Just One of Those Women You Forget to Mention
Jottles. Oddjotts. Flyways. Mary Rose Barrington (1926-2020) was a British parapsychologist, barrister, and charity administrator. Her interest in psychical research was sparked as a teenager when she read Sir Oliver Lodge’s “Survival of Man.” While studying at Oxford University, she became president of the Oxford University Society for Psychical Research. She joined the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) in 1957, became a council member in 1962, and served as vice-president in 1995.
This updated resource guide aims to put all relevant information about Mary Rose Barrington’s contributions to fields of paranormal study in one place.
What did Mary Rose Barrington do that was so influential?
- Mary Rose Barrington developed the concept of JOTT phenomena.
- Mary Rose Barrington investigated high-profile paranormal cases.
- Mary Rose Barrington championed the scientific study of psychical phenomena.
1. Mary Rose Barrington developed the concept of JOTT phenomena.
One of Mary Rose Barrington’s most notable contributions to paranormal research was her development of the concept of JOTT, which stands for “Just One of Those Things”. This term describes seemingly inexplicable occurrences that many people experience but often dismiss as mere coincidence or forgetfulness.
JOTT phenomena typically involve objects disappearing and reappearing in unexpected ways. For example, an item might vanish from where it was last seen, only to turn up later in the same spot or an entirely different location. Barrington classified these events into various categories, including:
- Jottles: Objects that disappear and reappear
- Oddjotts: Items that appear in impossible or highly improbable places
- Flyways: Objects that seem to vanish into thin air
Mary Rose’s work on JOTT brought attention to these common yet puzzling experiences, encouraging both researchers and the general public to consider them more seriously. Her 2018 book, “JOTT: When Things Disappear… and Come Back or Relocate – and Why It Really Happens,” provides an in-depth exploration of this phenomenon, complete with case studies and analysis.
2. Mary Rose Barrington investigated high-profile paranormal cases.
Throughout her career, Mary Rose Barrington was involved in investigating numerous paranormal cases, including some that gained significant public attention. One such case was the “flying thermometer” incident in 1964, which centered around a 7-year-old boy and involved poltergeist-like activity. The case featured a range of unexplained phenomena, including objects moving on their own, unusual smells, creaking floorboards, and moaning sounds.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect was a thermometer that repeatedly fell from its secure position on the wall. Mary Rose’s investigation led her to theorize that the events might be linked to the boy’s latent psychic abilities rather than an external haunting.
Her work on this and other cases demonstrated a commitment to thorough, scientific investigation of paranormal claims. Mary Rose’s approach combined rigorous methodology with an open mind, setting a standard for future researchers in the field.
3. Mary Rose Barrington championed the scientific study of psychical phenomena.
As a long-standing member and eventual Vice President of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), Mary Rose Barrington was a staunch advocate for the scientific investigation of paranormal phenomena. Her background as a barrister and her analytical mind brought a level of rigor and credibility to a field often dismissed by mainstream science. Mary Rose contributed to the SPR by serving on the Spontaneous Cases Committee, which investigated reports of impromptu psychic experiences, authoring numerous articles and books on psychical research, and collaborating with other respected researchers on significant studies.
One notable example is her research partnership with Maurice Grosse, the principal investigator of the Enfield poltergeist case. In 2001, they joined forces to investigate a similar case affecting a young boy tormented by mysterious rappings.
Mary Rose’s commitment to scientific rigor is perhaps best exemplified in her book “A World In A Grain Of Sand: The Clairvoyance of Stefan Ossowiecki,” co-authored with reincarnation researcher Ian Stevenson and Polish parapsychologist Zofia Weaver. This work presents a detailed examination of the abilities of a renowned Polish psychic, combining historical research with careful analysis of documented cases.
Mary Rose Barrington’s legacy in the field of psychical research is one of meticulous investigation, innovative thinking, and unwavering dedication to understanding the unexplained. Her work on JOTT phenomena, high-profile case investigations, and advocacy for scientific approaches to paranormal study continue to influence researchers and enthusiasts alike. As the paranormal field continues to evolve, Mary Rose’s contributions serve as a foundation for those seeking to bridge the gap between unexplained experiences and scientific understanding.
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