Monstrum: The Borley Rectory
"Monstrum: The Borley Rectory" examines the history of Borley Rectory, England’s “most haunted house,” and explains how its famous ghost stories shaped modern paranormal investigation. The video traces reported apparitions, folklore about a ghostly nun, witness testimony, séances, planchette writing, and the research of Harry Price and the Society for Psychical Research. It highlights key concepts such as evidence, skepticism, hoaxes, media influence, folklore, and scientific methodology in investigating extraordinary claims. Blending British history, cultural studies, and critical thinking, the episode shows how newspapers, technology, and public fascination turned one alleged haunting into a model for ghost hunting, debunking, and dark tourism. This content supports curriculum connections in history, media literacy, and evaluating sources and claims. Part of the "Monstrum" series.
Media Details
Runtime: 20 minutes, 27 seconds
- Topic: History, Language Arts, Literature, Religion, Philosophy, and Spirituality, Science, Social Science
- Subtopic: Culture and Society, Folklore, Mass Media, Parapsychology, Science Methods, World History - 1900-1945
- Grade/Interest Level: 9 - 12
- Release Year: 2026
- Producer/Distributor: PBS Digital Studios
- Series: Monstrum
- Report a Problem
Related Media
Monstrum: Golem--The Mysterious Clay Monster of Jewish Lore
Monstrum: Windigo--The Flesh-Eating Monster of Native American Legend
Monstrum: Banshee--Ireland's Screaming Harbinger of Death
Monstrum: Cyclops
Monstrum: Mothman
Monstrum: Tokoloshe
Monstrum: Manananggal
Monstrum: Martians! How Aliens Invaded Earth
Monstrum: The Wicked Feline Murder Floof, a Yule Cat Story
Monstrum: The Legend of La Llorona