In the quiet countryside of Harrisville, Rhode Island, a 200-year-old farmhouse stood cloaked in shadows — and secrets. In 1971, the Perron family moved into this colonial-era home hoping for peace and a fresh start. What they encountered instead became one of the most chilling and controversial hauntings in American history — and the real-life inspiration behind The Conjuring.
A New Home — and Immediate Unease
Roger and Carolyn Perron, along with their five daughters, were initially charmed by the old Arnold Estate. The home was spacious, rich with character, and steeped in history — dating back to 1736. But from their first days, strange things began to unfold.
At first, it was subtle: sweeping cold spots, the sound of distant whispers, and objects moving on their own. The children spoke of seeing strange figures in corners or hearing voices when no one was near. Then things escalated. Beds were reported to shake violently at night. Doors slammed on their own. Furniture scraped across floors with no one nearby.
And then there was Carolyn — who seemed to be the target of something darker.
The Legend of Bathsheba
According to local folklore — and later the Warrens — the property carried a sinister legacy. The most infamous figure was Bathsheba Sherman, a woman said to have lived in the 1800s on the land. She was rumored to be a witch, accused of sacrificing her infant child in a Satanic ritual. Though there’s no solid historical evidence proving these claims, the legend stuck.
The Perrons believed Bathsheba’s spirit haunted their home — and wanted Carolyn out.
According to daughter Andrea Perron, her mother would wake with strange bruises and marks, experience bouts of depression, and at times claim to see a woman with a broken neck glaring at her.
Enter the Warrens
Famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren entered the picture after hearing about the family's plight. Lorraine, a clairvoyant, claimed to sense a strong demonic presence in the home. The Warrens conducted multiple visits and eventually held a séance to communicate with the spirits.
But according to the Perrons, the séance only made things worse. Andrea, the eldest daughter, described a terrifying moment where her mother was seemingly possessed — speaking in a strange voice and being thrown across the room. After that night, Roger Perron reportedly ordered the Warrens to leave.
Living With the Spirits
The Perrons stayed in the house for nearly a decade. Despite the fear and chaos, they never had the financial means to move. Over time, the activity quieted, and in 1980, they finally left the farmhouse.
To this day, Andrea Perron insists that everything they experienced was real. She has written a trilogy — House of Darkness, House of Light — detailing their time in the house.
But not everyone agrees.
Fact or Fiction?
Skeptics argue that the entire story lacks hard evidence. Historical records about Bathsheba Sherman show she was a real person — but not a convicted witch or murderer. Critics of the Warrens say many of their cases were based more on belief than proof. And the current and former owners of the house have had mixed experiences — some reporting peace, others strange disturbances.
So, what really happened at the Arnold Estate?
Maybe it was a haunting. Maybe it was stress, sleep paralysis, and a fertile imagination. Or maybe — just maybe — some places really do hold onto darkness.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Perron family’s story continues to haunt the public imagination. And that, perhaps, is what makes it truly unforgettable.
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