The Crop Circle Mystery: Unraveling the Origin of England's Enigmatic Fields
The phenomenon of crop circles has captivated the public for decades, evoking intrigue, mystery, and speculation. Despite the existence of various theories and claims, the tales of crop circles and their origins continue to engage curious minds around the globe. This article delves into the mystery behind the first confirmed crop circles in England and the individuals who claim to have unleashed the phenomenon in 1978.
The First Crop Circle: Origins and Controversy
The mystery of the crop circle's origin gained significant attention when Doug Bower and Dave Chorley revealed their involvement in June 1991. Though their initial claims stirred controversy, their account offers intriguing insights into the beginnings of this enigmatic art form.
According to Bower and Chorley, the idea for creating crop circles emerged after a conversation at a pub in the late 1970s. Doug, having lived and worked in Australia in the 1960s, was exposed to news articles about the so-called “Tully Nests,” which the local newspapers referred to as “saucer nests” in relation to UFO sightings. This sparked the duo’s interest in creating similar formations as art in the fields of Hampshire and Wiltshire, England.
The Early Constructions
Bower and Chorley initially aimed to create simple circles in their local areas, hoping to attract some attention. However, their efforts remained largely unnoticed until the summer of 1980, when they witnessed a commotion in a field that contained one of their circles. This incident provided the impetus they needed to continue their work openly. They began to create more complex designs and started to feed information about these formations to UFO enthusiasts, effectively marketing their art as mystery phenomena.
The turning point came when a reporter from the local newspaper, The Wiltshire Times, wrote about the mysterious crop circles, linking them to an earlier UFO sighting in Warminster, Wiltshire, in the early 1960s. This article brought national and international attention to their work, cementing the crop circles' place in public consciousness.
Pseudoscientific Speculations and the Role of Colin Andrews
The early 1980s saw the emergence of pseudoscientific theories surrounding crop circles. One of the most prominent figures in this field was Colin Andrews, an electrical engineer who coined the term "crop circles" in 1982–83. Andrews and other researchers proposed various alien and paranormal explanations for the formations, adding fuel to the crop circles' mystique.
Andrews' work, while controversial, contributed to the broader debate about the origin of crop circles. One memorable instance involved an interview with Andrews on the radio, where he suggested that the crop circles and associated UFO sightings were evidence of extraterrestrial activity. Doug Bower, driving with his friend at the time, found this theory rather comical and struggled to avoid crashing the car due to his laughter.
The Confirmed Creator's Story and Its Impact
The reveal by Doug Bower and Dave Chorley in June 1991 marked a significant turning point. They publicly acknowledged that they had created the crop circles and provided a detailed account of their artistic journey. This expose ultimately confirmed their role in the crop circle phenomenon, though it did not entirely quell the speculation and intrigue surrounding these formations.
While the origins of crop circles may never be fully resolved, the story of Doug Bower and Dave Chorley offers valuable insight into the creative and artistic aspects of this phenomenon. It also highlights the enduring mystery and allure that crop circles continue to hold for both the public and those who study them.
Keywords: crop circles, crop circle origin, crop circle creators