| Drummer of Tedworth | |
|---|---|
 A photograph a in ghostly figure in Drummer of Tedworth | |
| Background | |
| Type | Location |
| Continent | Europe |
| Country | England |
| One-Time? | No |
| Theories | · Ghost · Poltergeist · Hoax |
The Drummer of Tedworth is a historical case of alleged poltergeist activity that occurred in the 17th century in Tidworth, Wiltshire, England.
Manifestations[]
- A ghostly figure
- A drummer in demon
- An Poltegeist
- A Hoax
Background[]
In 1661 when John Mompesson, a local landowner and magistrate, confiscated the drum of a vagrant drummer named William Drury after accusing him of collecting money under false pretenses. Following this incident, Mompesson’s household was plagued by strange noises, including persistent drumming sounds, scratching noises, and other unexplained disturbances. Reportedly started shortly after the drum was brought to Mompesson’s home. Nocturnal drumming noises were heard both inside and outside the house, escalating over time to include loud banging on doors and walls. The phenomena were particularly distressing for Mompesson’s children, who experienced terrifying events such as being lifted from their beds and subjected to scratching sounds beneath them. These occurrences continued for approximately two years.
Joseph Glanvill, a clergyman and philosopher who investigated the case in 1663, documented his experiences in his book “Saducismus Triumphatus.” He described hearing strange scratching sounds and witnessing various manifestations that he attributed to supernatural forces. Glanvill’s account contributed significantly to the notoriety of the case.
The reported phenomena included not only drumming but also moving objects, strange lights, and even physical interactions with individuals present in the house. For instance, servants reported being held down in bed or having their clothes pulled off during the disturbances. The manifestations were so intense that they attracted public attention and curiosity.
In addition to Glanvill’s observations, other accounts suggested that Drury himself may have been responsible for these disturbances through witchcraft or some form of supernatural influence. After being imprisoned for theft and later tried for witchcraft due to claims made about his involvement with the haunting, Drury was ultimately sentenced to deportation.
Trivia[]
- It was believed that William Drury's had cursed Mompesson for taking his drum. While imprisoned for theft at Gloucester Jail during much of the haunting period, he allegedly boasted about causing trouble for Mompesson through witchcraft.
- Some skeptics suggest that much of the activity could have been orchestrated by Mompesson’s children or their friends as pranks or manifestations of hysteria.
- Another theory posits that members of a local gypsy community may have been involved in creating disturbances as revenge against Mompesson for arresting one of their own.