Doris Stokes: British Spiritualist Medium and Author

Doris May Fisher Stokes, born Doris Sutton on January 6, 1920, in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England, was a well-known spiritualist and clairaudient medium. She claimed that her ability to communicate with spirits began at the age of four, and this gift became more developed after she joined a local spiritualist church following the tragic death of her infant son. Doris was officially recognized as a practicing medium by the Spiritualists’ National Union in 1949, a recognition that helped lay the foundation for her future career.

Career and Rise to Fame

In 1978, Doris gained public attention after appearing on The Don Lane Show in Australia. Her performance impressed many, leading to three sold-out shows at the Sydney Opera House. She later became the first medium to sell out the London Palladium, where tickets were snapped up within hours. Stokes’s public demonstrations were characterized by her warm, approachable demeanor, which made her performances feel more like casual conversations rather than traditional séances. Her ability to relay messages from the deceased with specific details resonated with many, earning her a significant following.

Stokes published a series of autobiographical books, beginning with Voices in My Ear in 1980, which detailed her experiences and interactions with the spirit world. The success of these books further propelled her into the spotlight, and she became a household name across the UK. Despite criticism, Stokes continued to perform public séances, host private sittings, and share her stories through media appearances, including on radio and television.

Health Challenges and Later Life

Throughout her life, Doris battled numerous health issues, undergoing several surgeries for cancer and other ailments. Despite her deteriorating health, she continued to perform until shortly before her passing. In April 1987, she underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor but did not regain consciousness. Doris Stokes passed away on May 8, 1987, in Lewisham, London.

Books by Doris Stokes

Stokes wrote several books documenting her psychic experiences and the stories of those she claimed to have helped. Some of her well-known works include:

  1. Voices in My Ear (1980)
  2. More Voices in My Ear (1981)
  3. Innocent Voices in My Ear (1983)
  4. A Host of Voices (1984)
  5. Voices of Love (1986)

In this collection Doris shares touching stories of her connections with children, famous figures like John Lennon, and the humorous and emotional moments that defined her career

Controversies and Criticisms

Doris Stokes’s career was not without controversy. Critics accused her of using fraudulent methods such as cold reading, hot reading, and planting accomplices in the audience. Investigative reports, particularly by journalist Ian Wilson, suggested that Stokes might have employed deceptive techniques to gain personal information about her audience members, leading to allegations of fraud.

Moreover, Stokes’s claims of assisting law enforcement in solving murder cases were scrutinized. Despite her assertions, investigations by journalists revealed that she had not made any significant contributions to solving these crimes. Figures like James Randi and Paul Daniels, known for debunking psychic claims, challenged Stokes to prove her abilities under controlled conditions, but she declined, stating that such tests were biased and stemmed from personal vendettas.

Doris Stokes’ Legacy

Doris Stokes remains a polarizing figure in the world of mediumship. While many regarded her as a comforting presence who brought peace to grieving families, others criticized her methods, deeming them manipulative. Her books and public appearances helped shape the modern perception of mediumship, and she played a pivotal role in bringing spiritualist practices to a wider audience. Despite the controversies, her story continues to captivate those curious about life after death.

Our View

Here at Thirteen Oddities, we maintain a balanced perspective on the subject of psychic abilities. Our mission is to present well-researched information, exploring both the claims and the controversies surrounding psychics. Whether it’s documenting notable cases, revealing disputed practices, or spotlighting fascinating stories, we aim to provide an unbiased look into the world of psychics, letting readers decide for themselves.