The Mysterious History of Crop Circles: From Folklore to Hoaxers
Crop circles. These enigmatic patterns etched into fields have captivated imaginations for decades, sparking theories ranging from playful hoaxes to messages from the cosmos. With approximately 10,000 crop circles reported worldwide since the 1970s, their presence is undeniable, particularly in the United Kingdom, especially Wiltshire. A 2023 study confirmed Wiltshire as England's crop circle hotspot, with these formations often appearing near roads, populated areas, and historical landmarks like Stonehenge and Avebury. But where did this fascinating phenomenon originate, and what's the real story behind their creation?
Living in Wiltshire, I've had the privilege of experiencing these formations firsthand. One particularly memorable experience was during the Covid lockdown when a circle resembling the vaccine appeared in my village's field. The feeling of entering these intricate designs is truly special. Recently, I even ventured out to explore a newly discovered circle nearby.
While the term "crop circle" was coined in the early 1980s by Colin Andrews, the phenomenon itself may have deeper roots. A 1678 woodcut pamphlet from Hertfordshire offers an early account, telling the tale of a farmer who wished the Devil would mow his field after refusing to pay a laborer. The next morning, his field was found "perfectly mowed" in a way no human could replicate. While some debate its connection to modern crop circles (due to the stalks being cut, not bent), this story provides a tantalizing glimpse into possible early beliefs surrounding these formations.
In 1686, naturalist Robert Plot suggested that rings of mushrooms were caused by airflows from the sky. This idea of wind's influence resurfaced in 1880 when amateur scientist John Rand Capron described flattened crop circles, suspecting "cyclonic wind action." The German story "Die zwölf Schwäne" (The Twelve Swans) from 1948 further blends folklore and crop circles, describing a farmer plagued by mysterious flattened grain circles, ultimately attributed to a fantastical dance of swan-princesses.
The connection between UFO sightings and crop circles emerged in the mid-20th century. Following UFO reports in Lamount, Missouri (1952), a mysterious ring of dehydrated vegetation was discovered. Similar events occurred in France (1954) and Somerset, England (1954), where Nigel Frapple reported seeing a metallic object hovering over a field, followed by the discovery of a flattened and scorched patch of ground.
The 1963 Charlton, Dorset incident, involving an 8-foot crater in a potato field, fueled UFO landing speculation. Astronomer Patrick Moore, granted access to the site, found flattened wheat fields nearby, potentially caused by air currents from the impact. Around the same time, a farmworker in Queensland, Australia, George Pedley, encountered a saucer-shaped object and discovered a circular clearing in a lagoon, later linked to similar "nests" appearing in the area. While authorities attributed these to natural phenomena like downdrafts, the connection to UFO sightings persisted.
The claims of Billy Meier, who alleged contact with extraterrestrials from the Pleiades and presented photos and videos of their craft, added another layer to the mystery. However, Meier never captured footage of the crafts creating the circles themselves.
In Wessex, the "Warminster Thing" phenomenon, including a 1976 incident on Cley Hill where a flattened circle appeared after an orb of light descended, further fueled the intrigue.
1976 also marked a turning point. Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, inspired by UFO stories and the Warminster case, decided to create their own crop circles. Their first attempt, a 30-foot circle near Cheesefoot Head, was just the beginning. Over the years, they claimed responsibility for hundreds of circles, even demonstrating their technique to journalists. Despite their confessions, the phenomenon continued, with new creators emerging and a dedicated community forming. Tragically, some key figures in the crop circle community have passed away, adding another layer of mystery.
The story of crop circles is a complex tapestry woven from folklore, UFO sightings, scientific theories, and human ingenuity. Whether the result of elaborate hoaxes or something more enigmatic, these formations continue to fascinate and inspire, reminding us of the enduring power of the unknown.
What are your thoughts on crop circles? Share your theories and experiences in the comments below!
Check out episode 22 of Wyrd Wessex ‘Crop Circles’ here
Or watch the video here