The Scole Experiment: Mediums and Materializations in Modern Paranormal Research
The Scole Experiment, conducted in the late 1990s in Scole, England, is considered one of the most extensively documented cases involving mediums and reported physical manifestations in the history of parapsychology. Researchers, including scientists and experienced investigators, observed a series of séances that produced claims of materialized objects, unexplained lights, and direct communication with alleged spirits. These events were witnessed under controlled conditions, drawing significant attention from both supporters and skeptics.
Drawing from a blend of scientific observation and mediumistic practice, the Scole team aimed to test the limits of what could be demonstrated about life after death. The reported phenomena, ranging from voices to tangible objects apparently appearing out of thin air, challenged conventional understanding and have fueled ongoing debate in both paranormal and scientific communities.
Overview of the Scole Experiment
The Scole Experiment was a five-year investigation into physical mediumship in Scole, Norfolk. It involved a dedicated group of mediums, researchers, and independent investigators who sought to document and verify alleged paranormal events under controlled conditions.
Origins and Purpose
The Scole Experiment began in 1993 in the small village of Scole in Norfolk, England. Its primary aim was to explore claims of life after death and physical mediumship using a scientific approach.
A small group known as the Scole Group met regularly and reported striking phenomena, including visible spirit lights, materializations, and messages from alleged non-physical intelligences. Their sessions drew attention from both national and international psychical research communities.
Researchers including members of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) became involved to observe and verify the unusual events. The stated purpose of the experiment was not only to witness psychic phenomena, but to record and analyze them under controlled, repeatable conditions.
Key Participants
The Scole Group consisted of Robin and Sandra Foy, who hosted the sessions in their home, and two mediums, Diana and Alan Bennett. All four played central roles in the séances and documentation.
Several prominent investigators from the SPR and the broader field of parapsychology attended sittings as independent observers. Among them were Montague Keen, David Fontana, and Arthur Ellison.
Key roles in the experiment:
Robin and Sandra Foy: Organizers and hosts
Diana and Alan Bennett: Physical mediums
SPR Investigators: Independent documentation and analysis
Their collective involvement provided multiple perspectives on the phenomena and ensured that observations were systematically recorded.
Timeline of Events
The Scole Experiment ran from 1993 to 1998, with regular sessions taking place in the Foys’ cellar. Early sittings focused on establishing communication with purported spirit entities and refining séance conditions.
Between 1995 and 1997, numerous documented phenomena were reported, including the appearance of unexplained lights, images on unexposed film, and objects seemingly moving without physical contact. SPR investigators attended dozens of these sessions, publishing several detailed reports.
By the end of 1998, the experiment concluded. Findings were later published in journals and books, sparking continued debate within parapsychology and psychical research circles.
Mediums and Mediumship in the Scole Experiment
Mediums were central to the Scole Experiment, serving as the primary link between the physical attendees and the purported spirit communicators. Both physical and mental forms of mediumship were demonstrated, and trance states played a significant role in enabling phenomena.
The Role of Mediums
The Scole Experiment relied on a small team of established mediums. These included both a male and a female medium, each believed to possess unique skills suited to different types of spirit communication. Their main function was to facilitate interaction between the group and non-physical entities or a "spirit team."
Sessions typically took place in darkness or low light, increasing the sensitivity of the mediums to subtle impressions. The mediums often acted as channels for the spirit communicators, relaying both messages and instructions to participants.
Communication was described as free and conversational, shifting between direct speech from the medium and more interactive exchanges.
Types of Mediumship
Two main types of mediumship were practiced at Scole: physical mediumship and mental mediumship.
Physical mediumship involved visible phenomena such as unexplained lights, object movements, and materializations. These events were often observed by both the mediums and the attending investigators.
Mental mediumship focused on relaying verbal or mental messages from the spirit team. In this mode, mediums claimed to receive information intuitively or telepathically, then shared it with the group.
Sometimes, both forms would occur in a single session. This combination made it possible to collect witness statements, descriptions of the phenomena, and, at times, direct communication from purported spirit guides or personalities.
Trance and Altered States
Trance states were a regular feature during the Scole sessions. One or both mediums would enter an altered state of consciousness, believed to facilitate clearer or more direct communication with the spirit world.
Deep trance episodes often resulted in noticeable changes in the medium’s tone of voice, physical mannerisms, or speech patterns. These changes were sometimes attributed to the presence of a spirit guide working through the medium.
Inducing trance commonly involved relaxation techniques and focused attention. Participants noted that the altered states contributed to the wide range of reported phenomena and were essential for some of the materializations witnessed during the experiments.
Physical Phenomena and Materializations
The Scole Experiment reported a range of startling physical phenomena during its séances, including materializations, the appearance of ectoplasm, and objects moving or levitating. These claims drew attention from researchers and the public due to their supposed repeatability and documentation.
Materialization Events
Witnesses at the Scole Experiment described several reported materialization events. These events included the appearance of human-like forms and hands that seemed to form in the dimly-lit room. According to session notes and investigator records, some figures would touch participants or even engage in brief communication.
Physical objects known as apports were also said to appear during sessions. These included coins, crystals, and old photographic plates, which attendees claimed were not present in the space before the séance began. Notably, objects sometimes appeared inside sealed containers, suggesting to the researchers there was no obvious physical way they could have entered.
No independently verified photographic or video evidence of the materializations has been accepted by the broader scientific community as conclusive, although both investigators and observers maintained detailed records and produced multiple witness statements.
Ectoplasm and Manifestations
Ectoplasm, a term familiar from physical mediumship, was frequently reported during the Scole sessions. Witnesses claimed to see wispy, sometimes luminous substances forming around or emerging from the mediums. This supposed ectoplasmic material was said to serve as a vehicle for spirit manifestation, occasionally taking the outline of hands or faces.
Attendees sometimes described the ectoplasm as cold, sticky, or slightly luminous. There were also reports that it would move independently or respond to questions from the sitters. While some séances allowed for limited lighting so that investigators could see the phenomena, the majority of these reports remain anecdotal.
Attempts were made to touch or sample the material, but the experiment protocol typically discouraged disrupting the phenomena, citing risks to the health of the mediums or to the continuation of the séance manifestations.
Levitation and Movement
Numerous instances of apparent levitation and unexplained movement of objects were documented during the Scole sittings. Items such as small tables, luminous balls, and even sealed boxes were seen to rise, shift across the room, or turn over in the presence of multiple witnesses.
At times, table surfaces appeared to quake or rise several inches above the floor, with hands of all participants visible to rule out deliberate physical interference. On occasions, lightweight objects reportedly floated through the air, sometimes in response to direct requests from those present.
Lists maintained by observers regularly recorded these events, highlighting their frequency and diversity. However, skeptics noted that the candlelit or darkened conditions left room for doubt about possible natural explanations or undocumented intervention.
Seances and Communication Techniques
During the Scole Experiment, the séance served as the central platform for testing claims of physical mediumship. Researchers and observers documented methods for communicating with purported spirit entities, with a focus on observable phenomena and accurate record-keeping.
Structure of Scole Seances
Scole séances typically took place in a completely dark room to prevent outside interference or fraud. The main participants included two principal mediums, often accompanied by other group members and occasional independent investigators. Sessions usually followed a predetermined format, starting with a period of relaxation and meditation.
Participants sat around a table, sometimes holding hands to form a circle, which is believed to enhance psychic energy and focus intent. Objects such as locked boxes, photographs, or film were placed on or near the table as trigger objects for phenomena.
The atmosphere was purposefully kept friendly and calm. Invited witnesses included scientists and journalists, who were encouraged to observe, make notes, and ask questions throughout the process.
Spirit Communication Methods
Communication methods at Scole combined traditional and experimental approaches. One prominent method was direct voice phenomena, where independent voices—believed to be spirits—were heard in the room, often near the center of the table. This form of communication is distinct from trance mediumship, as the voices did not originate from the mediums themselves.
Automatic writing was frequently used, with a medium receiving written messages without conscious control. On occasion, messages were also received through clairaudience (hearing voices mentally) or clairvoyance (seeing images or impressions).
Physical manifestations included apports—objects that reportedly appeared in the room out of nowhere—and cross-correspondence, where interconnected messages were provided separately to different mediums. The experiment also reported the appearance of spirit guides, known as communicators, who claimed to coordinate communications and ensure the authenticity of messages.
Experiment Documentation
Detailed record-keeping was a cornerstone of the Scole Experiment. Each session was recorded in notebooks, sometimes supplemented with audio and video recordings. Witness statements were solicited after each séance, allowing researchers to compare accounts.
The team developed standardized forms for logging key events, timings, and the presence (or absence) of specific phenomena such as voices, apports, or unusual lights. The identity of all participants, as well as any observed spirit communicators, was noted.
A sample table summarizing a typical séance might include:
Date Mediums Present Observers Phenomena Logged Documented By 12/03/1997 2 3 Voices, Apport J. Smith 18/04/1998 2 5 Automatic Writing K. Johnson
External investigators, such as independent scientists, played a role by preparing their own reports. This documentation practice aimed to maintain transparency and a systematic approach to evaluating the reported occurrences.
Paranormal Phenomena and Evidence
The Scole Experiment documented an array of reported paranormal occurrences in the presence of both scientists and mediums. These events included unusual lights, inexplicable photographic results, and distinct auditory manifestations that were observed under controlled conditions.
Lighting and Visual Displays
Participants in the Scole Experiment reported witnessing a wide variety of unexplained light phenomena. These included small, bright orbs moving around the darkened séance room, flashes that seemed to react to spoken requests, and luminous shapes manifesting in mid-air.
Researchers noted that these lights did not appear to have a conventional source such as LEDs, torches, or projectors. Independent investigators were allowed to examine the room and the people involved before and after the sessions. No hidden devices were found that could account for the lights.
Some lights were reportedly interactive: table surfaces would become illuminated in synchrony with questions or requests. On occasion, what appeared to be mist or semi-transparent forms would coalesce in the room, though these were typically brief and not always captured on camera.
Photography and Polaroid Film
Unique photographic anomalies occurred on Polaroid film during and after sessions. Researchers used sealed, brand-new film in the presence of both mediums and skeptics. Despite strict controls, photographs would sometimes develop with patterns, symbols, messages, or even faces allegedly unknown to the participants.
The following table highlights typical photographic phenomena:
Type of Phenomenon Description Patterns & Symbols Shapes, scribbles, or geometric forms on the film Mysterious Messages Written words in languages not spoken by attendees Apparitional Faces Human-like images with unidentifiable origin
Polaroid cameras were favored for their instant development and difficulty to manipulate. Investigators documented that the film packets were often inspected and handled by both believers and skeptics, making conventional fraud difficult to account for the resulting images.
Auditory Phenomena
Many sessions contained reported instances of physical voices or sounds perceived by all present. These included disembodied voices, knocks, raps, and even full conversations attributed by the mediums to spirits or paranormal entities.
Attendees commonly described unexplained voices that seemed to come from mid-air or from unfamiliar corners of the room, rather than from anyone present. In some cases, these sounds included foreign languages or recognizable voices of deceased individuals, providing specific information or responding directly to questions.
Paranormal researchers often used sound recording equipment to document the auditory phenomena. Recordings sometimes captured voices or noises that were not heard by participants in real time, adding another layer of mystery for analysis.
Investigations and the Scole Report
Multiple investigations, including one led by the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), examined the Scole Experiment's claims. The process, findings, and subsequent publication of the Scole Report drew attention from both supporters and skeptics in the field.
Role of the Society for Psychical Research
The Society for Psychical Research, established in the late 19th century, played a central role in evaluating the Scole Experiment.
SPR's purpose was to apply rigorous scientific methodology to alleged psychic phenomena, and it had both historical experience and established protocols for doing so. The organization provided a structure for the investigation and coordinated involvement from experienced researchers.
During the Scole sessions, SPR members attended sittings and documented every aspect of the phenomena. Their presence aimed to ensure objectivity and transparency. The SPR was known for its cautious yet open-minded approach, recording detailed reports and testimonies from all participants.
SPR Investigators and Findings
A team of respected SPR investigators, including Montague Keen, David Fontana, and Arthur Ellison, carried out the primary investigation at Scole. Their experience in psychical research shaped how they approached evidence and witness testimony.
The investigators attended dozens of séances, observing alleged materializations, strange lights, and inexplicable physical effects in controlled settings. Strict protocols, such as securing the séance room and supervising participants, were implemented to minimize the possibility of fraud.
Despite these measures, the findings generated controversy. The SPR team reported phenomena that appeared to defy explanation, yet skeptics like Richard Wiseman highlighted issues such as lack of complete control and opportunities for trickery. Critics underscored that some conditions, including sessions held in total darkness, left room for doubt.
Publication of the Scole Report
After two years of investigation, the SPR published the results as the "Scole Report." The report included detailed accounts of the sittings, as well as logs of observed phenomena and the methodologies used by investigators.
Key contents of the Scole Report:
Topic Details Investigators Keen, Fontana, Ellison Duration 1995-1997 Main phenomena Materializations, anomalous lights, recorded messages Controls Room checks, supervision, presence of SPR members
The publication spurred further debate. Supporters cited the depth of documentation as significant, while skeptics and some SPR members argued that conclusive evidence of fraud-proof phenomena remained absent. The report remains a landmark in the study of mediumship, often referenced in both skeptical and parapsychological circles.
Skepticism and Criticism
The Scole Experiment has been the focus of considerable controversy. Psychical investigators, skeptics, and scientific communities have raised questions about the methods, controls, and alleged phenomena observed during the sessions.
Allegations of Fraud and Explanations
Many critics have alleged that the Scole mediums used deceptive techniques to create the appearance of paranormal events. The sittings were often held in near-total darkness, making it easier to conceal fraudulent activity and manipulate objects. Some researchers noted that standard scientific controls were not always maintained, which invited doubts about the authenticity of materializations and spirit communications.
Techniques such as cold reading and mentalism have been cited as possible tools for tricking participants and producing convincing but non-paranormal phenomena. Claims of photographic evidence and object movement during séances have been questioned due to the possibility of sleight of hand or hidden props. The lack of independent observers or experts in illusion heightened these concerns.
The Scole group denied any wrongdoing, insisting that all events were genuine. However, the possibility of fraud remains a central theme in skeptical discussions surrounding the experiment.
Skeptical Perspectives
Skeptics and scientific commentators have extensively reviewed the Scole Experiment and questioned its legitimacy. They highlighted the absence of rigorous empirical controls and independent replication as major flaws. The Society for Psychical Research (SPR) investigated the claims but even among its members, opinions were divided regarding the credibility of the reported evidence.
Skeptics point out that even complex scientific or technical “messages” received from spirits could be explained by prior knowledge, research, or even chance. Some have observed similarities between the Scole demonstrations and classic tricks found in stage magic or mentalism performances.
The experimental conditions, such as remote viewing and direct voice phenomena, were seen by skeptics as insufficiently documented for scientific acceptance. This skepticism persists, with many scientists regarding the results as unproven and likely influenced by psychological, social, or methodological errors.
Alternative Explanations
A range of alternative explanations for the Scole phenomena have been proposed by researchers and critics. Cold reading techniques—whereby skilled communicators appear to receive personal information without prior knowledge—could explain some of the “spirit communications.” Environmental factors, suggestion, and participant bias may have amplified perceptions of paranormal activity.
Lack of control over physical conditions provided opportunities for secret movement of objects or prearranged tricks. The possibility of subconscious cueing between group members was also considered. Some observers suggested that expectation, group dynamics, and a strong desire to witness the extraordinary influenced participant experiences.
Despite these explanations, the debate continues. The Scole Experiment remains cited in discussions about the challenges in scientifically verifying claims of mediumship and materialization.
Impact and Legacy of the Scole Experiment
The Scole Experiment attracted attention for its reports of physical mediumship, materializations, and claimed interactions with discarnate entities. Its legacy remains complex, marked by both influential contributions and ongoing controversy about scientific rigor and interpretation.
Influence on Psychical Research
The Scole Experiment significantly impacted the field of psychical research by presenting a renewed case for investigating purported evidence of the afterlife. Researchers from organizations like the Society for Psychical Research were involved in observing and documenting phenomena such as spirit lights, sounds, and the appearance of physical objects during séances.
Some experimenters described the sessions as unique for their transparency, noting detailed records and witness testimonies. Others expressed concern about the lack of controlled laboratory conditions and the reliance on subjective experiences. The experiment’s findings inspired new research into materializations, mediumship, and spiritual science, prompting further exploration into the possibility of communication with discarnate entities.
Despite skepticism, the Scole Experiment remains a frequent reference in academic discussions about the boundaries between conventional science and spiritual phenomena.
Debates in Spiritualism
The Scole Experiment generated significant debate within the spiritualist community, especially regarding the authenticity of its mediumistic sessions. Believers highlighted the variety of materializations and messages received, interpreting these phenomena as evidence supporting spiritualist beliefs in continuing existence and contact after death.
Critics within spiritualism questioned some of the methods used, particularly the necessity for darkness during séances and the limited number of independent observers. These debates contributed to wider discussions about the standards required to validate spiritual philosophy and practice, and the responsibilities of mediums when presenting spiritual evidence.
The controversy underscored the divide between those prioritizing experiential evidence and those advocating for stricter documentation of spiritualist claims.
Public and Scientific Response
The public response to the Scole Experiment ranged from fascination to skepticism. Tabloids and popular media featured its more sensational aspects, often portraying the event as significant evidence for an afterlife. This exposure led to increased interest in spiritualism and psychical research, with some people seeking similar experiences.
Mainstream scientists largely viewed the experiment’s findings with caution, citing methodological limitations and the lack of independent replication. Academics raised concerns about potential bias, insufficient controls, and the subjective nature of witness testimony.
Despite these criticisms, the Scole Experiment remains an important case study in the dialogue between science and spiritual belief, highlighting enduring questions about the intersection of empirical research and personal experience.
Notable Figures and Historical Connections
The Scole Experiment drew worldwide attention not only for its claims of physical mediumship but also for the distinguished investigators and deep historical parallels involved. Key figures and notable precedents have both shaped public perceptions and informed ongoing debates.
Contributions of Prominent Investigators
The Scole Experiment was investigated by respected researchers including physicist Dr. Arthur Ellison, psychologist Dr. David Fontana, and the Society for Psychical Research (SPR). Their backgrounds in science and psychology lent credibility and critical scrutiny to reports from the séances.
Robin Foy, one of the Scole group founders, played a leading role in documenting phenomena. His detailed records allowed others to analyze the conditions and testimonies surrounding claimed materializations and spirit communications.
Some observers drew comparisons to historical scientists like Sir Oliver Lodge, who investigated mediumship in the early 20th century. While not directly involved at Scole, Lodge’s rigorous approach to psychical research influenced how modern investigators approached unexplained events.
References to Historical Mediums
Many elements of the Scole seances echoed the work of notable mediums such as Eusapia Palladino. Palladino became known for physical phenomena, including table levitations and objects moving without apparent cause, drawing parallels to reports of materializations at Scole.
Victorian-era séances often featured a cabinet, a curtained area used by mediums to facilitate physical manifestations. The Scole group adapted this tradition, using controlled environments and physical boundaries to encourage phenomena and allow for observational integrity.
Historical figures like Winston Churchill openly expressed interest in topics like reincarnation and spiritualism. Although not connected to Scole, Churchill’s curiosity exemplified a broader cultural engagement with such claims during the periods that informed the experiment’s own practices.
Related Paranormal Investigations
The Scole Experiment is frequently discussed alongside earlier investigations into poltergeists, spontaneous object movements, and materialization phenomena studied by organizations such as the SPR.
Researchers cited similarities with documented séances involving mediums like Eusapia Palladino and D.D. Home. These historical investigations often employed strict controls, including locked rooms and physical restraints, much like the protocols adopted at Scole.
Discussions of reincarnation sometimes emerged in Scole communications, although these were less central than the physical effects. The experiment also inspired renewed interest in methods for detecting and documenting genuine paranormal events in modern research settings.
