Ellen Sadler, born in 1859 in Turville, England, became known as the “Sleeping Girl” after falling into a mysterious nine-year sleep starting March 17, 1871, at age 11. Living in poverty with her mother Ann and stepfather Thomas Frewen, Ellen exhibited a melancholic, dreamy demeanor and had health issues, including headaches and glandular swellings. After a brief stint as a nursemaid, terminated due to inattention and drowsiness, she was diagnosed with possible spinal disease and an abscess. Discharged as incurable from Reading Hospital, she returned home, experienced seizures, and fell into a deep, unresponsive state.
For nine years, Ellen remained in the same position—on her left side, hands under her head, knees drawn up—visited by doctors, journalists, and curious onlookers. Her mother fed her minimal amounts of port wine, sugar, and milk through teapots, raising questions about starvation survival. Despite scrutiny, including a government investigation in 1875, no hoax was proven, and Ann’s care was deemed devoted. Ellen awoke in late 1880, shortly after her mother’s death, showing childlike behavior and no memory of the period. She later lived a normal life, marrying and having five children, and died in 1946 at 86.
The case remains unexplained. Possible medical explanations include an extreme form of narcolepsy, a coma from brain infection, or a psychological response to stress from her stepfather’s behavior. Skeptics questioned the lack of bedsores and minimal sustenance, but no evidence confirmed a hoax. The story, widely reported in newspapers like The Times, puzzled contemporaries and remains a medical mystery.
Join The Dark Oak Discussion:
This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep