The Warminster Thing

The Warminster Thing refers to a series of unexplained and mysterious events that occurred in and around the town of Warminster in Wiltshire, England, during the 1960s and 1970s.

Warminster is a historic market town located in Wiltshire, England, known for its picturesque countryside, rich history, and notable landmarks. Situated on the edge of Salisbury Plain, it boasts a charming town center with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

The town is surrounded by the scenic Wiltshire Downs, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. Warminster’s history is closely tied to its market traditions, and it has played a significant role in the local agricultural and trade industries. Visitors can explore the stunning Longleat House and Safari Park nearby, which is one of the UK’s most renowned stately homes and wildlife attractions.

These events primarily involved unusual and unidentified noises, including loud, low-frequency sounds and sonic booms, as well as sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Witnesses reported hearing loud, repetitive noises that seemed to come from the sky, often described as sounding like thunder or artillery fire. These events gained significant media attention and drew the interest of ufologists and paranormal enthusiasts, leading to numerous investigations and gatherings of people hoping to witness or document the strange phenomena.

Some skeptics and scientists proposed various natural explanations, including atmospheric conditions, military exercises, or hoaxes, but no conclusive explanation was ever reached. At 1:25 a.m. on Christmas 1964, resident Mildred Head awoke with a start. Her ceiling, she later told local journalist Arthur Shuttlewood, had “[come] alive with strange sounds lashing at [the] roof.”

It sounded like twigs brushing against the tiles, and got louder and louder until it reverberated like giant hailstones. Head got out of bed to look out of the window but found nothing there. She did, however, hear another noise, a humming sound that grew louder before fading to “a faint whisper.” Later that morning, just after 6 am, Mrs Marjorie Bye was walking along dark, quiet streets to the Holy Communion Service at Christ Church, Warminster.

The first odd thing she noticed was a ‘crackling’ sound from the direction of the nearby Bell Hill area of the town. As she approached the church, she experienced a ‘sonic attack’: “Sudden vibrations came overhead, chilling in intensity…Shockwaves pounded at her head, neck and shoulders.”

Mrs Bye was ‘pinned down’ by ‘invisible fingers of sound.’ Feeling weak and frightened, she found it difficult to reach the sanctuary of the church. Reports of the UFO sighting came from many people who heard mysterious sounds and saw objects in the night sky.0 The Warminster Information Centre organized a 50th-anniversary UFO mural to commemorate the “utterly unique event.” The town gained global attention when a picture of the UFO emerged.1 The phenomenon was so beyond comprehension, and with no vocabulary to satisfactorily describe it, the phenomena became simply known as the Warminster “Thing.”

Dozens claimed to have had odd experiences of their own – many of which emanated from similar sounds, but others began reporting odd sightings, as well. Bright and bizarre figures in the sky were beginning to appear regularly to locals and others that were drawn to the craze. Descriptions of these odd figures varied from metallic orbs – similar to the U.F.O.’s depicted in popular culture – to cigar-shaped crafts. Pairing up with most of these sightings were reports of odd sounds, which varied from booms to other kinds of bizarre droning or whizzing. Through 1965, Warminster became a hub of U.F.O. activity.

Entire flocks of pigeons were reported being killed in mid-air and there were rumors that rodents had been found in the region, having been mutilated prior to their death. According to local gossip, these rodents had been found with large puncture wounds, which were totally unexplained. On August 27th, 1965, a town hall meeting was called in Warminster, so that the residents of this town could meet with authorities to discuss the ongoing phenomenon – which had been nicknamed “The Thing” by local press.

This town hall was actually recorded for national coverage, since the story had been making waves across England. The unexplained phenomenon nicknamed the “Warminster Thing” continued to attract many curious onlookers and U.F.O. enthusiasts over the coming months.