Revisiting The Warminster UFO "Thing"

August 16, 2024 1:00 AM ‐ Paranormal • UFOs • Weird Wiltshire

In early 1965, the small town of Warminster in western Wiltshire became a focal point for UFO enthusiasts. Known as "The Warminster Thing," a series of bizarre occurrences began on Christmas Day in 1964 and brought a surge of interest to the area.

The phenomena in Warminster are often referred to as the "Warminster Mystery" or "Warminster Thing." The strange occurrences included mysterious noises and UFO sightings, which continued until 1977. Journalist Arthur Shuttlewood documented these events in his 1967 book, 'The Warminster Mystery,' helping to cement the town's reputation as Britain's UFO capital. Shuttlewood became a central figure in the UFO scene until his death in 1996.

Following the events of the Warminster Thing, a region around Warminster where these unusual events were frequently reported became known as "The Warminster Triangle." The exact boundaries of the triangle are not officially defined or important, as it refers to more of a conceptual tool used to describe the concentration of events rather than a strictly mapped-out geographical area. However, the triangle does contain key locations where UFO reports were frequent during the height of the Warminster Mystery, including Cradle Hill, Middle Hill, and Salisbury Plain.

The Warminster mystery started with sporadic reports of strange sounds beginning in the 1930s. By early 1965, Shuttlewood became instrumental in reporting these events. This included the experience of a local woman who heard odd crackling noises during her walk to church. This story triggered a flood of letters from residents who claimed similar encounters.

Following these auditory phenomena, people in and around Warminster began reporting sightings of unidentified flying objects. These sightings included descriptions of cigar-shaped crafts, metallic orbs, and strange lights in the sky. In 1965, multiple witnesses reported seeing a large, cigar-shaped object in the sky over Warminster. In the same year, a loud boom was heard, accompanied by an orange flame in the sky. Some witnesses reported cars malfunctioning or pets behaving oddly during these sightings.

The most iconic piece of evidence from the Warminster events is a photograph taken by Gordon Faulkner in 1965, showing a supposed "flying saucer." The image was published in the Daily Mirror, bringing national attention to the town and attracting thousands of visitors, especially to Cradle Hill and Middle Hill, which remain popular spots for skywatchers.

Various theories attempt to explain these sightings and sounds. Some suggest mass hysteria or natural phenomena like static electricity or cloud formations. Others speculate about the influence of nearby Stonehenge and Avebury or the town's location on ley lines, which some believe are channels of mystical energy. Conspiracy theorists also point to secret military operations due to Warminster's proximity to the Ministry of Defence's Salisbury Plain.

Over the years, skeptics have attempted to debunk the events and Shuttlewood's accounts. Some suggest he may have exaggerated details for dramatic effect. However, many of the reports he documented were consistent and numerous, suggesting that something unusual was indeed happening.

In 2015, Warminster commemorated the 50th anniversary of the sightings with a conference and a mural celebrating its UFO history, cementing its status as the "British UFO capital." Sightings have continued sporadically, such as a 2017 video of strange lights near Cley Hill, which renewed interest in the town's mysterious legacy.

While some attribute the phenomena to nearby military activity, the true nature of the Warminster Thing remains unresolved. The events have become local folklore as the town continues to attract interest from UFO enthusiasts and researchers seeking to uncover the truth behind the Warminster Mystery.

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