The Birth of a Legend
In the autumn of 1888, the poor and overcrowded district of Whitechapel, East London, became the stage for a series of murders so horrific that they would echo through history. The killer, who would become known as Jack the Ripper, preyed upon female sex workers, brutally mutilating them in ways that shocked even the most hardened police officers of Victorian London.
The Victims – The Canonical Five
Although there were many unsolved murders in Whitechapel at the time, five are generally accepted as the “canonical” victims of Jack the Ripper:
- Mary Ann Nichols (31 August 1888) – Found in Buck’s Row, throat slashed, abdomen mutilated.
- Annie Chapman (8 September 1888) – Murdered in Hanbury Street, her body disemboweled and organs removed.
- Elizabeth Stride (30 September 1888) – Killed in Berner Street. Her throat was cut, but her body showed no further mutilation, leading some to believe the killer was interrupted.
- Catherine Eddowes (30 September 1888) – Just an hour after Stride, Eddowes was found in Mitre Square. Her face was slashed, and her kidney removed.
- Mary Jane Kelly (9 November 1888) – Found in her lodging room at Miller’s Court. Her body was so horribly mutilated that even seasoned detectives were left shaken.
The sheer violence and precision of the murders suggested knowledge of human anatomy, sparking speculation that the killer may have been a butcher, surgeon, or medical student.
The Letters from “Jack the Ripper”
During the investigation, police and newspapers received a flood of letters, many claiming to be from the killer. The most famous include:
- The “Dear Boss” letter – Signed “Jack the Ripper,” this is where the killer’s name originated.
- The “Saucy Jacky” postcard – Mentioned details of the double murder of Stride and Eddowes.
- The “From Hell” letter – Sent with a human kidney, supposedly from a victim, though authenticity remains debated.
These taunts kept the public terrified and the press hungry for every detail.
Over the years, more than 100 suspects have been named, ranging from doctors and butchers to royalty. Some of the most discussed include:
- Montague John Druitt – A barrister and teacher who drowned in the Thames soon after the murders.
- Aaron Kosminski – A Polish-born barber with mental illness, often cited as a strong suspect.
- Prince Albert Victor – The grandson of Queen Victoria, accused in conspiracy theories linking the royal family.
- Walter Sickert – An artist later controversially accused by author Patricia Cornwell.
To this day, no conclusive evidence has ever revealed the true identity of the Ripper.
The Legacy of Fear
The murders caused mass hysteria in London, exposing deep poverty, social inequality, and police shortcomings. Jack the Ripper became more than just a killer — he became a dark cultural icon, symbolizing mystery, terror, and the hidden evil of society.
Even after 137 years, Jack the Ripper remains one of the world’s greatest unsolved murder mysteries. His legend continues to inspire books, films, TV shows, and endless speculation, keeping his shadow alive in history’s darkest corners.
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