The Crewe Circle Society

By Crusader1307

 As has been previously discussed, Spirit or "Ghost" Photography, was both a popular form of entertainment and early Paranormal Research tool. However, with so many obvious fakes that were produced, the need for authentic "proof" was very important. Debunking of such fake photos became just as popular. One noted early Researcher and self-proclaimed Debunker, was William Hope. Using his own resources, Hope attracted like-minded persons and formed a Society dedicated to exposing such fake photographs. The Crewe Circle was founded in Crewe, England in 1905. Using the technology of The Era, The Society used the methods of actually faking such "Ghost Photos", as a way to show The Public. In many Cases, people would pay large sums of money to crooked, so called "Mediums" who would bilk them. The Crewe Circle attracted many famous persons as members, including celebrated British Writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Doyle investigated many such Cases, including that of the so-called photos of "The Cottingley Fairies" (which created a worldwide stir). However, Hope's "Crewe Circle" also collected many photographs that could NOT be so easily debunked. They often cited these as "genuine evidence" of The "Spirit World". The Circle disbanded in 1920, although much of their research and files have served to advance the often controversial Field of Paranormal Studies.