantly boosted its profile in paranormal circles. The Warrens’ involvement also paved the way for the story’s inclusion in pop culture, most notably in “The Conjuring 2.”
While critics argue their role was more about publicity than in-depth investigation, the Warrens’ presence undeniably amplified the Enfield Poltergeist’s status as a landmark case in supernatural lore.
Skepticism and Controversy
The Enfield Poltergeist case has been a hotbed of skepticism and controversy since its inception. Critics have scrutinized every aspect of the reported phenomena, particularly focusing on the involvement of children Janet and Margaret Hodgson.
Some skeptics argue that the girls orchestrated the events as an elaborate prank. This view gained traction when Janet admitted to faking about 2% of the incidents. However, supporters of the case maintain that this small percentage doesn’t invalidate the entirety of the haunting.
The Society for Psychical Research itself was divided, with some members dismissing the case as a hoax while others, like Maurice Grosse, vouched for its authenticity. Grosse’s extensive documentation of over 2,000 incidents remains a point of contention among researchers.
One of the most debated aspects is Janet’s apparent channeling of Bill Wilkins’ voice. Skeptics claim ventriloquism, while believers argue that the complexity and consistency of the voice exceed a child’s capabilities.
The case continues to polarize opinion, with each side presenting compelling arguments. This ongoing debate has kept the Enfield Poltergeist firmly in the spotlight of paranormal discourse for decades.
Cultural Impact and Media Adaptations
The Enfield Poltergeist has left an indelible mark on popular culture, spawning numerous adaptations across various media. Its journey from local ghost story to global phenomenon showcases the enduring fascination with the supernatural.
Hollywood’s interpretation, particularly in “The Conjuring 2,” brought the case to international audiences. While the film takes creative liberties, it successfully captures the eeriness and tension of the original events, introducing a new generation to the Enfield haunting.

Beyond cinema, the case has inspired:
- Documentaries
- Books
- Stage productions
Each adaptation offers a unique perspective, contributing to the multifaceted cultural understanding of the events.
These retellings have kept the story alive in public consciousness, often blurring the lines between fact and fiction. They’ve transformed the modest Enfield council house into a symbol of paranormal activity, sparking debates about the nature of reality and the unknown.
The case’s influence extends to ghost tours and themed attractions, cementing its place in the pantheon of famous hauntings. It continues to challenge our perceptions of the supernatural, inviting audiences to question the boundaries of the explainable and the mysterious.
As the tale of the Enfield Poltergeist continues to ripple through time, it stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the supernatural. Whether viewed through the lens of skepticism or belief, this story invites us to ponder the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding, reminding us of the thin veil between reality and imagination.
- Grosse M. The Enfield Poltergeist. Journal of the Society for Psychical Research. 1979;50(782):189-198.
- Playfair G. This House is Haunted: The True Story of the Enfield Poltergeist. White Crow Books; 2011.
- Warren E, Warren L. The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Graymalkin Media; 2013.