Lantern - No 04

Magazine Overview

LANTERN, Winter 1973-74, Issue 4, published by the Borderline Science Investigation Group (BSIG), presents a collection of articles focusing on local legends, historical mysteries, and paranormal phenomena, with a particular emphasis on East Anglia. This edition continues the 'new-look' format introduced in the previous issue, aiming for wider distribution and a more localized theme.

Contents

The issue features a diverse range of topics, including:

• The Lowestoft Witches: An in-depth account of the 1664 trial of Amy Duny and Rose Cullender.
• The Ghost and the Stone: A legend from Sheringham concerning a farmer and a spectral figure.
• Local Curiosities: Brief accounts of mysterious stones in Lowestoft and a superstition about primroses, plus the tale of the 'Wild Man of Orford'.
• The New Hainford UFO: A detailed report on a 1971 UFO sighting near New Hainford, including investigative findings.
• Essex Ghosts: A survey of hauntings and spectral phenomena in Essex.
• Inside BSIG: The Psychical Equipment: An explanation of the equipment used by BSIG for ghost-watches.
• The Magdalen Street Hauntings: A report on alleged paranormal activity at the Oxfam Shop in Norwich.

The Lowestoft Witches

This article details the trial of Amy Duny and Rose Cullender in March 1664 for witchcraft. The women, both widows from Lowestoft, faced 13 indictments alleging they had bewitched people and children. The trial, presided over by Sir Matthew Hale, lasted two days. Evidence presented included the discovery of 'divers teats' on the accused, considered 'witch's marks,' and testimony from children, including the Pacy sisters, who claimed to have been bewitched, suffering from fits and vomiting up pins. A physician, Dr. Jacob, was consulted regarding the bewitched children. Despite some initial skepticism from Mr. Sargeant Keeling, the court eventually sought the opinion of Dr. Brown, who deemed the girls 'obviously bewitched.' Further testimony from local residents, including John Soam and John Sherringham, implicated the accused in misfortunes such as cart accidents and animal deaths. Ultimately, the jury found the women guilty, and they were sentenced to be hanged. The article notes that the children recovered the day after the sentencing. It highlights that this case was a private prosecution, not directly involving Matthew Hopkins, the 'Witchfinder General,' and that the legal system of the time lacked modern provisions for evidence and defense. The author suggests the women were victims of superstition and parochial vindictiveness, noting their unpopularity may have contributed to the accusations.

The Ghost and the Stone

This piece recounts a legend from Sheringham concerning a farmer who, for years, experienced a hooded figure near the ruined Sheringham Priory. The apparition would appear at dusk, leaping from behind a large stone near the gateway and grabbing his horse's reins. The farmer vowed that this stone would be placed on his grave upon his death to lay the ghost. He died in 1947, and the stone was placed on his grave in Beeston Churchyard. Denis Fletcher and Ivan Bunn visited the locations, finding the stone and confirming the farmer's name as Reynolds. They also visited the ruined Priory to investigate the track where the apparition was seen but observed nothing unusual.

Local Curiosities

This section presents several brief, intriguing local accounts:

• The Witches Stones: A pile of stones in Belle Vue Park, Lowestoft, rumored to be remains of an old beacon. Local legend claims they move to the seashore at midnight on Midsummer's Eve.
• Primrose Superstition: In East Suffolk, it was considered dangerous to bring fewer than 13 primroses into the house in spring, as a smaller number indicated the number of eggs hens would lay.
• The Wild Man of Orford: A 13th-century account of a creature resembling a man, with a bald head and long beard, caught by fishermen. He was kept at Orford Castle, ate only fish, and eventually escaped by swimming out to sea.

The New Hainford UFO

This article details a UFO sighting that occurred on August 27, 1971, near New Hainford. Mr. Arthur was driving home around 9 pm when he saw a glowing, bright orange, domed disc hovering low over fields. As it approached, the orange glow was replaced by 15 red navigation lights. The object moved rapidly, disappeared behind trees, reappeared, and then descended again, illuminating the area. The sighting lasted about 15 minutes and was completely silent. Mr. Arthur was certain it was not an aircraft. His mother later saw a similar bright orange object rise rapidly from behind trees in their garden. BSIG investigators contacted Air Traffic Control and the RAF/USAF, who confirmed no aircraft were in the vicinity at that time. The investigators visited the site where the object disappeared and found flattened grass in a north-south direction, grey dust-like deposits on bush leaves, and dead/dying grass tips. A map sent to the witness confirmed the investigators had found the correct area. A potential independent witness, Mrs. Moore of Norwich, reported seeing a similar bright orange object descending and flashing red, with its location corresponding to Mr. Arthur's sighting. Analysis of samples from the site proved disappointing, with no excess radiation found, and the dust identified as grey hairs. The conclusion is that a domed disc-like craft was seen near New Hainford, with evidence of flattened grass and possible connection to power lines.

Essex Ghosts

This section provides a survey of ghost stories and hauntings in Essex:

• Apparition after death: Mr. and Mrs. Dawson saw their deceased neighbor walking by the road.
• Shadowy cyclists: Two cyclists, described as vague shadowy figures, whizzed past Mr. Edwin Chariton and a friend in Jaywick Sands.
• Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge: Known for a terrifying spectre that attacks victims in darkness.
• Wanstead House: Said to be haunted by Queen Elizabeth I, appearing in a spectral coach.
• Rochford Hall: Haunted by the ghost of Anne Boleyn.
• Chickney Church: Reported supernatural music heard by a visitor.
• Waltham Abbey: A pale light was seen from within the church, causing a woman to feel an overwhelming sense of evil.
• Haunted Inns: An old pub near Braintree has an haunted room with knocks, scrapings, and cold draughts, possibly related to a legend of a murdered child.
• The Cross Keys at Saffron Walden: Haunted by the footsteps of a cavalier from the Civil War.
• Holy Cross Church at Basildon: A ghostly monk is said to glide across the road.
• Southend: Processions of ghostly monks have been seen in a field.
• Prittlewell Priory: Haunted by a single spectre of a monk.
• Canewdon: The apparition of a woman in a crinoline and poke bonnet, with an empty face, walks from the churchyard to the river.
• Wanstead Churchyard: Haunted by a grey lady riding in a coach pulled by four white horses.
• Hadleigh Castle: A white lady offers to dance with anyone.
• Danbury: Haunted by the phantasmal figures of a sow and twelve piglets.
• Ford End: Haunted by a white horse and a headless cow.
• Epping Forest: Haunted by a white stag, a fairy creature that foretells national disaster.
• Borley Rectory: Described as the best-known Essex ghost story, featuring a nun, poltergeist phenomena, and object displacement. The article discusses Harry Price's studies and the controversy surrounding his work, refuting claims that he faked all phenomena.

Inside BSIG: The Psychical Equipment

This article explains the purpose and function of equipment used by BSIG during ghost-watches. The equipment is not designed to detect ghosts directly but to monitor and record physical activity associated with hauntings, helping to eliminate normal occurrences. The basic equipment includes:

• Vibration Detectors: Triggered by small vibrations on the floor.
• Draught Detectors: Register any draughts in the vicinity.
• Thermostatic Switches: Detect drops in temperature of 3 degrees F or more, often used in conjunction with a watcher.
• Light Sensitive Devices: Placed in darkened rooms to register any light source.
• Sound Monitors: Sensitive microphones and pick-up dishes used to record unexplained sounds on tape.

All sensors are connected to a central control unit operated by one person, who monitors activity on a plan of the area. BSIG emphasizes that human observation and investigation are considered more important than the equipment's readings.

The Magdalen Street Hauntings

This report details an investigation into an alleged haunting at the Oxfam Shop in Magdalen Street, Norwich. Research revealed the building's history, including its use as a cobbler's shop, wine merchant, public house, and television shop before becoming an Oxfam Shop. It was suggested that there might be two alleged ghosts. During a previous period when the shop was a television rental firm, employees reported unaccountable footsteps and slamming doors. The manager reportedly stayed overnight but experienced nothing untoward, though he noted noises seemed to emanate from different parts of the building. A patch of greyish smoke was also reported in the corridor. BSIG organized a ghost-watch at the newly acquired premises. During the watch, unexplained events included lights in the showroom turning off, a locked toilet door swinging open, and a recorded voice saying "we know you're there" or "who's there?" which was not heard by the watchers. A 'thump' was also heard upstairs. After this visit, the unexplained happenings seemed to cease. Nearly a year later, a spiritual revival was reported at the shop. The manager recounted being 'paralysed' by an icy draught, seeing clothing racks move, and witnessing a bluish cloud emanating from the room. Another incident involved the outside door and toilet door opening by themselves. The article concludes that these latest events prompted further investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on local folklore, historical mysteries, and unexplained phenomena, particularly within East Anglia. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the paranormal, UFOs, and ghost stories, encouraging reader participation and the submission of personal experiences. The BSIG actively investigates reported phenomena, employing specific equipment and methodologies. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing cases, even those that might be difficult to explain through conventional means, as seen in the New Hainford UFO report and the Lowestoft witch trials analysis. The publication aims to provide a platform for sharing such accounts and fostering discussion within the ufology and paranormal research community.

This issue of U.F.O. REPORT, identified as issue II and published in March 1974, is a publication from BSIG. It focuses on UFO sightings, paranormal investigations, and local folklore.

Contents

UFO Reports from Lowestoft

The magazine highlights that local UFO reports have been conspicuous by their absence in the three months prior to this edition. Only two reports were received and are detailed:

• October 11th, 1973, Westwood Avenue, Lowestoft: Witness Mr. R. A. Haxell reported a small point of light travelling fast in a south-north direction. It passed in front of cumulous clouds and disappeared into one. The cloud was then illuminated by a perfect circle of white light, followed by a golden ray of light shaped like a 'tear drop' that beamed downwards for about 3 seconds. Shortly afterwards, the object reappeared from the other side of the clouds, travelling in the same direction, now followed by three other lights in a perfect straight line. Within about 3 minutes, all had faded from view.
• October 26th, 1973, London Road South, Lowestoft: Witnesses Mr. M. Marshall and his wife observed a small, light blue light, about the size of Mars, travelling very slowly from the southeast. Initially, the object appeared to be hovering, but while under observation, it moved slowly across the sky and disappeared into the clouds. A note suggests that this object demonstrated characteristics of a satellite, but this had not yet been checked against satellite prediction tables.

News Round-Up

• BSIG Investigators on TV: On Tuesday, October 9th, three BSIG investigators participated in a ghost watch at Kirstead Hall in Suffolk, at the invitation of Anglia TV. This event was broadcast on the programme 'About Women'. Kirstead Hall, a building from the 1570s, is currently undergoing renovation and has a long-standing reputation for being haunted, with reports of strange lights seen in upstairs windows on dark nights.
• Ghostly Sword Fight: Mrs. C. Reynolds, who lives at Kirstead Hall, reported seeing the ghost of a young girl who lived there in the 18th century. The ghost was seen standing on the old staircase, listening intently. The noise of swords clashing was heard from below, which Mrs. Reynolds felt was Claudia's husband and another man fighting. The girl reportedly went downstairs to stop them and had her hand chopped off, leaving a definite impression that one of the ghost's arms was not complete.
• Presence Felt: While the ghost has only been seen once by Mrs. Reynolds, she often senses its presence and is convinced it is looking for something. No other family members have been aware of any psychical phenomena.
• TV Investigation: Together with Ellis Hill and the production team from Anglia TV, the BSIG Investigators set up their equipment for the vigil. However, nothing was seen or heard of the ghost during this specific watch, although two watchers claimed to sense something, and Ellis had an overwhelming sensation of sadness upon entering the room. It is hoped to revisit the hall later without the TV equipment.
• 'Witchcraft in East Anglia' Survey Completed: The survey of witchcraft in East Anglia during the 16th and 17th centuries, which commenced 20 months prior, has been finished by the joint editor of Lantern. The complete survey covers over 1000 people convicted of witchcraft, detailing their crimes, examinations, and trials. An article in this issue on the Lowestoft Witches, written by the survey's compiler, Denis Fletcher, is based on material from this survey.

Comment

This section, written by Michael Burgess, reflects on the encroachment of technology and the loss of natural landscapes, specifically mentioning Corton Woods. Burgess laments the disappearance of old roads and the breaking of mark stones. He expresses interest in uncovering local folklore and ancient sites, such as Stockton Stone, the Bungay Stone, Leys, and ancient roads from Yarmouth to Blythburgh. He appeals to readers of LANTERN to contact him if they know anything about these remnants or are interested in discussing the subject.

Spring Edition Preview

The magazine previews its Spring Edition, which will feature "Black Shuck" at Gt. Yarmouth, along with other articles and features, to be published in March 1974.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded stance towards paranormal phenomena, including UFOs and hauntings, presenting witness accounts and investigative efforts. There is also a clear interest in local history, folklore, and unexplained events, as evidenced by the witchcraft survey and the 'Comment' section's appeal for historical information. The editorial note for the Oxfam Shop haunting article clarifies that it was a personal assessment and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of BSIG as a whole, suggesting a willingness to publish diverse viewpoints within the paranormal field.