The Dodleston Messages represent one of the most intriguing and mysterious phenomena in the realm of paranormal and time travel lore, and they were coming from a…BBC Micro Home Computer…
The Dodleston Messages are a captivating tale of communication across time, originating from a series of mysterious interactions that took place in the mid-1980s. These communications were facilitated by a BBC Micro computer, which became an unexpected conduit for messages from a 16th-century resident named Lukas. This phenomenon is chronicled in Ken Webster’s book The Vertical Plane, which explores the implications of these strange occurrences.
######The BBC Micro: A Catalyst for Communication
The BBC Micro, developed by Acorn Computers as part of the UK’s Computer Literacy Project, was introduced to schools and homes to promote computing skills. In December 1984, Ken Webster borrowed a BBC Micro Model B from his school to use in his cottage in Dodleston, where he lived with his girlfriend Debbie and a friend named Nic. The computer was equipped with EDWORD, a word processing software that allowed users to create and save documents easily.
One night, after leaving the computer on while they went out, Webster returned to find a poem displayed on the screen. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary series of messages that would unfold over the next 16 months. The messages were not simply random text; they were coherent communications that seemed to come from Lukas, who claimed to be living in the same location during the 16th century.
#####Nature of the Messages
The messages received on the BBC Micro varied in content, ranging from personal inquiries about modern life to detailed historical references. Initially perceived as a prank, the nature and accuracy of the information soon led Webster and others to take them seriously. The communications included archaic language and spelling consistent with 16th-century English, further adding to their authenticity.
As the interactions progressed, they began to include more complex dialogues, suggesting an interactive exchange rather than one-sided messages. Some messages even appeared to come from an entity claiming to be from the year 2109, adding another layer of intrigue and mystery.
######Technical Aspects and Investigations
Investigations into the Dodleston Messages raised questions about how such communications could occur without any apparent connection to external networks or devices. The BBC Micro was not connected to the internet or any bulletin board systems at the time. Instead, it operated independently within the cottage.
Speculations included theories about signals being transmitted through electrical wiring or even paranormal influences. However, no definitive conclusions were reached regarding the hardware involved or whether any external interference could explain the phenomenon.
The EDWORD software played a crucial role in storing and displaying these messages. The simplicity of its interface allowed for easy documentation of each interaction. However, concerns arose about security; since the monitor was unshielded, it was suggested that nearby devices could potentially intercept signals or read what was displayed on screen.
#######Cultural Impact and Legacy
Ken Webster’s *The Vertical Plane* details these extraordinary events and has contributed significantly to discussions surrounding time travel and paranormal phenomena. The story has captured public imagination and has been featured in various documentaries and media discussions over the years.
Despite skepticism from some quarters, many enthusiasts continue to explore the implications of the Dodleston Messages as a potential example of time travel or alternate realities. The fascination with this case persists as it challenges our understanding of time, communication, and reality itself.
The Dodleston Messages serve as a remarkable intersection between technology and mystery. Through a simple BBC Micro computer, Ken Webster found himself engaged in dialogues that defy conventional explanations. As documented in *The Vertical Plane*, this story remains a compelling exploration of human curiosity and the enigmatic possibilities that lie beyond our understanding of time and communication.