Cousin THE CASEBOOK Lionel’s Life Enter The Matrix and Career D. M. Gates and Adam Went Jeff Beveridge issue six February 2011

CK THE RIPPER STUDIES, TRUE CRIME & L.V.P. SOCIAL HISTORY FRIDAY THE 13TH! in a blow by blow account from J.G. Simons and Neil Bell Did George Sims LOSE IT? Jonathan Hainsworth investigates THE CASEBOOK The contents of Casebook Examiner No. 6 February 2011 are copyright © 2010 Casebook.org. The authors of issue six signed articles, essays, letters, reviews February 2011 and other items retain the copyright of their respective contributions. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication, except for brief quotations where credit is given, may CONTENTS: be reproduced, stored in a retrieval Refer Madness pg 3 On The Case system, transmitted or otherwise cir- culated in any form or by any means, Revisited News From Ripper World pg 115 including digital, electronic, printed, Jonathan Hainsworth pg 5 On The Case Extra mechanical, photocopying, recording or Feature Stories pg 117 Tom Sadler “48hrs” any other, without the express written J.G. Simons and Neil Bell pg 29 On The Case Puzzling permission of Casebook.org. The unau- “Cousin Lionel” Conundrums Logic Puzzle pg 123 thorized reproduction or circulation of Adam Went pg 48 Ultimate Ripperologists’ Tour this publication or any part thereof, The 1888 Old Bailey and Press Wolverhampton pg 125 whether for monetary gain or not, is Criminal Matrix CSI: Whitechapel strictly prohibited and may constitute D. M. Gates and Jeff Beveridge pg 76 Miller’s Court pg 130 copyright infringement as defined in domestic laws and international agree- Undercover Investigations From the Casebook Archives Book Reviews pg 87 Matthew Packer pg 138 ments and give rise to civil liability and criminal prosecution. Collectors Corner Fragments of the East End Expert Advice pg 113 Andrew Firth pg 140 The views, conclusions and opinions expressed in articles, essays, letters and other items published in Casebook Examiner are those of the authors and Editor in Chief Don Souden Assistant Editors: Debra Arif, do not necessarily reflect the views, Publisher Stephen P. Ryder Ali Bevan, Andrew Firth, Mark Ripper conclusions and opinions of Casebook. for Casebook.org Acknowledgements: Suzi Hanney, org, Casebook Examiner or its editors. Features Editor Jennifer Shelden Arthur E. House, Jo Pegg and Neal Design David Pegg Shelden. Thanks for your help REEFER MADNESS: JTR AND REFRIGERATED RAIL CARS DON SOUDEN

here are many reasons for the Considering the past century plus the new rotary web-presses could churn enduring popularity of the Jack of English history Holmes may have out 100,000 issues (not just pages) of an Tthe Ripper crimes and prominent been guilty of overweening optimism, entire paper an hour. among those is the sudden confluence but there is no question that the board Finally, not only could reporters of many separate elements of late 19th schools began to narrow the literacy telegraph the latest details of fast-break- Century technology that helped make gap between and its neigh- ing stories to their editors to ensure up- Jack the first global celebrity criminal. bor to the north (in the 17th Century to-the-minute news was available, but And, sad as it is to label a murderer of only two places in the world had any- the inter-ocean cables that linked the helpless women a “celebrity,” that is thing approaching modern standards of many continents allowed those same what he was at the time: a household universal literacy—Scotland and New stories to be passed on to newspapers name (albeit one to instill fear in every- England). And, because of increasing in North America or Australia almost one) from one hemisphere to the other literacy, there followed the creation of as easily and quickly as they emanated and from England to the Antipodes and the penny—and later ha’penny— press. from Fleet Street. It was a wonderful all points between. With enough potential readers it made time for the press and lacked only the Most of these advancements have economic sense to publish inexpensive widespread use of half-tones rather than been proposed previously, but it can only newspapers. wood-cuts to approach modern newspa- help our understanding of the tumultu- Of course, such newspapers were per standards and it all helped make ous period to consider the great changes only possible because of other inventions Saucy Jack known world-wide. wrought by the Industrial Revolution. that expedited the entire production pro- Yet, there is one more factor to add We might well begin with what, in “The cess. Instead of setting type by hand, to this equation and one that often draws Adventure of the Naval Treaty,” Sherlock the same way Johannes Gutenberg had scowls of puzzlement from those in the Holmes called “Lighthouses, my boy! four-and-a-half centuries previously, the audience when I discuss the topic. That Beacons of the future!” He was referring Linotype machine allowed copy to be extra element is refrigerated rail cars to the new board schools, which he fur- prepared almost as fast as the operator’s (or refrigerated rail vans for those in the ther likened to “Capsules with hundreds fingers flew over the keys. In the same Mother Country) and without which the of bright little seeds, out of which will way, instead of the old flat-bed press lure and lore of Jack might never have spring the wiser, better England.” that might yield two pages a minute, penetrated further than a few urban

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 3 centers. Indeed, it was the refrigerated 19th century the refrigerated rail car, there was another role the milk train rail car that helped create the universal using ice in storage bunkers for cooling, performed besides that to do with milk image of . was developed. That suddenly meant or the occasional pre-dawn passenger. The problem is that milk has always that, along with other perishable com- The milk train would also bring with it been a very perishable commodity under modities like meat, vegetables and fruit, bundles of the early editions of the daily most circumstances. Such that into the fresh milk could be collected daily from newspapers and they were dropped 19th century cities like New York or farms well out in the country. Not only off at every stop along the way as well. actually had dairies—well milk- did that expand the marketing options for Thus, folks on the mid-western prai- ing facilities, anyway—within their agriculturalists everywhere, but it also ries, without a neighbor for miles, or urban confines. Oh, they may once have introduced something new to railroads— those in isolated New England villages, been in rural areas, but expanding city the phenomenon of the “milk train.” The got to read the latest news—about both limits soon subsumed them. I may be milk train would set out from an urban commodity prices and Jack the Ripper’s overly fastidious, but the idea of drink- rail center very early and once it got into depredations— almost quickly as those ing milk from cows kept in some filthy the country it would make many stops at in Aberdeen, if not London. It was the urban warehouse is not high on my list many small stations to pick up the new refrigerated rail car that enabled this to of gustatory treats and I doubt I am cans of fresh milk and to leave behind happen and to it goes much of the credit alone in that. yesterday’s now-empty cans. for having made Jack the Ripper a fiend But then, in the latter third of the That was all well and good, but known universally.

A refrigerated rail car. © Arthur House.

Reefer Madness: JtR and Refrigerated Rail Cars Melville Macnaghten Revisited Part I: Tatcho’s Tale BY JONATHAN HAINSWORTH

By the height of the Edwardian Era down to seven, then to a promising there was hardly a Jack the Ripper trio, and then to ‘the one and only Jack’ mystery at all, in contrast to how it had — took the decision to arrest the rich obsessed people in the previous late recluse seemingly on the very day he . True, the public were vanished from where he lived. This was denied the name of the Whitechapel in a well-to-do suburb six miles from assassin — but then what good would the crime scene, and ‘the police were it do to know? For the fiend was long, in search of him alive when they found long dead, and could never defend him- him dead’ (The Referee, July 13th 1902). self in a court of law — if he had ever In a final, orgiastic, spasm of been found sane enough to stand trial. ultra-violence the English gentleman Shockingly for the ‘better classes’ the murdered and mutilated his youngest vile killer was one of their own, rather victim, and then immediately killed than some foreign wretch professing himself (well, after quite a long hike, an alien creed; a respectable West End actually). Had the suspect been col- physician, a Gentile and a Gentleman lared — and it was apparently a very no less! close run thing — a nimble defense When did Scotland Yard tumble lawyer might have made a great deal of to this ‘demented doctor’, whose last this murderer’s previous incarceration, victim was himself? ‘twice’, in a madhouse, having mani- Tragically, for earthly justice, the fested a homicidal rage, though one police — though very successful at nar- apparently only directed against har- rowing dozens of dead-end suspects lots (The Referee, February 16th 1902). Meville Macnaghten

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 5 A fearless advocate — perhaps some- — as a violent harlot-hater, but appar- dragnet as tight as the hangman’s body like that young and tragic Mr. ently he had no close relations. Living noose. This inquiry, which was appar- Montague Druitt — might have shifted alone he was, nevertheless, monitored ently within mere hours of arresting the blame for the East End atrocities to by concerned friends who somehow the mad medico, was ‘systematic’ and the penny-pinching state; for scandal- tried to keep a vigilant watch on their ‘exhaustive’ (Sims, 1907). The next ously letting out so many dangerous troubled chum. How did they main- time the pals and the police learned lunatics onto the streets, his own client tain such a relentless surveillance? of the doctor’s whereabouts he was being little more than a ticking bomb! Perhaps they bribed his servants to so much human flotsam being hauled The mad doctor had been free from let them know when their master was out of the pitiless, polluted Thames. the asylum for a whole year, living the late returning from one of his aimless Well, that’s some kind of ‘closure’ as quiet life of a reclusive invalid. Unable jaunts on the public transport. the Ripper could never again harm to work, yet so affluent — as a ‘man of However it was done, when the another ‘fallen’ woman, and he had, birth and education’ — that he spent doctor disappeared from his home, and after all, gone on to face the ultimate his time idly riding around on buses, another poor woman had been horrifi- ‘court’ for his monstrous crimes. and the Underground, and eating at cally eviscerated, the frantic friends Strangely, it was not quite clear cafes (Sims, 1906). Idle, that is, until tried in vain to find him and to have the exactly what day the doctor was found the compulsion to kill overcame his doctor sectioned back into an asylum, bobbing in the Thames, an incongru- Christian conscience and he travelled presumably permanently. Unable to ously well-dressed, rotting corpse. Was by train all the way to Whitechapel to locate the unemployed doctor — not it the last day of 1888, or much ear- take out his bloodlust against “unfor- knowing of course that he was already lier — less than a month, in fact, after tunates”. Then he walked all the way dead by his own hand — the pals con- the final paroxysm of violence? A keen back to his, no doubt palatial home, tacted Scotland Yard to inform the Edwardian reader would have noted in Blackheath (Pearsons Weekly, authorities of their terrible suspicions that the authoritative scoop oscillated July 24th 1915) remarkably without regarding their missing friend, and no between both dates, over the years a single witness noticing his bloody doubt also of his madhouse record as a (e.g. Sims in The Referee, March 29th apparel then or when he had them prostitute-loathing maniac. 1903 vs. Sims in Lloyds Weekly, 1907). laundered (Lloyds Weekly, September There was no need, as it turned The murder of Mary Kelly, on 22nd 1907). out. November 9th 1888, or the early hours You would think the fiend’s family For the Ripper-hunters of the of the following morning, caused the might have suspected something amiss police were already fast-closing upon doctor’s last vestiges of sanity to com- by his all-night jaunts, plus his pre- the doctor suspect, inexorably clos- pletely give way. After all, how could vious diagnosis — and incarceration ing around him in a super-efficient any human mind not crack under the

Melville Macnaghten Revisited Jonathan Hainsworth strain of that infernal charnel house ponder the extraordinary coincidence cooked up in that tiny room at Miller’s between the real Jack the Ripper and Court? For precious little remained Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange of the respectable doctor and English Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886), gentleman, except an imbecilic husk and how prophetic that classic work with just enough of the energy of an of macabre fiction had turned out to automaton to stagger all the way to be. Both tales involved middle-aged, the Thames — quite a feat really — medical gentleman, ones of consider- and hurl himself into the icy depths: ‘a able independent means — without shrieking, raving fiend’ Lloyds( Weekly, patients, without families, but with 1907). concerned, hovering friends — over- Once the doctor’s body was recov- whelmed by a monstrous, homicidal ered, Scotland Yard closed the book on alter-ego, and who tragically exit this Jack the Ripper. Yes, there were fur- mortal coil by a desperate act of peni- ther of harlots, tential suicide. but the idea that they were anything Revealed, though only after a to do with ‘Jack’ — as late as 1891! — decade, this Blackheath Jekyll and was nothing more than a press beat- Whitechapel Hyde was extraordinary up. Perhaps the only major mistake proof of the maxim that ‘life can imi- Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde the police made was not reassuring tate art’. the public that they were confident, Or so Edwardians were misled to and privilege yet a champion of the in 1888/9, that the fiend was no more. believe. poor — and an amateur criminolo- That would be dangerous, however, in Though denied the name, for obvi- gist — George Sims is almost forgot- terms of the libel laws (the dead cannot ous reasons of propriety, yet the public ten now. In his heyday, however, Sims sue but the living surely can) and also did know what the fiend looked like. could mould and shape popular opin- unsafe in terms of natural justice; how He looked exactly like the very ion rather like some of the opinion- distasteful would it be for the state to famous — and very eclectic — George ated, poisonously bombastic radio and be seen convicting a corpse, ‘for the R. Sims. TV personalities of the 21st Century dead cannot defend themselves’ (Sims, They knew this because Sims told (Sims was cheekily nicknamed ‘Tatcho’ 1917). them so, almost proudly. amongst his well-to-do pals due to an Understandably, Edwardians Journalist, playwright, novelist, anti-baldness lotion the writer shame- would be well within their rights to poet, a Liberal gadfly born to wealth lessly promoted).

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 7 For example, Sims helping in the 1902 in The Referee, praising the prac- a man of birth and education, and campaign to free a wrongly convicted tically herculean Scotland Yard for had sufficient means to keep him- Norwegian (the Adolf Beck miscar- nearly catching the Ripper: self without work. For a whole year riage of justice which led to the cre- If the authorities thought it worth- at least he was a free man, exercising ation of the English court of appeals) while to spend money and time . . . by all the privileges of freedom. And yet earned the writer an honorary knight- the same process of exhaustion which he was a homicidal maniac of the most hood from the King of Sweden, no less. enabled them at last to know the real diabolical kind. [Emphases added.] Sims often wrote under the pseudonym name and address of Jack the Ripper. This is Sims from the Sept 22nd ‘Dagonet’, for the plebeian, sports-mad In that case they had reduced 1907 issue of Lloyds Weekly titled: readers of The Referee, for decades, and the only possible Jacks to seven, then My Criminal Museum: Who was styled himself — without the slightest by a further exhaustive inquiry to Jack the Ripper? irony — as a leading expert on crimes three, and were about to fit these It is betraying no state secret to say and criminals, though he totally lacked three people’s movements in with the that the official view arrived at after the any policing or forensic credentials dates of the various murders when the exhaustive and systematic inves- beyond a gentleman’s dilettante inter- one and only genuine Jack saved tigation of facts that never became est in the subject and having top police further trouble by being found drowned public property is that the author of contacts. in the Thames, into which he had flung the atrocities was one of three men. The opening of this article, in himself, a raving lunatic, after the last The third man was a doctor who which the Edwardian profile of Jack and most appalling mutilation of the lived in a suburb about six miles the Ripper as ‘Demented Drowned whole series. from Whitechapel, and who suf- Doctor’ is laid out, are all from Sims’ But prior to this discovery fered from a horrible form of homicidal writings about the case from 1899 the name of the man found drowned mania, a mania which leads the victim to 1917 stitched together. To a large was bracketed with two others as A of it to look upon women of a certain extent, he did this himself with his Possible Jack and the police were in class with frenzied hatred. longest Ripper piece, for Lloyds Weekly search of him alive when they found The doctor had been an inmate of magazine in 1907, under his own him dead. [Emphases added.] a lunatic asylum for some time, and name. In Sims’ book, The Mysteries of had been liberated and regained his The Sims material is all taken Modern London, the omnibus-loving complete freedom. from the indispensable internet site: Ripper makes a memorable cameo: The horrible nature of the atrocity Casebook: Jack the Ripper, specifically Some of us must have passed committed in Miller’s-court pointed to the ‘press reports’ section. [Jack] in the street, sat with him per- the last stage of frenzied mania. Each Here is Sims/Dagonet on July 13th haps at a cafe or a restaurant. He was murder had shown a marked increase

Melville Macnaghten Revisited Jonathan Hainsworth in maniacal ferocity. The last was the was addressed to the headmaster, not culminating point. The probability is his brother. There is certainly nothing that immediately after committing here to indicate a deteriorating trajec- this murderous deed the author of it tory in his public or personal life: committed suicide. There was nothing SAD DEATH OF A LOCAL else left for him to do except to be found BARRISTER. wandering, a shrieking, raving, The Echo of Thursday night says : — fiend, fit only for the padded cell. An inquiry was on Wednesday held by What is probable is that after the Dr. Diplock, at , respecting murder he made his way to the river, the death of Montague John Druitt, 31 and in the dark hours of a November years of age, who was found drowned night or in the misty dawn he leapt in in the Thames. The deceased was and was drowned. [Emphases added.] identified by his brother, Mr. William Unrecoverable behind this ‘shil- Harvey Druitt, a solicitor residing at ling shocker’ profile, of course, is the , who stated that the historical figure of Montague John deceased was a barrister-at-law, but Druitt: a 31-year-old barrister and had lately been an assistant at a school assistant schoolmaster, a champion at Blackheath. The deceased had left a Montague John Druitt cricketer with a father deceased, a letter, addressed to Mr. Valentine, mother institutionalized, with siblings of the school, in which he alluded to The funeral took place in and cousins, and who drowned him- suicide. Evidence having been given as Wimborne cemetery on Thursday after- self — inexplicably — at the beginning to discovering deceased in the Thames noon, and the body was followed to the of December 1888, his body fished out — upon his body were found a cheque grave by the deceased’s relatives and a of the Thames on the 31st of the same for £60 and £16 in gold — the Jury few friends, including Mr. W.H. Druitt, month. returned a verdict of “Suicide whilst of Mr. Arthur Druitt, Rev. C. H. Druitt, Here is the Southern Guardian’s unsound mind.” Mr. J. Druitt, sen., Mr. J. Druitt, jun., account of Saturday, 1 January 1889. The deceased gentleman was well Mr. J.T. Homer, and Mr. Wyke-Smith. It differs from the more detailed known and much respected in this The funeral service was read by the account, included here a little further neighborhood. He was a barrister of vicar of die Minster, Wimborne, the on, by not mentioning Druitt being bright talent, he had a promising Rev. F.J. Huyshe, assisted by the Rev. dismissed from the Valentine School, future before him, and his untimely Plater. [Emphases added.] at all, and also that the ‘suicide’ letter end is deeply deplored. Though there is nothing in any

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 9 of the meagre primary sources on sympathetic obituaries mention him Montague Druitt to indicate that he being ‘a shrieking, raving fiend’ as he was suspected of being Jack the Ripper argued, presumably calmly, a civil yet he seems to have been the chief appeal on behalf of the Conservative suspect for the Whitechapel murders Party with his brother William Harvey by Sir Melville Macnaghten, Assistant Druitt (Morris, 2007). Commissioner between 1903 and 1913. The very fact that Macnaghten Macnaghten is the Ur-source for the turns the young barrister into a mid- incorrect information, so enthusiasti- dle-aged physician sounds as if he is cally disseminated by Sims, that Druitt too bedazzled by Stevenson’s hit of the was middle-aged, that he killed him- page and stage, and has absorbed the self within hours of the Kelly murder, erroneous idea as fact; that the fiend and that he was a physician. had to have ‘anatomical knowledge’. A veritable ‘hat-trick’ of errors, to This ‘Jack the Surgeon’ tosh is even use a cricketing analogy. more excruciating because Druitt, as To get such utterly basic, bio- even a cursory examination of just graphical information wrong about the press story on the inquest into his Robert Louis Stevenson a suspect — the suspect according to death would show, was not a doctor at Macnaghten — understandably means all! preferred suspect in early 1891. that this police chief’s alleged solution Yet this essay will argue that the Actually the ‘Drowned Doctor’ to the Whitechapel mystery is under- writings of Sims, for all their further scoop did not begin with Sims, but mined, arguably fatally. melodramatic fictionalizing of Druitt, instead with another of Macnaghten’s It is not as if Macnaghten even arguably show that Macnaghten must literary cronies. makes a case, based on some sort of have known — at least originally — Loads of stories turned up in the chain-of-evidence, beyond the timing that his preferred suspect was a bar- press, over the years claiming to reveal of Druitt’s suicide — which alleg- rister, that he was relatively young, the truth about the Ripper. The reason edly fits the theory of a blasted mind and that he killed himself three weeks this version quashed all the others — due to the ‘awful glut’ of the Miller’s after the final murder. it is the origin of the pop image of the Court ghastliness. In fact, Druitt was That George Sims’ writings of top-hatted toff with medical bag and continuing to function, for weeks, as the 1900s are a window, or at least opera cloak emerging sinisterly from a a barrister and a school teacher right a narrow portal, into what Melville thick London fog — is because of who up until his self-murder. None of the Macnaghten first discovered about his was claiming it to be definitive. For

Melville Macnaghten Revisited Jonathan Hainsworth the ‘Drowned Doctor’ Super-suspect of life, was believed to be insane or on one so absolutely distinct from, and far had made its unexpected debut in the borderland of insanity, and he dis- superior to the other, that no possible 1898 in Mysteries of Police and Crime appeared immediately after the last suspicion could attach to him when he (reprinted in 2010) by an unimpeach- murder, that in Miller’s Court, on the resumed the more respectable garb. It able establishment worthy, Major 9th November, 1888. On the last day of was, in fact, a real case of Dr Jekyll Arthur Griffiths, the no-nonsense that year, seven weeks later, his body and Mr Hyde. Granted, also, that this “Czar” of England’s prison system. was found floating in the Thames, and individual was afflicted with periodic Griffiths’ dense, two-fisted tome was said to have been in the water fits of homicidal mania, accompanied by had a section devoted to ‘undiscov- a month. The theory in this case was all the astuteness of this form of lunacy, ered murders’ (meaning unsolved) by that after his last exploit, which was it was easy to conceive of his committing Scotland Yard, yet the Ripper was not the most fiendish of all, his brain the murders under such incontrollable to be found there — he’s in the intro- entirely gave way, and he became furi- impulse, and of his prompt disappear- duction — as that, much criticized, ously insane and committed suicide . . . ance by returning to his other altogether investigation was now claimed to be, [Emphases added.] irreproachable identity. No doubt this well, almost a success: Griffiths’ championing of this to was a plausible theory, but theory it The outside public may think that the public, an entirely new version of was, and nothing more, It was never, the identity of that later miscreant, the duration of the Ripper mystery even inferentially, supported by fact. “Jack the Ripper,” was never revealed. — virtually over as soon as it began [Emphases added.] So far as actual knowledge goes, this is rather than going on for years — and And not two years later, after undoubtedly true. But the police, after the idea that there was a chief suspect meeting with the smooth operator with the last murder, had brought their in 1888, is all the more extraordinary the flippant public schoolboy manner, investigations to the point of strongly because of what he had written in Melville Macnaghten, the CID deputy suspecting several persons, all of them Windsor Magazine in an article (found — characterized in the same book as known to be homicidal lunatics, and by Nick Connell) titled: ‘essentially a man of action’ and ‘more against three of these they held very Unsolved Mysteries of Crime: intimately acquainted, perhaps, with plausible and reasonable grounds of No real solution has been the details of the more recent cele- suspicion … The third person was of offered as yet of the notorious brated crimes than anyone else’ — the the same type, but the suspicion in his Whitechapel murders; that no reason- Major executed a perfect 180 degree case was stronger, and there was every able surmise made of the identity of pirouette. reason to believe that his own friends that most mysterious monster “Jack the Not only did the police, the Major entertained grave doubts about Ripper”. Either he was at sea . . . or he now wrote, have a prime suspect for him. He was also a doctor in the prime was a man with a double personality; ‘Jack’, he was, indeed, ‘a real case’ of

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 11 Jekyll and Hyde — even to the coinci- whose body was found floating in the How awkward and unlikely. Are dental detail of being a doctor (perhaps Thames on 3rd December, i.e. seven these friends supposed live with the Griffiths’ embarrassing about-face was weeks after the said murder. The body demented doctor? shielded somewhat by the article being was said to have been in the water for Awkward it may be, but better written under his pseudonym, Alfred a month, or more—on it was found a than being sued by the family — who Aylmer). season ticket between Blackheath are, be warned, only fairly good — for As has been pointed out, first by and London. From private informa- the potentially slanderous implica- the hard-nosed journalist, Marxist tion I have little doubt but that his tion that they may have harboured the hustler and talented wordsmith, Tom own family suspected this man of fiend and done nothing about it! Cullen, in 1965’s Autumn of Terror, being the Whitechapel murderer; and Griffiths was adapting, virtually it was alleged that he was sexually But Griffiths was wrong, anyhow, line for line, his Ripper scoop from insane. [Emphases added.] about ‘Dr Druitt’ because he was rely- a copy of an internal police report by What a shambles?! Druitt was not ing on Macnaghten who was, himself, Melville Macnaghten — nicknamed a doctor, not 41, not missing immedi- hopelessly mistaken about any of the the ‘Aberconway’ version after his ately after the Miller’s Court murder important details about his chosen sus- youngest daughter, Lady Christabel and whose body was not found float- pect — unless the discreet police chief Aberconway, who carefully preserved ing on Dec 3rd 1888 — rather it was had already begun changing some of it: Dec 31st. We can see that Griffiths, in the details about M J Druitt? Personally, and after much care- his book, has correctly changed the Of all the secondary sources, Paul ful and deliberate consideration . . . date, possibly because the one he was Begg in Jack the Ripper—The Facts I have always held strong opin- shown made no mathematical sense (2006) puts the case against the CID ions regarding No. 1 and the more I if you added up the seven weeks. administrator being a reliable source think the matter over, the stronger do Furthermore, Macnaghten gives the on Druitt most judiciously –—and these opinions become. The truth how- impression that M J Druitt lived with most devastatingly: ever, will never be known, and did, family at Blackheath — which is also . . . almost everything [Macnaghten] indeed, at one time lie at the bottom of wrong. has to say about Druitt is wrong … that the Thames, if my conjections [sic] be Another crucial detail the Major neither Macnaghten nor his source correct. has altered, no doubt because he and could have been acquainted with the No. 1 MR M. J. DRUITT, a doctor his publisher were wary of the dra- evidence given at the inquest into of about 41 years of age and of fairly conian libel laws, is that the Druitt Druitt’s death, where Druitt’s occupa- good family, who disappeared at the ‘family’, who ‘suspected’, are now the tion was clearly stated. (Begg, p.328) time of the Miller’s Court murder, and ‘friends’ of his published account. [Emphases added.]

Melville Macnaghten Revisited Jonathan Hainsworth Yet in the Aberconway version resided, and found a paper addressed — this bit of public transport minutia! there is a nagging nugget of a detail — to him (produced). — The Coroner Begg provides a persuasive expla- one not in the official, filed version of read the letter, which was to this effect:- nation that fits his view, accepted by Macnaghten’s Report at Scotland Yard ”Since Friday I felt I was going to be most researchers, that Macnaghten’s in 1894 — which shines brightly amidst like mother, and the best thing was for knowledge about the real Druitt was the inaccurate dross. Macnaghten me to die.” — Witness, continuing, said only of the most limited kind; totally records that upon Druitt’s body was deceased had never made any attempt at odds with the professed certainty found a season train pass between on his life before. His mother became with which he must have convinced his Blackheath and London. insane in July last . . . P.C. George misled cronies. That is correct. Moulson, 216T, said he had searched Analysis of Macnaghten’s writ- Here is an excerpt from the the body, which was fully dressed ing suggests that his source of infor- only detailed account of the inquest excepting the hat and collar. He found mation about Montague Druitt was into Druitt’s demise from the Acton, four large stones in each pocket in the PC Moulson’s report about finding Chiswick & Turnham Green Gazette, top coat; £2 10s. in gold, 7s. in silver, the body in the Thames. Macnaghten Saturday, January 5th 1889. It is a 2d. in bronze, two cheques on the knew about the season ticket . . . inac- frustratingly flawed source as the dead London and Provincial Bank (one for curate biographical information shows man’s name is never mentioned, his £50 and the other for £16), a first-class that he had no knowledge of the brother seems to be lying about there season pass from Blackheath to evidence given at the inquest. being any other living relatives, nor is London (Southwestern Railway), [Emphasis added.] it clear if Druitt was dismissed from a second half return to This seems very reasonable, his teaching post whilst alive: Charing Cross (dated 1st December), a yet Begg struggles with how, in William H. Druitt . . . heard from silver watch, gold chain with a spade Aberconway, Macnaghten came to the a friend on the 11th of December that guinea attached, a pair of kid gloves, age of 41, when Druitt was exactly ten deceased had not been heard of at and a white handkerchief. [Emphases years younger. Begg cites the West his chambers for more than a week. added.] London Observer, which inaccurately Witness then went to London to Thus the implication is quite described the [un-identified] corpse as make inquiries, and at Blackheath bizarre; a high-ranking, well-regarded that of a man aged about 40. But Begg, he found that deceased had got into police chief becomes aberrantly incom- very fairly, scratches his head offer- serious trouble at the school, and petent regarding Jack the Ripper, so ing that 40 is not 41; that it does look had been dismissed. That was on much so that he does not possess the as if Macnaghten has misremembered the 30th of December. Witness had deceased suspect’s correct age or occu- Druitt’s correct age — by a decade. deceased’s things searched where he pation yet does know — accurately But if he knew Druitt’s age, surely

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 13 Macnaghten must have, originally, been the Ripper. Thus, Begg is dis- Then, on February 11th 1891, there known correct biographical informa- missive of ’s 1903 was a tiny article in The Bristol Times tion about Druitt and yet there is noth- debunking of the ‘Drowned Doctor’ tale and Mirror that might be more sub- ing to suggest — in either version of — whom the retired detective keeps stantial because it, allegedly, involved his Report — that he knew more than inaccurately calling a ‘young medical an un-named Member of Parliament, what was in the constable’s report student’ — as the latter was out of the and thus an officer of state. Apparently about the body’s retrieval and the con- loop by the time this extra information this ‘West of England’ MP had some- tents of its pockets. about Druitt must have arrived. how stumbled upon the fiend as a Begg is one of the very few sec- Yet Macnaghten has made so surgeon’s son who had, some time pre- ondary sources to analyse and many glaring errors about Montague viously, killed himself. absorb, in any depth, the meaning of Druitt that Begg is left honestly per- There was no sequel to this bizarre Macnaghten’s cagey yet candid 1914 plexed; did Macnaghten, or his source fragment as, not two days later, the memoirs. Here are Macnaghten’s (or both) confuse Druitt with perhaps Ripper seemed very much alive. [almost] opening lines on p. 54 in the another dodgy medico — maybe the The best secondary source on the evocatively titled Chapter IV of Days insane John Sanders who was a young underappreciated events of 1891 is of My Years: ‘medical student’ suspect from late Scotland Yard Investigates by ex-Con- Laying the Ghost of Jack the 1888 — and then combining him with stables, and veteran Ripper research- Ripper Moulson’s report about Druitt, thus ers, Stewart P Evans and Donald Although, as I shall endeavour to inadvertently creating a ‘Drowned Rumbelow. They devote a whole chap- show in this chapter, the Whitechapel Doctor’ — who never literally existed? ter to the Frances Coles murder and its murderer, in all probability, put an end (a brief yet informative article was messy, unsatisfying and, at least from to himself soon after the Street written about this tantalizing suspect the Yard’s point of view, quite humili- affair in November i888, certain by Jon Ogan.) ating aftermath. facts, pointing to this conclusion, During the long intervals between Evans and Rumbelow make it were not in possession of the police till Whitechapel murders, from 1888 to clear that the Ripper investigation was some years after I became a detective 1891, there were many tabloid stories carried out, with varying degrees of officer. about suspects being investigated, intensity, for years, with no cognition Several years after Druitt killed often quickly cleared, or just repeat- by the police that the fiend was proba- himself, incriminating information ing gossip about suspicious characters; bly dead or incarcerated — both notions was discovered which caused the frustrated tabloids digging around first contributed by Macnaghten in his police, or at least Macnaghten, to hopefully for another fissure into the unreliable Report(s) and then propa- believe that ‘in all probability’ this had Whitechapel mother lode. gated by Griffths and Sims.

Melville Macnaghten Revisited Jonathan Hainsworth That Macnaghten was ‘six months duration of the Ripper investigation, tabloid hysteria, when, in fact, it was too late’ for the Ripper investigation and the ignorance of the constabulary, the police who were briefing the press is only true of the 1888 murders. He than Anderson. that ‘Jack’ might be back. was there from mid-1889, and thus in Once more from Chapter IV, As for the tantalizing morsel about plenty of time to deal with a prime — if Macnaghten writes: a loose-lipped MP and a homicidal sur- stone dead — suspect who would only At the time, then, of my joining the geon’s son, it had already been swept emerge in the very midst of the most Force on the Ist of June 1889, police away as just so much tabloid detritus. intensive manhunt for the fiend, proba- and public were still agog over the Whereas we know, since Andrew bly since Dr Francis Tumblety jumped tragedies of the previous autumn, and Spallek’s bombshell of an article his bail (see R J Palmer’s recent trilogy were quite ready to believe that any (Ripperologist 88, February 2008) that in Casebook Examiner about fresh murders, not at once elucidated, the un-named politician was Henry Walter Andrews investigation of the were by the same maniac’s hand. Richard Farquharson, a backbench wily confidence man). Indeed, I remember three cases — two Tory in the incumbent government. . . . the police at first thought [the in 1889, and one early in 1891, which The family of Montague John Druitt, Coles] murder might be another in the the press ascribed to the so-called son of the late Dr William Druitt Sr., Ripper series and, therefore, that Sadler Jack the Ripper, to whom, at one lived a few miles from this upper-crust might be the Ripper. On Saturday 14 time or another, some fourteen murders member. Plus, the Druitts were active February 1891, the day of Sadler’s were attributed — some before, and in constituency Tory politics, the broth- arrest, The Daily Chronicle reported: some after his veritable reign of terror ers Montie and William Druitt, for ‘At three o’clock the authorities circu- in 1888. [Emphases added.] example, winning a civil case involving lated an announcement that the crime The murder of Coles and the franchise rights being dependent on was supposed to be the work of “Jack excruciating failed attempt to nail the payment of local rates. Their victory on the Ripper”, and ordered all docks, sailor Tom Sadler for even this homi- November 22nd 1888 was a not insig- wharves, and stairs to be searched. cide, let alone the earlier Whitechapel nificant boost for the Tories (Morris, . . It is unlikely that the police would horrors — due partly to the failed iden- 1996). have risked causing another panic in tification by a prime witness — was MP Farquharson also had the per- London if they did not seriously think the desultory anti-climax to the police fect connection of class and background that the Ripper might have been at hunt for this elusive killer. Whilst to communicate with a sympathetic work again. Macnaghten acknowledges the length Macnaghten: both were Etonians. (Evans/Rumbelow, 2006, p. 250) of this frustrating inquiry, up to the Thus the ‘Old Boy Net’ undoubtedly Macnaghten, for all his infamous un-named Coles, he carefully weights came into discreet play once the story errors, is much more reliable about the the response to that murder towards leaked to the press.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 15 As Spallek argued, the ‘West of with so much emphasis that it might this fundamental error, which winds England MP’ source is almost certainly almost be called his doctrine — is that its way through the Macnaghten the bridging source — the missing link ‘Jack the Ripper’ committed suicide Report(s), Major Griffiths, George -— between the sympathetic obitu- on the night of his last murder. I Sims, and the same police chief’s mem- aries about the tragic young barris- can’t give details, for fear of a libel oirs, like a main circuit cable, seems to ter of ‘bright talent’ with ‘a promising action; but the story is so circumstan- begin here. future’, in 1888, and his unexpected re- tial that a good many people believe Yet, this error or rumor is linked emergence, a few years later, as a post- it. He states that a man with blood- with ‘blood-stained clothes’ being humous police suspect in, of all things, stained clothes committed suicide found. the Jack the Ripper murders. on the night of the last murder, and he Perhaps ‘blood’ here has become Frustratingly brief as it is the, MP asserts that the man was the son of a mixed up with the water-drenched I GIVE A CURIOUS STORY FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH. tip contains vital glimpses of the mam- surgeon, who suffered from homicidal state of Druitt’s clothes when he was moth iceberg lying just out of reach, mania. I do not know what the police fished from the Thames. Water-logged and The North-Eastern Daily Gazette think of the story, but I believe that does not, however, suggest a crime, of Feb 1891 gives this story the eye- before long a clean breast will be made, not even that of suicide — as a person catching headline it deserves: and that the accusation will be sifted might have fallen in. The wary reporter A Strange Story of ‘Jack the thoroughly. [Emphases added.] of the MP article does not seem to pos- Ripper’— Reported Suicide of the As already noted, Montague John sess the colorful Thames detail, for if Fiend Druitt killed himself three weeks after he did he would know that this does I give a curious story for what it the murder of Mary Kelly, on about not quite fit; the river would have thor- is worth. There is a West of England Dec 3rd 1888, perhaps a day, or two oughly disposed of blood-stains after a member who in private declares that days before that. The point is that month’s worth of decomposition in the he has solved the mystery of ‘Jack the he most certainly did not kill himself unforgiving seawater. Ripper.’ His theory — and he repeats it mere hours after the ‘final murder’ and On the other hand, if the reporter

Melville Macnaghten Revisited Jonathan Hainsworth does possess the method of suicide he would not again be correctly identi- Doctor’ apostle was originally an unim- has chosen not to include it — perhaps fied as a surgeon’s son — rather than pressed skeptic: shying away from the libelous poten- one himself — until 1959 and still with The newspapers which, thanks tial it might engender amongst surviv- his name withheld from the public for to the outburst of public indignation, ing relations. another six years due to Dan Farson’s found it advisable to leave off trying Separating the contradictory bits very English reticence about upsetting to hang Sadler for the crimes of Jack from comparable primary sources — Lady Aberconway’s wishes (Farson, the Ripper, without trial, and on the incriminating garments and the sui- 1972, p. 16). unsworn and inadmissible evidence of cide weeks later — Druitt may have left In fact, it is possible that within his wife, have fallen back upon myste- behind blood-stained clothes, though just a couple of days in February or rious hints as to the real Jack being a obviously not the ones he was wearing March 1891, even a single, rather well-known man. It has been freely when he killed himself. These bloody plush afternoon with ‘Farquy’ at the stated in more than one serious journal garments were associated with the Garrick Club — over brandy and that the police know perfectly well Kelly murder by the family, or at least cigars? — Macnaghten had, at least who Jack is, and that they have been by the brother who apparently found to his satisfaction, solved a case which shadowing him for years, but have had his belongings still at the Blackheath had baffled his more experienced peers. great difficulty to keep up with him school, because that was the last Of course, the solution was handed to “owing to his frequent visits to the Ripper murder and subsequently their Macnaghten on a silver plate, since Continent”. [Emphases added.] Montie had killed himself. belief in Druitt’s guilt seems to have As Druitt’s lifeless body, his Somehow, back in 1891, the originated within the murderer’s pockets filled with rocks, began its Druitt family’s terrible secret had immediate circle; the family who ‘sus- slow ascent back to the surface of the leaked in Dorset, perhaps along the pected’ and then ‘believed’, the latter, Thames, his club sacked him, in local constituency grapevine, and con- stronger characterisation according to absentia, because they thought — for sequently the breath-takingly indis- the official version of his Report (I will some reason — that being unaccount- creet Farquharson excitedly told ‘a deal with Macnaghten’s non-identical ably AWOL as the club’s treasurer good many people’ about his ‘doctrine’. twin Reports in Part III). meant that he had left England. According to the MP article Scotland Dagonet (Sims), in The Referee On 21 December the minutes of Yard is at present not involved, but of March 1st 1891 may have learned the Blackheath Cricket, Football and will no doubt investigate and then some kind of garbled version of Lawn Tennis Compnay record, “The make a ‘clean breast’ of it all. Macnaghten’s breakthrough, regard- Honourary Secretary and Treasurer, Actually, the MP story had no ing Druitt, in the shadow of the Sadler Mr M J Druitt, having gone abroad, it sequel, and the un-named Druitt debacle — though the future ‘Drowned was resolved that he be and he is hereby

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 17 removed from the post of Honourary — either by accident or design — these Secretary and Treasurer” … On 7 details began to fade and then reas- February [1889] at a board meeting of semble themselves into the Blackheath the Blackheath Cricket Club, “It was Jekyll and the Whitechapel Hyde. resolved that the Directors had heard Nothing, after all, was filed in with much regret of the death of Mr 1891, as there was nobody to arrest. In M J Druitt who had zealously ful- fact, Macnaghten cheerfully confesses filled the duties” . . . (Begg, p. 326) — in the preface of his memoirs — to [Emphasis added.] have been too restless to keep a note- Once more, we see the theme of the book, relying only on his memory, and inexplicable nature of Druitt’s demise. so maybe the details began to blur (I Paul Begg, on p. 331, is equally will deal with Macnaghten’s claims to perplexed by Macnaghten’s claims have destroyed documentary evidence regarding the drowned barrister; why in Part II). does he suspect the latter when he Whether the assistant chief con- obviously knows so little about him stable conferred not only with the which is accurate? On the other hand, Tory MP but also with members, or a Macnaghten, as a police administra- member, of the Druitt clan is unknown tor, was not known to be incompetent yet there are indications in Sims, as or callous: we shall see, that he may have done It seems unreasonable to suppose just that. that Sir Melville Macnaghten was so It is very instructive too that the George R Simms irresponsible as to base an accusation ‘West of England’ MP titbit of 1891 on such flimsy connection as the mere does not have the Thames drowning now be front and centre, yet simulta- fact that Druitt committed suicide sev- detail, and is about a suspect unknown neously balanced -- in this shell game eral weeks after the murder of Mary to the authorities, yet when [the un- -- by the surgeon’s son having morphed Kelly. named Druitt] returns, in 1898, as into a middle-aged doctor whilst his I agree, and the identification of Major Griffiths’ best bet to be the fiend, ‘family’, as already noted, have become the Tory MP strongly argues in favor he is allegedly suspected by police suspicious ‘friends’; facts turned into of Macnaghten originally knowing the before he killed himself. fiction. suspect’s correct age, vocation and date Also, the accurate Thames- Whether by accident or design (to of suicide, but that, as the years passed drowning detail, missing in 1891, will be analyzed further in Parts II & III)

Melville Macnaghten Revisited Jonathan Hainsworth the historical, un-named Montague Warren replied; he topped himself. Druitt is being very successfully “We keep on arresting as fast as we The answer seems to lie in the hidden at the very moment he makes can, way Sims responded to the retired his stunning Victorian sunset come- And we hope soon or late we shall get detective Frederic Abberline who — back — via Macnaghten’s credulous the right man.” understandably — was bewildered by writer chums — as, allegedly, the lead- Then, goaded by taunts to the depths the ‘Drowned Doctor’ suspect emerg- ing Ripper suspect. of despair, ing phoenix-like in the press, as was In 1888, George Sims as Dagonet The poor First Commissioner tore at the even more caustic and also retired, had been scathing about the police his hair, . He is the fascinating investigation into the Whitechapel And fell upon Matthews’s breast with a subject of the nifty volume: Edmund murders even in witty verse: sob — Reid Victorian Detective–The Man Who THE BLOODHOUNDS. - But the Whitechapel Vampire was still Hunted Jack the Ripper, by Nicholas (BY A LUNATIC LAUREATE) on the job. Connell and Stewart P Evans. The The brow of Sir Charles it was gloomy And so on, for another eleven authors record Reid’s 1903 dismissal and sad, stanzas. in the press of Sims’ ‘Drowned Doctor’ He was slapped by the Tory and kicked The significance of this is that, paradigm, which rigidly locked in due by the Rad.; starting in 1899, Sims was totally to the inconvenient timing of Druitt’s His were all of them down signed-up to the Macnaghten view of suicide, Mary Kelly rather than in the dumps, the [publicly un-named] ‘Dr Druitt’ as Frances Coles as the final victim: And his staff of detectives were clean the Super-suspect most likely to have I was not aware that the last horror off their chumps. been the killer. Thus Sims had also was committed in Miller’s Court. I was The populace clamoured without in the done a 180 degree about-face, and like always under the impression that the yard Griffiths never acknowledged, in print, last of the so-called ‘Ripper murders’ For Matthews, Home Sec., to be feath- that he was even doing this acrobatic was committed in Swallow Gardens ered and tarred; maneuver. . . . [the murder of] Frances Coles on When Matthews peeped out of a Friendship and charm aside, how February 13th 1891. It is certainly news window hard by, did Macnaghten convince the Tory to me that the last of the murders took And grinned at the mob with a leer in Major and the Liberal writer that what place in 1888. his eye. they had originally believed from 1888 Are not these the same police “Do something - do something!” Lord to 1898 was dead wrong? Not only that Ripper hunters who were an integral Salisbury cried ‘Dr D’ was the best suspect, but that part of the ‘systematic’ and ‘exhaustive’ “We’ve done all we can!” Worried the police had been hunting him before inquiry which zeroed in on the alleged

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 19 middle-aged doctor and were about to year an affronted Sims let his detrac- fact, just imagine the reaction of arrest him? Not according to them. tors have it with both barrels: Griffiths and Sims if they had - actu Sims deals with Abberline (whilst I am betraying no confidence in ally seen the archived version of Macnaghten will debunk the un- making this statement, because it Macnaghten’s Report, and what the named Major Henry Smith in his mem- has been published by an official police chief, apparently and officially oirs) with great pomposity, by pointing who had an opportunity of seeing the judged Druitt’s worth to be as a Ripper to an allegedly omniscient document: Home Office Report, Major Arthur suspect: a Home Office Report, written by the Griffiths, one of Her Majesty’s inspec- No one ever saw the Whitechapel Assistant Commissioner — though tors of prisons. murderer; many homicidal maniacs which one; Warren, Anderson, Monro, I have no time to argue with the were suspected, but no shadow of or even Macnaghten, is left unclear. gentlemen, some of them ex-officers of proof could be thrown on any one. I On March 29th, 1903 Dagonet the detective force, who want to make may mention the cases of 3 men, any wrote: out that the report to the Home one of whom would have been more Jack the Ripper” committed sui- Office was incorrect. [Emphases likely than Cutbush to have committed cide after his last murder — a murder added] this series of murders: so maniacal that it was accepted at So, that’s that. (1) A Mr M. J. Druitt, said to be a once as the deed of a furious madman. We know, of course, that the doctor & of good family -- who disap- It is perfectly well known at Scotland ‘Home Office Report’ is actually the peared at the time of the Miller’s Court Yard who “Jack” was, and the reasons ‘Aberconway’ version, which was murder, & whose body (which was said for the police conclusions were given either a rejected draft or a backdated to have been upwards of a month in in the report to the Home Office, rewrite of a Scotland Yard document. the water) was found in the Thames on which was considered by the authori- Though it was probably prepared for 31st December -- or about 7 weeks after ties to be final and conclusive. that department of state, it was never that murder. He was sexually insane How the ex-Inspector [Abberline] sent there and so far as we know, never and from private information I have can say “We never believed ‘Jack’ was requested either. little doubt but that his own family dead or a lunatic” in the face of the Whether Griffiths and Sims believed him to have been the mur- report made by the Commissioner had misunderstood, or whether derer. [Emphases added.] of Police is a mystery to me . . . The gen- Macnaghten had puffed himself up by The gruff Griffiths might have felt uine “Jack” was a doctor. His body was exaggerating the document’s impor- vindicated about the date of the body’s found in the Thames on December 31, tance, is unknown. We do know that retrieval, but utterly betrayed over the 1888. [Emphases added.] it was not considered by the authori- revelation that Druitt was, apparently, And again, on April 5th of the same ties to be ‘final’ and ‘conclusive’! In a nothing suspect — about whom

Melville Macnaghten Revisited Jonathan Hainsworth SURELY THIS WAS FOOLHARDY ‘PLAN’? Scotland Yard hadn’t even bothered to widely respected journalist known as ascertain whether he was a physician “Tatcho” to his friends on account of or not? Whereas the writer of populist his endorsement of a hair-restoring scenarios, Sims, might have noticed product . . . Other contemporary mem- that (a wholly) ‘good’ family’s belief in bers included Major Arthur Griffiths the culpability of their, now definitely, and Sir Melville Macnaghten . . . sexually insane member, is indeed An objection to what Macnaghten ‘proof’s shadow’, and that ‘said to be is doing is that he is a bit like Dr. a doctor’ is classic upper class evasion Doolittle’s Pushmi-Pullyu, the gazelle- for might-not-be-a-doctor?! unicorn beast with two heads — Macnaghten was a member of but at either end. On the one hand, another gentlemen’s association: Macnaghten wants to improve the The Crimes Club. Robin Odell in Yard’s reputation regarding the fiend Ripperology on p. 50 makes reference by publicizing the un-named Druitt, to this further well-heeled connection yet he also seeks to hide Druitt to avoid between the police chief and his liter- scrutiny, or a libel suit, or harm to the ary peers: surviving family, whilst surely know- According to the club’s records, ing that field detectives, like Abberline S. Ingleby Oddie, coroner for Central and Reid, will call his bluff. London and a founding member of the And his means for this public dis- club, arranged a meeting on April 19th semination is not himself, not his own 1905, when fellow members were taken words, his own prestige, but a celeb- on a tour of Ripper murder sits, led rity journalist — who might imme- by Dr. Gordon Brown, diately suspect he is being conned by Police Surgeons, and escorted by three doing just minimal research into this City detectives. ‘Drowned Doctor’? Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was also Surely this was foolhardy ‘plan’? a member of the party. Among the ear- I think this is looking at what liest members was George R Sims, a happened through the wrong end of

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 21 the telescope. Druitt was not recovered Scotland Yard had been right onto the after the Kelly murder, whereas in by anybody until Lady Aberconway suicided suspect, but in his memoirs Sims he kills himself mere hours after showed Farson the draft or copy of Macnaghten conceded – in a document Mary Kelly, except for the incredibly the so-called ‘Home Office Report’ (not under his own name — that this was challenging quest to bloodily stagger, knowing what it was supposed to be not true. screaming and shrieking — without she titled it a ‘Memorandum’) in the Yet comparing the primary sources being noticed by a soul — until finally late 50s. Macnaghten was confident on Druitt with Sims’ smug prognosti- reaching the Thames for the fatal that in choosing Griffiths and Sims cations about Jack the Ripper we can plunge! that they would do no independent see that the latter is an exaggeration Yet is there a single detail, research, whatsoever, and, so far as we of much, though by no means of all, amongst these mythical amplifications can tell, they didn’t. In fact, nobody did. that is in ‘Aberconway’; presumably by which shows that the real suspect was The doctor’s name could not be - Macnaghten in cosy chats with his pal not hidden from Macnaghten? That lished and so why bother to tediously at the Crimes club. he really knew more than just PC comb through press reports from 1888, For example, the dead Druitt was Moulson’s Report. There is one; yet or at the Royal College of Surgeons? found with some substantial cheques another gleaming nugget. For the Major and the playwright, and so he becomes, in Tatcho’s tale, Sims writes, several times, about talking with Macnaghten was the fabulously wealthy. the friends of the missing doctor franti- research. They were now part of the Druitt was let go from the lesser cally trying to find him. We know that privileged ‘inner circle’ who, suppos- of his two vocations, and so, in Sims, ‘friends’ is really standing-in for ‘family’ edly, knew the truth behind what hap- the Ripper becomes a full-blown unem- — whether Sims knew that or not. pened in 1888. ployed recluse. Here is Dagonet on February 16th To put it bluntly, Macnaghten A single police chief — 1902: deceived his handpicked propagandists Macnaghten — had stumbled upon the The homicidal maniac who into believing that they were seeing a fiend’s potential identity in the press, Shocked the World as Jack the copy of a definitive document of state, and then from a fellow Etonian, but Ripper had been once — I am not sure when it was nothing of the kind (nor over two years too late. This becomes, that it was not twice — in a luna- presumably did he inform that there in Sims, the Yard’s top field detec- tic asylum. At the time his dead body were two versions of this ‘Report’ tives closing upon the doctor before was found in the Thames, his friends, which were significantly different?) he hurled himself in the Thames, and who were terrified at his disap- The police chief, anonymously, wanted that this suspect was believed to be the pearance from their midst, were to give the impression to the public killer by all the top brass at the Yard. endeavouring to have him found that an efficient, unkindly maligned Druitt killed himself three weeks and placed under restraint again.

Melville Macnaghten Revisited Jonathan Hainsworth [Emphases added.] of the corpse. How could it be? much less prestigious jobs. The mother The following is from Sims’ At the very least, Macnaghten was institutionalized — which is magnum opus on the Ripper, in 1907. had read — though not until 1891 — also in the inquest article — and this That he now has the corpse being the press account of the inquest on becomes another detail moved across retrieved around early December sug- Montague Druitt’ suicide, a death to her son, presumably in conversa- gests that, at last, he too has the copy due to being ‘of unsound mind’. Let us tion with a Sims hungry for more, as of the ‘Home Office Report’ in his eager examine those critical lines again: it is not in Aberconway. P e r h a p s hands. William H. Druitt . . . heard from Macnaghten’s fading memory sub- After the maniacal murder in a friend on the 11th of December that sumed the Druitt parents into their Miller’s-court the doctor disappeared deceased had not been heard of at allegedly maniacal spawn? from the place in which he had his chambers for more than a week. So far as we know, Montie Druitt been living, and his disappearance Witness then went to London to make was never in a madhouse for being caused inquiries to be made con- inquiries . . . [Emphases added.] ‘sexually insane’. How do we know cerning him by his friends who That means that if Macnaghten that Macnaghten did not simply get had, there is reason to believe, their had that information in front of him this detail wrong too, about Druitt own suspicions about him, and these he could also see what we can see: that having been institutionalised — maybe inquiries were made through the proper Druitt was a young barrister — and ‘twice’? Because in his 1914 memoirs authorities. a sacked school teacher — who killed the safely retired police chief specifi- A month after the last murder the himself in early December 1888. cally denies that the un-named Druitt body of the doctor was found in the Thus Macnaghten, arguably, had ever been ‘detained’ in an asylum Thames. There was everything about did once know the nuts and bolts of — which is correct. it to suggest that it had been in the Druitt’s biography and, as river for nearly a month. [Emphases the years passed, he played added.] around with it either deceit- …NEVER IN The detail, about the frantic chums fully or imaginatively — but trying to find the doctor, is clearly a fic- the semi-fiction was once A MADHOUSE titious version of the brother, William, based on hard fact. trying to find his missing sibling at For example, the father FOR BEING both his legal chambers and at the died a respectable, middle- Blackheath school, wherein he resided. aged physician and this ‘SEXUALLY But this element of the story is not detail, by 1898, is moved in P C Moulson’s report on the retrieval across to the son, who had INSANE’.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 23 Yet surely Macnaghten needed to the story leaked, and William had, pre- the police. [Emphases added.] speak with the family, who ‘believed’, sumably, a private, perhaps very awk- In Chapter IV of Macnaghten’s or at least the brother, as Farquharson ward meeting with the discreet and 1914 memoirs there is a strangely and his self-proclaimed ‘doctrine’ may smooth Melville Macnaghten. redundant line about the murderer have been vivid but completely unre- Thus even the seemingly unlikely being out of his home to kill the har- liable gossip picked up on the local, element of Sims’ story, that the Super- lots of Whitechapel. But he had to be Tory grapevine? In fact, could he have cops of 1888 already knew about the as the prostitutes of Whitechapel did stopped himself from investigating ‘demented doctor’ before they spoke not make house calls — let alone in further, knowing Macnaghten’s ‘man with his frantic friends, may be essen- Blackheath. The fiend did not live in of action’ Super-cop persona? tially correct. In the sense that it a prison, nor surely did he live with Remembering that Sims is a really refers to Macnagnten’s off-the- chums. Macnaghten source, by proxy, and that record investigation, of 1891, when he Behind that myth of the anguished ‘Tatcho’s’ tale the real story refracted had a ‘quiet word’ with Farquharson friends is, of course, the Druitt family. through veiled fiction, moreover - fic and thus was briefed on the extraordi- But if Macnaghten wrongly thought tion which improves the story ­— and nary story — and M J Druitt’s identity that Druitt lived with his relations everybody’s reputations — we see a — before he moved on to see brother then the suspect would surely be out glimpse of perhaps just such a meeting William. and about — it’s hardly illegal. The between Macnaghten and the Druitts, Even the ‘blood-stained clothes’ of myth of the middle-aged, invalid or a Druitt: the MP story make a mythical appear- recluse is just that, as the real suspect A little more than a month later ance in Sims’ piece for Lloyds Weekly had two demanding jobs to balance, as the body of the man suspected by the in 1907, though in reverse, as if to well as being a promising athlete. chiefs at the Yard, and by his own exonerate the family who did not really And, Macnaghten acknowledges friends, who were in communi- live with him, and only found bloody correctly that the suspect had never cation with the Yard, was found clothes after he had killed himself: been in a madhouse, and therefore was in the Thames. (Sims April 5th 1903) [Jack] had a home somewhere, probably not unemployed either — [Emphasis added.] he slept somewhere, ate somewhere, which he wasn’t. The real, embarrassing, much less changed his linen somewhere, sent his This is how Macnaghten vaguely exciting — and arguably less heroic linen to the wash somewhere, kept his puts it on p. 62 of Chapter IV: truth — being that it was not a friend, clothes and lived his life somewhere, . . . the individual who held up but a brother, and he had not been in yet never during the series of murders London in terror resided with his voluntary contact with the police at did he arouse the suspicions of any own people; that he absented him- all, until, more than two years later, person who communicated with self from home at certain times, . . .

Melville Macnaghten Revisited Jonathan Hainsworth [Emphases added.] master had not committed an illegal gentleman, one who makes fre- What it suggests is that act which required the Bobbies or, con- quent trips to the Continent — and Macnaghten was originally cognizant versely, for the whole affair to be cov- he thinks that the suspect is himself, that Druitt lived not with friends, ered up. in yet another example of a clueless nor with family — nor was an ordi- Since the family, the local MP, and constabulary. This is how the rest of nary lodger free to come and go as he the deputy head of CID all believed, that Dagonet piece continued in The pleased — but rather ‘resided’ in some rightly or wrongly, that Druitt was the Referee. official way which meant that he had Ripper, and since he lived at a school, When I read this startling piece of to be accountable for his movements the much more likely ‘serious trouble’ news, and in a grave and sober daily, I at night. That he was out when he was was that he had ‘absented himself’ to was, as the old ladies say, “quite taken supposed to be in, as he had a profes- commit the murders in Whitechapel. aback. “ Was it possible that - I really sional obligation to be at ‘home’. Not that this would have been known hardly like even now to put into cold This dovetails, once again, with to anybody at the school. Rather, Mr print the thought that flashed across the report of the inquest in which Druitt was supposed to be minding my mind. And yet why should I not? I Druitt was allegedly sacked whilst the boys at night, and one, or more of can prove an alibi, and I want the full- alive — not allowed to resign — for his young charges discovered that he est inquiry. You have guessed it now. some infraction; for getting into ‘seri- was out and did not return until the The thought that came like a bolt from ous trouble’. And that the brother morning. the blue and nearly stunned me was knew nothing about this unsettling Once more, an argument can be that I myself, moi-meme, moi qui vous development until he went desperately mounted that Macnaghten originally parle, was the person suspected by the looking for his missing sibling. had at least seen the press report of police of being Jack L’Eventreur! An awful lot of ink has been spilt the inquest took note of the suspect’s A tickled pink Sims has a lot of fun speculating that Druitt was a homo- dismissal for ‘serious trouble’ and with an un-named coffee-stall owner sexual or a child molester, or showed made the connection to Whitechapel, who claims that he spoke with a suspi- symptoms of mania which got him based on other information unofficially cious character the morning after the instantly cashiered. In fact, he seems received. ‘double event’ — and that the latter to have finished the school term with Finally, there is the jaunty claim correctly predicted two harlot mur- generous severance cheques in his by Sims that he was the Ripper’s ders before it was public knowledge. pockets. Therefore, George Valentine double. The excited coffee man then saw a pro- had to be seen, by his fussy, deep-pock- He links his likeness to the assas- gressive pamphlet by Sims, The Social eted clients, to be making an example sin to the 1891 rumor that the police Kaleidoscope, with the author’s face on of Mr Druitt, yet the sporty assistant have been investigating a ‘well-known’ the cover and proclaimed that this was

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 25 the face of evil: Behold the Man! Not a book which twenty years ago was would have been no mystery about that the plebeian was actually claim- in most of the newsagents’ and small Jack the Ripper. The man would have ing that Sims, a gentleman, was the booksellers’ windows, was taken been arrested and tried. But you fiend, just that the resemblance was about 1879. [Emphases added.] can’t try a corpse for a crime, however very strong. In fact, Joseph Lawende described strong the suspicion may be. In April 1903, Sims revived this a slim, Gentile-featured, youngish man And the authorities could not anecdote, mentioning that it was the dressed like a sailor ‘conversing’ with say, “This dead man was Jack the second time he had been mistaken for , the fourth victim. Ripper.” The dead cannot defend his ‘double. The first time was a the- No significant witness described a sus- themselves. [Emphases added.] atrical personage and the second of pect with a beard. If Sims was relying Actually, a police chief had been course was the Ripper, but by now the on what Macnaghten was telling him doing exactly that for nearly twenty story had firmed as his definitely being he was taken for a ride yet again. years; pointing to a dead man and saying the splitting image of ‘Jack’: Even in his 1917 wistful reminis- that this was the Ripper — via Sims. Here is Sims at it again, on July cences of the London he loved, Sims No, the dead cannot defend them- 31st 1904: was still wedded to this tale, even selves but they can be obscured to the The objectionable double was the including the asylum detail — which point where they don’t need to. demented doctor who committed the Macnaghten had specifically debunked The always naval-bearded Sims terrible Jack the Ripper outrages. in his own memoirs: became a quite rotund middle-aged In his 1907 opus the coffee man The redoubtable Ripper was not man, even losing his hair despite story, cemented by now as his standard unlike me as I was at that time. Tatcho’s supposed restorative powers. Ripper ‘party-piece’ gets a big workout, He was undoubtedly a doctor As the ‘Drowned Doctor’ Super-suspect with Lloyds Weekly also publishing the who had been in a lunatic asylum was also middle-aged we make a cover of the pamphlet: and had developed homicidal mania of mental mistake by comparing the Sims Various witnesses who had seen a special kind. of later years with the hidden figure of a man conversing with a woman who Each of his murders was more Druitt, naturally concluding that there was soon afterwards found murdered maniacal than its predecessors, and is no resemblance, apart from their said that he was a well-dressed man the last was worst of all. being both Gentile gentlemen. with a black moustache. Others After committing that he drowned Except that the pamphlet is of the described him as a man with a closely- himself. His body was found in the younger, thinner Sims and — minus trimmed beard. Thames after it had been in the river the beard — there is a generic resem- The portrait on the cover of the first for nearly a month. blance between at least the high school edition of “The Social Kaleidoscope,” Had he been found alive there pictures of Montague Druitt and the

Melville Macnaghten Revisited Jonathan Hainsworth famous writer; they share a long face, obsessed with Whitechapel, and a REFERENCE LIST a centre parting of the hair, a small- police chief too late to be there for there ish chin, noticeably low foreheads and for the murders — which was appar- Begg, Paul, Jack the Ripper – The matching aquiline noses. ently ‘the greatest regret of his life’ Facts, Anova Books, 2006 Sims writes that he was the — really settle for just PC Moulson’s Ripper’s double at that time: that is report, when he could, no doubt dis- Casebook: Jack the Ripper, Press 1879, not 1907. creetly, track down a picture of Jack Reports, Sims, George R., Dagonet and It is suggestive that Macnaghten the Ripper? Jack the Ripper, www.casebook.org/ had once known that Druitt was not a To be able to answer that ques- middle-aged murderer, not 41 but 31, tion we need to better understand Connell, Nicholas & Evans, Stewart for to be Sims ‘double’ is only plausible the enigmatic figure of Sir Melville P, Edmund Reid – Victorian Detective, regarding the younger version of the Leslie Macnaghten, whose enduring, Rupert Books, 2009 writer. Unless by the time he hurled ‘Cheshire Cat’ grin hovers over the himself into the Thames, Druitt had mystery to this day. Cullen, Tom, Autumn of Terror: Jack become stout, even hirsute, but his the Ripper His Crimes and Times; The demonstrable athletic prowess — and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Bodley Head, 1965 Lawende’s description — strongly I wish to thank Don Souden for his indicates that he remained lithe and encouragement, R J Palmer for proof- Evans, Stewart P. & Rumbelow, beardless. ing assistance, and Keith Skinner and Don, Jack the Ripper: Scotland Yard I am not suggesting that the coffee Paul Begg for clarifying the relevant Investigates, Stroud, Gloucestershire: stall owner ran into the real murderer. aspects of certain primary sources. Sutton Publishing, 2006 Rather that Melville Macnaghten must have seen a picture of Montie Farson, Dan, Jack the Ripper, The Druitt in 1891 and that — sans the History Book Club, 1972 beard — there was, indeed, a co-inci- dental resemblance between his lit- Griffiths, Major Arthur, Victorian erary chum, when younger, and that Murders: Mysteries of Police and ‘remarkable man’ whom he believed Crime, The History Press, 2010 was Jack the Ripper, and so he fed Tatcho’s peculiar vanity. Macnaghten, Sir Melville Leslie, Days This is speculative, for sure, but of My Years, London Edward Arnold, would Macnaghten, of all the officials 1914

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 27 Morris, Adrian, The Diminishing Case of Mr. Druitt, The Journal of the Whitechapel Society magazine, April 2007 Biography Odell, Robin, Ripperology: A Study of the World’s first Serial Killer and a Literary Phenomenon, Kent State Jonathan Hainsworth University Press, 2006 onathan Hainsworth, 47, is the teaches a unit on the case as a way of Ogan Jon, The Third Man, History Teacher at a Senior showing students the importance of Ripperologist magazine, No. 8 JCollege in Adelaide, South primary sources. He admits to having December 1996 Australia. He became fascinated with an embarrassing man-crush on Sir the Ripper mystery, a few years ago, Melville Macnaghten, and is seeking to Palmer, R J, Inspector Andrews after seeing a documentary on Dr publish his book, Etonian Sleuth: The Revisited; Part One: The Rise of Walter Tumblety, and reading The Lodger by Police Chief who laid to rest the Ghost Andrews, Part Two: Dr Anderson, Dr. Stewart Evans and Paul Gainey. He of Jack the Ripper, in August. Tumblety & A Voyage to Canada, Part Three: International Man of Mystery – The Casebook Examiner, issues One April 2010, Two June 2010, and Four October 2010.

Sims, George R, Mysteries of Modern London, C Arthur Pearson, 1906

Sims, George R, My Life: My Sixty Years Recollections of Bohemian London, Next issue: Part II - The Honourable Schoolboy London Eveleigh Nash Co,. 1917

Spallek, Andrew, The West of England MP – Identified; Ripperologist maga- zine, No. 88, February 2008

Melville Macnaghten Revisited Jonathan Hainsworth Tom Sadler “48HRS” BY J.G. SIMONS AND NEIL BELL

om Sadler was undoubtedly away at sea when Polly Nichols, TAnnie Chapman, Liz Stride and Catherine Eddowes were murdered, but did the wounded, drunken and bel- ligerent Tom Sadler run into Frances Coles in the vicinity of Swallow Gardens that fateful Friday 13th? At two o’clock that Friday morn- ing Sadler was slowly making his way back to Chambers, White’s Row from the Royal Mint, and a tired, penniless Coles was on her way to the docks to find Sadler, who had told her that he was returning to his ship the SS Fez, and had wages coming his way. With the aid of the police and the press, then, let us follow Tom Sadler and the events that unfolded from the docks to the dock.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 29 WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY nightwatchman, Charles Guiver and the direction of Petticoat Lane. As she 1891: deputy keeper, Sarah Fleming in the leaves, Coles tells Annie Shuttleworth 7 pm: Sadler is discharged from his office while Sadler waits at the bottom that she would see her later. ship the S.S. Fez at the London Docks. of the stairs. Coles pays Fleming 8d. 6 pm: Ellen Callagher sees Sadler He walks to Williams Brothers on the for a bed. Guiver shows them to their and Coles out and about the . corner of Goulston St and Whitechapel room. Spitalfields Chambers has 51 6.30 pm: Landlady of the High St and has a Holland’s gin. beds and a third of them are generally Marlborough Head, 5 Pelham St, 8.30pm: Sadler walks to the taken. Sarah Treadway, serves Sadler and Victoria Working Mens Home on Coles three quarterns of gin and Commercial St. THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY: peppermint. 8.45pm: Sadler crosses the road 7 am: Sadler has asked Guiver to 7 pm: The couple leave the to The Princess Alice for a drink. He call him at 7 am but he cannot rouse Marlborough Head and head for a mil- recognises Frances Coles and calls her the pair. liner’s at 25 Nottingham St. On the over. 9 am: Guiver notices that Sadler way Sadler gives Coles a penny to pur- 9 pm: Coles tells Sadler that she and Coles are still in bed. chase a pair of ear rings from a little will have to share any money she has 11 am: Sadler and Coles leave huckster’s shop at the corner of Brick amongst some of the other customers Spitalfields Chambers and head for Lane and Browne’s Lane. [This was the so they decide to leave The Princess the White Swan to return the bottle for old name for Hanbury Street, which Alice. They visit other public houseses two pennyworth’s of drink. The pair Sadler used in his police statement.] finishing up at The Britannia, on the then go drinking in a number of public 7.30 pm: Whilst milliner Peter corner of Dorset St, where they are houses. Hawkes is serving Coles, he sees joined by Annie Lawrence. Coles stops 4 - 5 pm: Head Barman, William Sadler standing outside the shop Sadler buying Lawrence a drink and Steer serves Sadler and Coles gin and looking in the left hand corner of the they leave. clover in The Bell, 106 Middlesex St. window. Coles enquires about a bonnet 10 pm: Landlord’s daughter, 5 pm: Coles is waiting for Sadler costing 1s. 11½d. Hawkes notices Florence Davis of The White Swan, 20 in Shuttleworths Eating House 4 Ann she is very drunk. The elastic on the High St, serves Coles and Sadler half a St, Wentworth St. As Sadler arrives bonnet requires altering so Coles pint of whiskey in a bottle, which they Coles complains to Annie Shuttleworth and Sadler head for a pub on either take out with them. that Sadler had said he would only be White’s Row or Bakers Row to wait. 10.15 pm: Sadler and Coles take fifteen minutes. The couple sit down Coles returns alone two minutes later, a double bed at Spitalfield Chambers, and have something to eat. paying Hawkes 2s. for the bonnet and 8 White’s Row. Coles speaks to the 5.45 pm: Sadler and Coles leave in receiving a half penny in change.

Tom Sadler “48HRS” J.G. Simons and Neil Bell 8 pm: Sadler and Coles return before sitting down and resting her freshen up but fails. A woman wipes to The Marlborough Head. They are head on the table. A woman quickly Coles face with a wet cloth. Coles wakes served beer and whiskey by Landlord picks the bonnet out of the fire, stamp- and without saying a word to any- Charles Treadway. Sadler buys eight ing on it to extinguish the flames and body pins her old bonnet in the folds lottery tickets for 2s. and gets a round hanging it up on the hat rail. of her dress and leaves. Sarah Fleming in for some men he had met earlier. 11 pm: Sadler appears at sees her pass her office window as she 8.30 pm: Sadler leaves Coles in Spitalfields Chambers and pleads with walks out into the street. The Marlborough Head arranging to Guiver to allow him to speak to Coles 00.30 am: Ellen Callagaher and meet her later in a pub and heads off to give her 1s. to pay for her lodgings. Coles are walking up Commercial St to Spital Street to meet with a man Sadler is allowed in and sits next to after coming out of the White Hart on called Nichols. Coles but she is very drunk and not the Whitechapel Road when they meet 10 pm: Sadler meets up with responding so Guiver helps Sadler a man, dressed in a sailor suit with a Coles and as they are about to walk clean up in the backyard. Sadler then pea jacket and cheesecutter hat, who down Thrawl St. Coles warns Sadler comes back into the kitchen and sits approaches them and offers Callagher that it might be risky but he continues next to Coles asking her if she has her half a crown. Callagher refuses and and is suddenly assaulted by a woman lodging. Coles lifts her head to look the man catches hold of her, tearing in a red shawl who hits him around at him but says nothing and lays her her jacket and striking her in the eye the head with a bottle and two men head back on the table. before walking off with Coles down kick him to the floor and rob him of his Sadler thinks Samuel Harris is Commercial St in the direction of watch and all his money, seven or eight the guv’nor and asks him if he can go Leman St. shillings before running back inside up and get a bed if he gives him his 1 am: PC William Bogan 222H their houses. Sadler is injured and has wages cheque to mind till the next day finds Sadler lying drunk in the gate- gravel rash on his face. On the corner but Harris cannot help him. Sadler way to the London Docks and pulls of Thrawl St the couple have a row as becomes argumentative with some of him to his feet by the collar. Sadler he thought Coles might have helped the other lodgers in the kitchen. requests to be let into the Docks so he him when he was knocked down and 11.45 pm: Guiver goes to turn can return to his ship. the two part company. Sadler out of Spitalfields Chambers 1.30 am: Joseph Haswell serves 10.30 pm: Coles returns alone but Sadler leaves quietly. Coles 1½d of mutton and bread and very drunk to the kitchen of at Shuttleworth’s Eating House, Spitalfields Chambers. Charles Guiver FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY: Wentworth St. sees Coles take a bonnet from the folds Midnight: Guiver tries to rouse 1.30 am: The keeper of Gate of her dress and throw it on the fire Coles by asking her to have a wash and 1, London Docks, Constable Henry

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 31 Sutton allows Sadler through the at 40 Upper East Smithfield, but “No. You dirty dog. You took particular gates. Sadler tells Sutton that he is because of his condition he is refused a care not to see it. If I am an old sailor a donkeyman returning to the SS bed by a stout, fat man. Deputy Keeper and drunk I ought not to be treated like Empusa (or Enthusa) which belonged John Johnson. this”. Sgt Edwards and Sadler walk to the same company as the SS Fez, 1.45 am: Coles is asked to leave on for thirty yards and stop opposite both vessels lying in the St Katherine by Haswell so he can close the shop. He Lockhart’s Coffee Rooms at the corner Docks. When Sutton sees how drunk has to ask her three times and she tells of King’s St and Tower Hill where Sadler is he turns him back. Two dock him to “mind his own business” and Edwards checks Sadler’s ribs. labourers, John Dooley and William is shown to the door. She turns right 2.03 am: Washing up at Harvey, who are being searched by towards Brick Lane. Haswell notes Lockhart’s Coffee Rooms, Fred Smith Dock Sergeant Frederick Sessions as that Coles is tipsy “but knew what she hears groaning from outside and from they leave work take pity on Sadler was about.” an upstairs window he can see Sgt and offer to take him with them to 1.45am: Sadler appears in the Edwards and Sadler, who is bent over their lodgings but Sadler is abusive lobby of the Chambers holding his side and swearing. They calling them dock rats, and strikes out Common Lodging House in East are then approached by PC Frederick at Harvey. Harvey tells Sadler that he Smithfield. He arrives only ten minutes Hyde 161H who also checks Sadler’s would treat him if only the Constable after the two dock labourers Dooley ribs. Seeming to recover upon the reas- would turn his back. PC Bogan asks and Harvey. Harvey has gone straight surance of the two policemen Sadler Sadler to leave the area or he will to bed and Dooley, while making him- walks towards the Minories, later take him in. Sadler refuses and the self some tea in the kitchen, sees lodg- claiming that he thought he was head- Constable walks away. Sadler is then ing house keeper, George Peakall, ing towards Leman St and on to the beaten to the floor and kicked in the refusing Sadler a bed and urging him Hospital. ribs by the dockers. Constable Sutton to go to the Hospital. Sadler leaves, 2.12 am: Great Northern Railway comes out of the gates to break them remarking “You’re a pretty lot of beau- shunter Solomon Guthrie leads his up and the men walk away up toward ties. You call this a Christian country”. horses through Swallow Gardens and East Smithfield, leaving Sadler to get 2 am: PC Bogan 222H and Sgt sees nothing suspicious. He is followed to his feet and head off in the direction Wesley Edwards 7H speak to Sadler through the arch by another shunter, of the Minories and Nightingale Lane opposite the Mint. Sadler complains to named Barnes. where he rests for ten minutes nursing Sgt Edwards of being beaten up out- 2.13 am: Michael Redding, his wounds. side the Dock gates and that PC Bogan another Great Northern Railway 1.40 am: Sadler walks to the had turned his back. Bogan denies shunter passes through Swallow Victoria Working Men’s Lodging House seeing the incident and Sadler replies Gardens with his two horses and sees

Tom Sadler “48HRS” J.G. Simons and Neil Bell Clockwise from top left: London Dock Gates Little Tower Hill, looking SE Queen St, looking SW Sharpe’s Buildings, Royal Mint Street

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 33 nothing suspicious. 2.14 am: PC Thompson 240H had started his shift at 10 pm and it was the first time out on his own. His beat was Mansell St, Leman St, Prescot St and Chamber St and it took fifteen to twenty minutes. At around 2.14 am he is in Chamber St approaching Swallow Gardens and hears footsteps walk- ing in the opposite direction towards Mansell St. 2.15am: PC Thompson 240H walks down Chamber St towards the three archways, noticing the time on the clock on the Tower. Turning into the first arch he can see the body of a woman lying in the roadway. Thompson shines his bulls-eye lantern upon her and notices the blood oozing from her throat. Her eyes briefly flicker and he blows on his whistle. The body is lying on its left side, 79 feet from Royal Mint St and 42 feet from Chamber St, the head towards Chamber St. 2.17 am: PC Hyde 161H, who was 250 yards away in Royal Mint St, arrives turning his lamp on he sees 8 ways out of Swallow Gardens Coles throat is cut and runs to fetch Dr Oxley in Dock St. 2.18 am: PC George Elliott 275H, on plainclothes duty outside Baron Rothschild’s Refinery on Royal Mint

Tom Sadler “48HRS” J.G. Simons and Neil Bell St, arrives at the murder scene. He has Row asking for Coles, and plead- Inspector Reid gives the order for a quick look around and runs to Leman ing with Guiver, who is sweeping the the body to be removed by two con- St Police Station to inform Inspector hallway, to let him into the kitchen. stables on the ambulance to the mor- James Flanagan, who sends for Dr Deputy keeper Sarah Fleming is in her tuary at Eagle Place, Old Montague Bagster Phillips, Supt Arnold, Chief office, and tells Sadler that she would St. Inspector Swanson and Inspector Reid. be fined 5s if she let him stop in the 3.50 am: Inspector Flanagan and Carman Frederick Clarke is kitchen. Sadler tells Fleming “Well. Supt Arnold make an examination of taking a load of fish to Billingsgate You are a very hard hearted woman”, the archway. In an opening behind a Market when he passes under the to which Fleming replies “I can’t help pipe, four feet up on the wall Inspector arch. Asking PC Thompson if he has that. I must do my duty and you must Flanagan finds a piece of folded news- found a drunken woman, Thompson go out” . Sadler is reluctant to leave paper, The Daily News, dated Sunday, tells him the woman is dead and sends and hangs around the folding doors, January 11, and within it is another him for help. Fleming asks Guiver to put Sadler out piece of folded paper containing two PC Benjamin Leeson 282H, and Sadler leaves on his own accord. shillings. arrives from the direction of the Mint. Inspector Reid arrives at Swallow 4.05 to 4.15 am: Sadler enters Amongst others arriving to help are Gardens. a coffee shop at 19 Whitechapel PC Ralph Scott 355H, PC Thomas 3.15 am: Dr Phillips arrives Road explaining to manager Joseph Williams 327H and PC Frederick at Swallow Gardens by cab. Whilst Richards that he has no money but has Porter Wensley 402H. Phillips is examining the body, Insp wages owing to him. Sadler then pro- 2.45 am: PC Hyde returns with Flanagan notices the old bonnet in the duces some tobacco to exchange for a Dr Oxley, and the Doctor asks PC folds of the skirt. coffee but Richards refuses and turns Thompson whether he has moved the 3.30 am: P.C. Arthur Sharpe him out. victim’s head, to which he replies, 522J sees Sadler staggering along the 4.45 am: Sadler enters the “Yes”. The gathering carmen, amongst Whitechapel Rd opposite the London Receiving Room at the London them “Jumbo” Fryday and the Knapton Hospital and, having received informa- Hospital and is seen by night porter Brothers, are unable to pass through tion of the murder, stops and searches William Fewell. Sadler has a lacerated the arch and witness Dr Oxley probing him but finds nothing. Sharpe offers to scalp and a small cut over his left eye. Cole’s neck wound with his fingers. help him cross the road to the hospital As the injuries are not deemed seri- 2.50 am: Inspector James but Sadler refuses and carries on up ous the Receiving Room nurse, Helen Flanagan arrives to find Dr Oxley on the Whitechapel Road. (Ellen) Cooper, tends to his wounds. the spot examining the body. Superintendentt Arnold arrives at Sadler is left to sleep for an hour and 3 am: Sadler returns to 8 White’s Swallow Gardens a half on a sofa near a gas stove until

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 35 he is awakened by Fewell who gives manager Stephen Longhurst. when he soaks the knife in water for a Sadler a penny and tells him he must 8.30 am: Sadler leaves the Coffee minute in one of the clean basins. He leave as he is going off duty. House in Whitechapel Rd. puts the knife in his pocket and goes to 5.45 am: Chief Inspector Swanson 10.15 am: Duncan Campbell is his room to sleep. and Inspector Moore arrive at Swallow standing by the fire in the hall at the 2.30 pm: Spitalfields Chambers Gardens and with Detectives search Sailors Home, Wells St. Sadler sits lodger Samuel Harris is at work on the area where the body was found and next to him and tells Campbell that Virginia Rd, Shoreditch, when he look for writing on the walls of the arch he has been out all night, been robbed reads about the murder and that the and the wooden hoarding. Swanson and needs a drink. Sadler takes out a victim had a bonnet pinned in the folds then gives the order for the blood to be knife from his right-hand packet and of her dress. He runs back to the lodg- washed away and the arch be opened sells it Campbell for a shilling and ing house and asks if anyone has seen to traffic, a sample of the blood being some tobacco. Sadler is also seen in the Frances. Then he, Sarah Fleming and taken for analysis before it is washed Sailors Home by Thomas Johnson, able Florence Monk go to Leman St where away. All there is left for the curious to seaman of the SS Mandalar. they are taken by a detective to the see is the rough mark of a cross cut into 10.25 am: Sadler leaves the Mortuary at Eagle Place where they the hoarding by a Policeman where the Sailors Home in the direction of Leman identify Coles. Back at Leman St, deed was done. St. Harris tells the police that he can iden- 6 am: Sadler walks to the Victoria 10.30 to 10.50 am: Sadler enters tify her companion and accompanies Home in Upper East Smithfield to beg the Shipping Office on Tower Hill and Sgt John Don 309H and PC Gill for unsuccessfully for a few halfpence. He cashes his £4 15s. 1d. wage cheque the rest of the day searching around apologises to the Deputy Keeper, John with deputy superintendent Edward Whitechapel Rd, Commercial Rd and Johnson for his behaviour earlier that Gerard Delfosse. then finally home. morning and leaves his bag in room 11 am : Sadler returns to the 3.30 pm: Duncan Campbell wakes 36. Victoria Home at 40 Upper East up in his room at the Sailors Home and 6.30 am: Charles Littlewood, a Smithfield and stays there all day, leaving through the Dock St entrance waiter at Stephen Longhurst’s coffee leaving only to visit the Phoenix Public walks across the street to marine house, 73 Whitechapel Rd, serves House twelve doors away. stores dealer Thomas Robinson who Sadler a cup of cocoa. Sadler is refused Duncan Campbell hears of the buys Sadler’s knife from Campbell for a second cup as he is drunk. murder in the neighbourhood and 6d. The agreement being Campbell is Littlewood notices that Sadler smells goes into the lavatory of the Sailor’s to buy back the knife on the Monday like he has been “in a Doctor’s shop”. Home to inspect the knife. He notices for 9d. Sadler reads a newspaper and talks to the “salmon” colouring of the water

Tom Sadler “48HRS” J.G. Simons and Neil Bell SATURDAY, 14 FEBRUARY: 9 am: Harris resumes the search with Sgt Don and PC Gill. They visit the Victoria Home, the Minories and the Docks. 12.00pm: At midday Harris finds Sadler half and half and drink- ing alone in the Phoenix, Upper East Smithfield. Harris does not say any- thing to Sadler in case he bolts but goes back outside and tells the wait- ing Detectives. Sadler is called outside and taken directly to Leman St Police Station. Upon his person is found a pipe, tobacco, an advance note, a postal order for 2s, several cards and memoranda. His kit bag, collected from The Fez contains spare clothing. Sadler is kept in a cold ante-room and, for the purpose of lineup, is made to change his clothing. The police keep his clothing for inspection. Sadler com- plains that the clothes he is given are cold and damp. Milliner’s assistant Peter Hawkes picks Sadler out of a lineup at Leman St as the man who accompanied Coles and stood waiting outside his shop window. Sadler spends the night at Leman The Sailors Home, St Police Station sleeping on a plank Wells Street and in his makeshift cell. Dock Street

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 37 SUNDAY, 15 FEBRUARY: bread and butter for his breakfast. From Holloway Prison Sadler Deputy Keeper, Sarah Fleming At Dr Phillips request, Dr Edmund writes to Mr Wildgoose of the Sailor’s identifies Sadler in a lineup. King Houchin, who had examined and Fireman’s Union at 17 King’s St, 10.30 pm: After talking amongst at the Mile End Tower Hill asking for help. Sadler other sailors at the Home, Duncan Workhouse only ten days previously, requests a reporter from either The Campbell walks to Leman St Police visits Sadler at Arbour Square Police Seafaring or The Star to watch over Station and is seen by Sgt Record Station to treat his bruised rib. him as “the police will hurry on my and Sgt Alfred Ward. He tells them of 2 pm: Sadler appears before F. case to suit their own ends.” his encounter with Sadler and the Mead QC at the Police Thames Court The Daily Telegraph would report knife. They immediately take him to and is formally charged with Frances today that the police had arranged Robinson’s Marine Store in Dock St Coles murder by Det Insp Moore. for the Mitre Square witness, Joseph to retrieve the knife. They return to During proceedings Sadler states that Lawende, to confront Sadler but he Leman St to have Campbell identify his clothes have since been changed. had failed to recognise him. Sadler. From his kit bag retrieved from the 11.00 pm: Sadler appears in a Fez he is now wearing a blue peaked TUESDAY, 24 FEBRUARY: Police lineup in the gas-lit cellar of cap, greasy blue serge fireman’s jacket, Afternoon: Sadler appears before Leman St Police Station. There are six- a dirty brown soiled tweed waistcoat, F. Mead Q.C. at the Thames Police teen men standing in a semi circle and brown shabby trousers and a grimy Court dressed in a brown suit with Sadler is standing to the left. Duncan black and white plaid scarf. Sadler a claret coloured scarf, his hair and Campbell and then Thomas Johnson appears alive to the charge against him beard have been trimmed. Henry H. pick Sadler out. Sadler complains that and is ready with his own questions. Lawless, instructed by Messrs. Wilson during the lineup a policeman stood He speaks in rough, grating tones and and Wallis on behalf of the Sailors opposite, staring directly at him. complains of being cold and hungry. and Fireman’s Union, appears for the 11.30 pm: Dock Constable Henry 6 pm: At Arbour Square Police defendant. The case is adjourned until Sutton and Sergeant Frederick Station Dr Phillips examines Sadler the completion of the Inquiry. Sessions identify Sadler in a lineup. and concludes that the blood on the 11.45 pm: At Leman St Insp clothing taken from him is consistent TUESDAY, 3 MARCH: Henry Moore charges Sadler with the with his injuries. Sadler is then taken Sadler again appears at the murder of Frances Coles. in a draughty Black Maria to Holloway Thames Police Court. He is discharged Prison. by the magistrate in consequence of the MONDAY, 16 FEBRUARY: prosecution having been withdrawn. 7 am: Sadler has two slices of WEDNESDAY, 18 FEBRUARY: Sadler waits in gaoler Sgt Baker’s

Tom Sadler “48HRS” J.G. Simons and Neil Bell room, with his solicitor, to avoid any demonstration by the waiting crowd. Eventually a cab draws up in the adjoining yard and Sadler, his solicitor and a Star reporter climb in and drive away. In Charles St, Sadler—a free man again— sticks his head out of the cab window and waves his hat to the crowd.

THE CAST OF CHARACTERS Tom Sadler: He is 53 years of age. Born in Stepney. Stout. 5-5 tall. Grey moustache with four-inch long, pointed grey goatee beard since 1890. Large prominent nose and bleary eyes that half close when he listens, and ears that stick out. His complexion is dark and sunburnt. He is wearing a black cap with a shiny peak, a light pilot coat and dark trousers. Separated from his 41-year-old wife, Sarah Maria, who lives in Chatham with two of their children, six-year-old Primrose and 11-year-old Daisy. Frances Coles: She was 25 years of age. Born in St Olave, Southwark. 5-0 tall. Hair and eyes brown. Pale complexion. Dressed in a black diago- nal jacket trimmed with braid, black gown, black satin bodice, brown pet- ticoat, white chemise, grey stays, Sadler in the dock

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 39 striped stockings, draws, button boots Has worked for the Great Northern but the couple were gone. He went on and a black ribbon around her neck. Railway since he was 11 years old. His to the goods yard and was talking to She is wearing one black vulcanite nickname then was “Fourfoot” and some fellow carmen when at 2.20 am earring (the other is in her pocket as when he grew bigger he was called he saw a policeman run past the yard she has a four-year-old tear in her left “Jumbo”. His job was to rise early to gates. Joe Knapton then arrived and ear lobe). Her left hand is marked by a meet the fish trains and take the fish told Jumbo of the murdered woman callous from bottle stopping and label- to Billingsgate Market. under the arch and they headed off to ling at Mr Hoare’s (Hora Whinfield) That evening Jumbo had been to have a look, but are stopped from get- Wholesale Chemist at 58 the Minories, the Foresters . Returning ting too close by a policeman. Jumbo where she earned 6s.2d to 7s. a week. to his lodgings at 12.30 he called out tells the officer that he may have seen In her pocket are three pieces of black brothers Joe and John Knapton and the woman a few minutes ago talking crepe, one old striped stocking and they all walked to the Station Goods to a man and the policeman suggests a comb. Coles lodged on and off at Yard but on finding the gates were that Jumbo should go to the mortuary Spitalfields Chambers, 8 White’s Row. closed they went for a walk down to identify the body. Detectives arrive Newspaper reports gave her the Minories, along Aldgate and into by cab and Jumbo gives his informa- lodgings as Sterry’s Single Women’s the Whitechapel Rd. At the corner tion to a Scottish Inspector. Lodging House, 5 Thrawl St, Wilmot’s of Great Garden St Jumbo stops to Jumbo returns to the yard and Lodging House, 18 Thrawl St and the listen to two men arguing while the after taking two loads of fish to Alexandra Chambers, Brick Lane. Knapton Brothers continue on to the Billingsgate Market he retires to his Her father and sister believed she was Goods Yard. Jumbo follows via Union lodging at 23 Chamber St to sleep. living with an old lady and her daugh- St, across the Commercial Rd, into Later in the day Jumbo is awakened ter at 42 Pritchard St (Richard St), Backchurch Lane, along Cable St and by Joe Knapton who tells him a police- Whitechapel. down Royal Mint St. man wants him. He is taken to Leman William “Jumbo” Fryday: A At 1.45 am, as Jumbo is pass- St Police Station to give a statement. 21-year-old, born on St George Street, ing the Crown and Seven Stars public He is asked how tall the man was and Hanover Square, and a railway carman. house at 47 Royal Mint St he notices a Jumbo tells them that the man was 3 Lodged at 23 Chamber St with the couple talking in a street doorway a few inches taller than he is. Jumbo is then Knapton family, and worked with the feet from the public house. Five min- measured against a rule on the wall Knapton brothers, Joseph and John utes later he would pass them again as and is found to be 5-5. Jumbo tells A, both railway carmen. In 1901 he is he made his way to the stable to har- them he can recognise the bonnet the married to Harriet from the Mile End ness the horses. At 2.05 am he would woman was wearing so the Inspector and living at 13 Story Street Islington. walk his horses past the same spot, from Scotland Yard shows Jumbo two

Tom Sadler “48HRS” J.G. Simons and Neil Bell bonnets and asks which one she was with someone and later identify the to 35-year-old husband, James. They wearing; he picks the correct one. couple as Kate McCarthy and Fowles, moved their wholesale Egg and butter Jumbo is then taken to the mortuary who he had seen in the area? shop into Wentworth St in May 1888 off Old Montague St and identifies the Charles Guiver: He is 34 years from 14-15 Mill Row, Kingsland Road. body lying on the table by her clothes old. Guiver, a night watchman at Annie recalled Coles falling down out- as the woman he saw. Whilst he is Spitalfields Chamber, 8 Whites Row. side her shop three weeks earlier and there he sees a detective lift her head He has been lodging there the past four having her head bandaged. with a stick and part the hair on the years. On the evening of Wednesday, Joseph Haswell: Employee back of her head to look at a wound 25 February, 1891, he would die sud- at Shuttleworth’s Eating House, asking another detective why if she fell denly of natural causes. Dr William Wentworth St. At the time of the on the back of her head, her face was Dukes of Brick Lane was called to inquest he is working as a fish porter all bruised. Whites Row to attend to him. and living at 91 Wentworth St. On the 25th Feb, Sgt James Nearn Sarah Fleming: A 57-year-old Ellen Callagher: A friend of would witness the statement given by from Chester, she is the deputy keeper Frances Coles, lodged at Theobold’s Thomas Fowles stating that it was he at Spitalfields Chambers. Separated Lodging House, Brick Lane. At the and his lady friend Kate McCarthy from husband, the 64-year- old plas- time of the inquest she was staying at who had been seen by Jumbo Fryday terer William Fleming, although both 3 North East Passage, Cable St. and other carmen whilst standing were lodging at 8 White’s Row. Sarah Treadway: A 25-year- talking by her house next to the Crown Florence E. Davis: A 24 year- old. Married to 30-year-old Charles and Seven Stars in Royal Mint St. old barmaid at The White Swan, 20 Frederick. Together they ran the Interestingly, Fryday would cor- Whitechapel High St. Daughter of Marlborough Head, 5 Pelham St. When rectly identify Coles bonnet and her landlord Frederick Davis and his wife Charles was a child his parents ran clothing, and he described her com- Emma. Three years earlier, Martha The Castle public house at 19 Quaker panion, that he could only see from the Tabram was seen entering The White St. back, as having ears that stick out, like Swan on the night of her murder. Matilda Ringer: She was 47 Sadler. William Steer: Head Barman at years old from Rotherithe. Landlady Five minutes before the murder The Bell, 106 Middlesex St. In 1888 of The Britannia 87 Commercial St. there is a report of a sighting by Fryday Steer was a beer house keeper at 7 The 23-year-old Kate Lidkard, from St of a couple near Blind Alley close by Dock St. George in the East, is the barmaid. the Great Northern Station and only Annie A. Shuttleworth: She is Peter Lorenzo Hawkes: A mil- 15 or 20 yards from the murder spot. 31 and an eating-house proprietor at 4 liner’s assistant at 25 Nottingham Did Fryday see Coles in Blind Alley Ann St, Wentworth St. She is married St, , he is 17 years old.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 41 In 1901 he is a coffin maker living at he was married to his 29-year- old wife, children. In 1901 they were living at 16 99 Vallance Rd. His mother, Sarah Rhoda. Mountford St, St Mary’s. Also referred Hawkes, 43 years of age, owned the John Dooley: A 22-year-old dock to as PC Frederick Hart 101H. His business. In 1881 they were living next labourer from Limehouse. Lived at beat was Royal Mint St, Cartwright St door at number 23. Melbourne Chambers. 18 Upper East and Trinity Sq Samuel Harris: He was the Smithfield. PC Benjamin Leeson 282H: fish curer for William Abrahams, 50 William Harvey: A 24-year- From Maidstone and just 21. He lodged Virginia Rd. Shoreditch. He lodged at old dock labourer from Whitechapel. with the Wells family at 26 Princes Spitalfields Chambers for six months Resided at Melbourne Chambers, 18 Square, St George in the East. By before the murder. Harris went to Upper East Smithfield. 1901 he had married and he and wife work at work at 8.30 am the next Sergeant Wesley Edwards 7H: Elizabeth loved at 52 Sidney St. morning and read about the murder in He was from Kelsale, Suffolk, and PC Frederick Porter Wensley the newspaper at 2.30 pm. was 27. Married to Margaret from 402H: The future Chief Constable was PC William Bogan 222H Cardiganshire and living at 29 Senrab 26 years old at the time of the murder.. A 30-year-old Irishman, he would St, Stepney. In 1901 they were living Dr Frederick John Oxley: A be later criticised for not bringing in at Eltham Police Station, Woolwich. 24-year-old from Islington. His surgery the bloodied Sadler and thus had his PC Ernest William Thompson was at 1 Dock St. He began as assis- wages reduced from 29s a week to 26s. 240H: A former miner from the north tant to Dr Francis John Allen. Lived He was also transferred to Lambeth and just 23, he joined the Force on 29 with his father, the 52-year-old solici- as PC 286L for insubordination to December, 1890. Thompson died on tor, Frederick, and his, sister, 20-year- Sgt Wesley Edwards. In November duty on the December 1, 1900, when old Lucy. 1891 he was dismissed from the Police he was stabbed in the neck by Barnet Sgt John Don 309H: A Scotsman, Force for being under the influence of Abrahams near a coffee stall at the he was 34. Married to 33-year-old drink, refusing to pay for fried fish and junction of Commercial Rd and Adler Caroline from Ratcliff and living at 21 assaulting a lady shopkeeper. Road. A relief fund for his widow and Albion Square, Greenwich. John Johnson: A Scotsman, he is children was set up by the people of Chief Inspector Donald 59 and deputy manager at the Victoria Stepney. Sutherland Swanson: Another Home, 40 Upper East Smithfield . PC Frederick W.H. Hyde Scotsman, he was 42 at the time. George H. Peakall: The 30-year- 161H: He was 29 years old and from Married to 37-year-old Julia and lived old was from Southwark and lodging Pentonville, London. He was married at 5 Camden Villas, Lambeth. house keeper at Melbourne Chambers, to 32-year-old Charlotte and lived at Duncan Campbell: An Able 18 Upper East Smithfield. At the time 40 Royal Mint Square with their three Seaman. At the time of the inquest he

Tom Sadler “48HRS” J.G. Simons and Neil Bell was staying at 55 Leman St. There is They lived at 11 W Russell Road, charwoman, 42, she resided at a 62-year-old Able Seaman Duncan Camberwell. Spitalfields Chambers, 8 White’s Row, Campbell, from , Scotland, in the Dr Edmund King Houchin: A and was the lodger who on the after- 1891 Census at the District Seaman’s 43-year-old from Colchester, his prac- noon of Thursday, 12 February, fell Hospital, Greenwich East. Sadler tice was at 23 High Street, Stepney, down the stairs. referred to Campbell as an old man. and he lived at 151 Stepney Green William Fewell: The hospital Thomas Johnson: Able Seaman with his 27-year-old wife, Amy. In porter at the London Hospital was of the SS Mandalar. There is a 49-year- 1901 they were living in Ilford. 46 and from Chelmsford. Married to old Seaman, Thomas Johnson, listed Inspector James Flanagan: his wife, Mary, 46, from Hornsey. In at the Mile End Workhouse when the The 38-year-old Irishman lived with 1901 they were living at 11 Ainsley St, 1891 Census was taken. his 26-year-old wife, Emily, at 407 Bethnal Green. In 1871 he was a rail- Thomas Robinson: From Commercial Rd. By 1901 he was keeper way porter. Whitechapel, he was 26 and a marine of the Sessions House, 32 Newington Charles Littlewood: From stores dealer who lived at 11 Dock Causeway. Enfield, the 17-year-old, was a waiter Street. Married to 24-year-old Selina Henry H. Lawless: A 35-year-old at Longhurst’s Coffee Rooms, 73 from Bethnal Green. In 1871, Robinson Irishman, the barrister of law was at 2 Whitechapel Rd. Charles Southgate lived at 2 Dock Street where his father Harcourt Buildings. St Dunstan West. and Harry Kemble were also waiters ran a marine stores shop. By 1881 the Florence Monk: She was a at the establishment. Robinson’s were at 4 Dock Street and 28-year-old tailoress from St Botolph’s. Stephen Longhurst: The coffee Thomas was a 17-year0old rag sorter. A fellow lodger of Coles’ at Spitalfields house keeper was 37 at the time and Robinson sharpened his newly pur- Chambers, 8 White’s Row, she had only lived at 73 Whitechapel Road with his chased knife and used it for his Sunday known Coles by sight until the after- 27-year-old wife, Alice. Both were from dinner. noon of Thursday, 12 February, when Sussex. In 1881 he was a railway sig- PC Ralph Henry Scott 355H: one of the lodgers, Catharine King, fell nalman in Morpeth, Northumberland. A 32-year-old from Sunderland, he down the stairs. Coles was amongst Joseph Richards: He was 38, was married to Elizabeth Susan, 28, those gathered when they were dis- from Whitechapel, and coffee house from Gloucestershire and lived at 58 cussing whether to take King to the manager for a Mr Huggins at 19 Stepney Green, Mile End. London Hospital, and Coles mentioned Whitechapel Road. A 16-year-old, Rose Inspector Henry Moore: From she had been kept in at the London Sherman, is the waitress. Hollowell in Northamptonshire, he Hospital for five weeks when her ear Edward Gerard Delfosse: A was 42 and married to 41-year-old was torn. 39-year-old Welshman. He was deputy Elizabeth from Northumberland. Catharine King: An Irish superintendent at Merc Marine, Tower

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 43 Hill. Married to 42-year-old Lucy Sergeant James W. Nearn: Knapton Brothers lived with their Farnsworth. In 1881 they were living A 32-year-old from Woolwich in parents at 23 Chamber Street. Along at 9 Lamprell Street Bow. Kent. Married to Ellen, 40, from with their lodger, Jumbo Fryday. and PC Arthur Sharpe 522J: From Warwickshire. In 1901 he is an another brother, 28-year-old William, Harby in Leicestershire, he was 23 and Inspector and living at 24 Chilsholm they worked as railway carmen. Lodged at 15 St Peter Street, Mile End Road, Stoke Newington Matthew Curley: A 51-year- with the Liettling family. Thomas Fowles: Lives at 13 St old seaman born to Irish parents in Supt Thomas Arnold: From George Street. His mother resides at Aldgate. In 1841 they were living in Brentwood, Essex. Lived at 36 Arbour 10 Split Street, Backchurch Lane, and Cartwright Square and his father was Square, Mile End. He was 53 and that iswhere his letters were addressed a coal porter. In 1901 he is staying at his wife was Mary Ann, 59, from at the time. Worked as the doorman 18 Upper East Smithfield. Clerkenwell. and hall porter at the United Brothers Frederick Bowen: The 36-year- Dr George Baxter Phillips: The Club from 6 pm to midnight. old ship’s fireman was born in physician from Camberwell was 56 and Kate McCarthy: She was 18 and Spitalfields and was living at 1A wed to wife Eliza, 52, from Chard in from Whitechapel. Kate lived with Crown and Shears Place, St Botolph’s, Somerset. Lived and worked from his her father, John, brother Michael and with his 37-year-old wife, Emma, and surgery at 2 Spital Square. Surgeon Dr sister Jane at 42 Royal Mint St, which their six children. Henry D. Halliday was Locum Doctor. was between the Crown and Seven Bowen and Matt Curley were Mary Adams and Selina Duncan are Stars public house and the goods depot. named by Sadler as fellow seamen who the servants. She worked as a bottler at Stowers could vouch for him. Frederick W. Gill: Landlord of Wine Merchants, Commercial Street The Sailors’ Home & Red Ensign the Phoenix 24 Upper East Smithfield. E, opposite the club where Fowles Club He was 35 and from Lambeth. His worked. At 7.30 pm that evening she WELL STREET & DOCK STREET, 13-year-old son Augustus E. was had been to the United Brothers Club. LONDON DOCKS, E. barman, along with George E. Willers, At 12.30 pm Kate and Fowles left the Founded 1880 (and at GRAVESEND). 19, and Walter H. Swainson, 15. club to walk back to her house, arriv- It is estimated that 250,000 Seamen Inspector Edmund John James ing at 1.15 am. She recalls seeing the enter the Port Annually. Reid: A 45-year-old from Canterbury. Knapton brothers pass them, followed OPEN TO SEAMEN OF ALL He was the local Police Inspector. by Jumbo Fryday, who was carrying a NATIONS Married to 44 year old Emily. In 1891 whip. Chairman, ADMIRAL SIR G. DIGBY they are living at the Commercial Joseph and John Knapton: MORANT, K.C.B. Street Police Station. Joseph, 20, and John A, 24, the “This (The Parent Institution) was

Tom Sadler “48HRS” J.G. Simons and Neil Bell founded to provide for the merchant seamen trading to the Port of London healthy accommodation and to bring them into immediate contact with those agencies calculated to advance their temporal, moral, and spiritual welfare.” Debrett’s House of Commons

SWALLOW GARDENS Swallow Gardens was a dank arch- way situated in the area east of the Tower of London. In 1888 it was owned by the Midland Railway Company and led from Chamber Street southwards onto Royal Mint Street. The archway was largely used by railway employ- ees, carters and those engaged at the Midland and Great Eastern goods depots, forming a sort of back entrance to the depot. Along the Eastern side of the arch, at about a third of the width Swallow Gardens 2009 across and running the full length, was a wooden hoarding. This hoard- ing formed a storage facility that was hired by Mr Reuben Cull & Son, brick and tile merchants, and it was a noto- rious haunt for prostitutes. In fact, two women would be arrested for loiter- ing at this spot earlier in the night by one of the police constables who would

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 45 later assist in removing the body of for the inevitable and once in cus- MEPO 3/140 Frances Coles. At an early period of tody he asks for an outside agent Daily News 21st Feb 91 the Whitechapel scare, Leman Street to observe the case on his behalf Penny Illustrated Paper 21st Feb 91 officers had turned their attention to as he is concerned that the police Lloyd’s Weekly 22nd Feb 91 Swallow Gardens and a plainclothes hurry on the case to suit their own Dundee Courier and Argus 16th Feb 91 officer was appointed to special watch purposes? The irony is that the whis- Morning Post 14th Feb 91 duty thereabouts. This thoroughfare pers of Jack the Ripper drew the eyes The Eastern Post and City Chronicle was about 50 yards in length and was of the world towards the case and 14th Feb 91 lit by wall mounted gas lamps at each under such scrutiny the wheels of jus- Old Bailey ref: t18880917-840 end but midway was enshrouded in tice could do nothing but run smoothly My Funny Valentine – Bernie Brown darkness. and with no evidence against him the charges were dropped. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS COULD TOM SADLER HAVE KILLED FRANCES COLES? SOURCES Howard Brown, Robert Clack He could have. He was within five Daily Telegraph 20 Feb 1891 and Jake Luukanen minutes walking distance of Swallow Y Genedl Cymreig 25 Feb 1891 Gardens when he parted company Reynolds News 22 Feb 1891 www.jtrforums.com with Sergeant Edwards, but he had Morning Advertiser 16 Feb 1891 www.casebook.org badly bruised ribs and was so drunk he Times 14th Feb 91 www.ancestory.co.uk could barely stand and Doctor Oxley Times 16th Feb 91 www.deadpubs.co.uk did not think that a man incapably Times 17th Feb 91 www.oldbaileyonline.org drunk could control the muscles of his Times 18th Feb 91 hand and arm sufficiently to cause the Times 21st Feb 91 The Ultimate Jack The Ripper wound. Times 24th Feb 91 Sourcebook – Stewart P. Evans and Was Sadler pulling the sail- Times 25th Feb 91 Keith Skinner or’s cap down over our eyes when, Times 28th Feb 91 within 45 minutes of the murder, Times 3rd Mar 91 The London of Jack the Ripper Then he turns up at White’s Row East London Advertiser 21st Feb 91 and Now – Robert Clack and Philip Chambers asking for Frances, and East London Advertiser 28th Feb 91 Hutchinson the next day, when he finally gets East London Observer 28th Mar 91 his wages, he doesn’t try to run, but Walthamstow and Leyton Guardian is found in a nearby pub waiting 28th Feb 91

Tom Sadler “48HRS” J.G. Simons and Neil Bell Biographies Neil Bell J.G. Simons

eil Bell makes his first appear- onathan G. Simons is 45 years ance in the Examiner, but old and lives in Cheshire, Nwe hope it is not the last. JEngland, a city as famed as the He has written many articles for cheese that carries its name. This is Ripperologist, including a series last his second article for the Examiner year on City police officers with Rob using the timeline framework, but Clack. He spoke on Mitre Square at the we hope there will be more. 2007 conference in Wolverhampton, has helped organize several “London Jobs” and was an advisor for the recent Jack the Ripper: The Definitive Story documentary as well as appear- ing in it. A resident of Leicester, Neil was—until his back deserted him—a well-respected wicket-keeper in that city’s cricket circles.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 47 “Cousin Lionel” The Life And Career Of Lionel Druitt

BY ADAM WENT

ionel Druitt: husband, father, down a book entitled A Quinology Of happiness and delight at a new discov- doctor, preacher, traveller— Tasmanian Crime Cases, Plus The ery combined with many moments of Land whistle-blower on Jack the Tasmanian Connection To Jack The disappointment and heartache when Ripper as well? So some researchers, Ripper by Tasmanian author, Mr. Reg something wasn’t as I had hoped, but at least, would have us believe. Many A. Watson. Naturally, as a Tasmanian, ultimately, I believe I have assembled of my readers will be familiar with I was curious to find out what this con- the information needed to be able to the story of the elusive Australian nection was. The book, like the previ- give a representation of the life of document, a red herring shrouded in ously mentioned document, proved somebody who was, in fact, a very mystery, allegedly written by Lionel elusive as well, but eventually, upon intriguing character, with or without Druitt to implicate none other than his tracking it down, the section devoted “that” document added to his résumé. own cousin, Montague John Druitt, in to this “connection” turned out to be no the Whitechapel murders. Debate has more than a few pages long—certainly EARLY YEARS dragged on for decades now, but all not what I had expected. Nonetheless, Lionel Druitt, the youngest son of Dr. the while how much do we really know it pointed me in the direction of a Robert and Isabella Druitt, was born about Lionel Druitt? Who was he? doctor who had lived and practiced in a in May 1854 in St. George Hanover What did he do? What’s his life story? small coastal village called Swansea in Square, London. He was born into a Can answering these questions help us the 1890s—one Lionel Druitt. large family, and would become one to answer the controversial questions This inevitably led to phone calls of eight children—aside from Lionel, about the document? and visits to Swansea, the scouring there was: Robert (b.1847), Charles I never intended to undertake a of newspaper archives, phone calls (b.1848), Cuthbert (b.1850), Isabella full-scale research into the life of Mr. across Australia and even to the UK, (b.1852), Emily (b.1856), Katherine Druitt. It all began at JTRForums. correspondence among fellow Druitt (b.1858) and Gertrude (b.1862). com, where I agreed to try to track researchers, and many moments of Though the ancestral home was

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 48 in Wimborne, Dorset, most of the hard in raising the family. Dr. Robert passed at No. 17 out of the 93. children were born, raised and spent Druitt would be forced to resign the The following year, Lionel enrolled much of their time in London. Dr. editorship of the Medical Times and at King’s College as a medical student. Robert Druitt was a very well known, abandon his medical practice in 1872 On December 3rd, 1872, at the age of respected and successful doctor and due to ill health. He then spent much eighteen and listing his address as 41 author in his own right, having writ- of the following three years in Madras, Craven Road (London), he wrote to his ten, among other things, the famous India, (at the invitation of no less than father, who had by that time taken his Surgeon’s Vade-Mecum, a standard Lord Hobart), in order to improve trip to Madras: work for budding doctors and sur- his health, whilst Isabella was left at geons in the Victorian era, and he had home to bring up the younger chil- 41 Craven Road been editor of the Medical Times and dren. Robert Druitt eventually settled S.W. Gazette from 1862 to 1872, aside from down in London again in 1875, at 8 December 3rd 1872 maintaining his practice in the city. Strathmore Gardens, Kensington—by My dear Father, It was common among the Druitt which time Lionel was on his way to I wish you many happy returns family to have pet names, or nick- Edinburgh University. of your birthday, which I suppose will names, for one another, and Lionel was have passed by the time you get this. I dubbed “Ghost”. It is clear that from a THE MEDICAL STUDENT hope the voyage has done you good by very young age, Lionel was close to his In 1871, the young doctor was men- this time, and that Ella is now accus- father. He had immediately been taken tioned in The Standard as having tomed to it. under his wing and groomed to follow passed his preliminary education The college is getting on pretty his footsteps by entering the medical examinations at the Apothecaries’ well. I am now one of Mr. H. Smith’s fraternity. As a young boy, he would Hall, London: “dressers.” I like it pretty well, but I do often take interest in his father’s medi- At the preliminary examinations not think it is a very instructive post. I cal work and liked to have input upon in arts prepatory to registration, held am often glad to leave off dressing and and contribute to the editorship of the at the hall of the society on the 29th and look on as as [sic] a common spectator. Medical Times. He also took a very the 30th September, 159 candidates pre- Mr. S. and the other professors often early liking to music and amateur the- sented themselves, of whom 66 were enquire very kindly after you. atricals, and was appearing in these as rejected and the following 93 passed I am glad to find that a very pow- early as the 1860s—it was something and received certificates of proficiency erful anti-tobacco movement is taking he would follow for the rest of his life. in general education . . . 1 place at the college and hospital. While the young Lionel idolised Lionel Druitt is listed as having Smoking used to be practised in corri- his father, his mother worked very 1 The Standard, October 4, 1871. dors and in the reading room. Now it

“Cousin Lionel” Adam Went is strictly prohibited and a reward is Surgeons (RCS). From there, the next sum of 1.0.0, and in the afternoon I offered for information concerning one step was to leave England and enrol at went to hear the introductory lecture by so doing. There will be no standing Edinburgh University: many famous the principal, Sir Alex Grant. I think against such a law as that. Victorians either taught or studied the Edinburgh students behaved con- Prof. Partridge has gone for a at Edinburgh, including Sir Charles siderably worse than the Kings College week’s holiday, leaving his duty to Prof. Darwin, Dr. Joseph Lister, Sir Arthur ones do under such circumstances. I Burrow. Conan Doyle and the inspiration for cannot give an account of these lec- Mr. Stone, who I met at the R.C.S. , Dr. Joseph Bell, tures, but I believe it consisted chiefly when taking a cabful of pamphlets among many others. of the statistics of the financial condi- there, has promised to send me some On November 2nd, 1875, Lionel tion of the university in past ages. of their examination papers to practise wrote to his father again to tell him of I have taken out two courses of upon. his arrival and immediate impressions lectures, material medicine, and mid- With love to Ella, I remain of the University: wifery. That is by the advice of Prof. Your affectionate son At Mrs. McClure’s Laycock, but I have not yet been able to Lionel Druitt. 2 20 Lauriston Gardens see the dean, who may possibly recom- This early letter established what Edinburgh mend me to something besides. would becoming something of a pattern Nov. 2nd 1875 My chemistry, I am told, will be in Druitt’s later communications with My dear Father, counted as sufficient, but I shall have his father—always beginning with I arrived at Edinburgh as stated a practical course in the summer. I am “My dear Father” and “Your affection- in a previous communication at 9.30 also attending the infirmary, and have ate son” respectively, and largely being p.m. I was received with every possible been elected clinical clerk under Dr. filled with news and gossip concern- kindness by Dr. Laycock and lived in Maclagan. ing the various professors with whom luxury at his house until today. I am That is a very different sort of he was dealing—many, (if not all) of now settled in very nice clean airy lodg- thing from being a clerk at Kings. A whom would undoubtedly have been ings, on a third floor, overlooking some clerk here is only allowed one patient, known to Robert Druitt. meadows, and ten minutes walk from and his duties occupy something less Lionel was quick to demonstrate the university. Dr. Wood had sent the than twenty minutes daily. There is no his abilities as a doctor and, in 1875, wrong address, and I was not half so competitive examination, but it is given he passed his diploma and became well satisfied with the appearance of by favour. a member of the Royal College of the lodgings in Oxford St. Dr. Laycock has introduced me 2 DRUITT MS-9 (79), Records Yesterday morning I matriculated to his banker, who will change my Office at the university, for which I paid the cheques when I want him to.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 50 Edinburgh University

“Cousin Lionel” Adam Went I forgot to say that the cost of my best teacher that I have met with as and awful penalties denounced against lodgings, which includes coals and yet.” He had been the Professor of all students who should break the col- gas, is 13/- per week. That is 6d more Medicine at Edinburgh since 1855, lege discipline in that respect was quite than the Oxford St. ones, but I think though he was certainly not immune sufficient to suppress any riots that they are worth it. The landlady is a to controversy—there had been eight might otherwise have taken place. very respectable woman whose son is applicants for the same position, and I find the people here very ami- studying science at the university. She the appointment of Prof. Laycock was able and civil, having been introduced was recommended by Prof. Macleod—I known not to have been necessarily to many of them, and noticed by a few. think that was his name. very popular, so that in some quar- The first was Prof. and Mrs. Sellar, On Sunday, I first of all explored ters he was known as “the unwelcome to whom I was introduced by the Wm. the town; young Laycock going with professor.” Sadly, Prof. Laycock would Smith’s, and with whom I dined shortly me for that purpose, we then went to pass away in 1876, just months after afterwards. They are very grand people All Saints Church together, and after- this mention of him by Lionel Druitt, and I have not seen very much of wards to the infirmary. In the evening and Lionel further mentions of him in them since, as they are not at home on Prof. Mackintosh and his daughter another letter to his father of February Sundays, and I have not much time for came to tea, and helped to keep up a 9th of the following year: calling on other days. very interesting scientific discussion till 20 Lauriston Gardens A short time ago I went to Prof. nearly 11. Edinburgh Feb. 9th Simpson’s class dinner, which he gives Prof. Laycock recommends me not My dear Father, to all the students who attend his lec- to engage a coach for the preliminary I was very glad to hear of your safe tures, and while there, I took the oppor- till the last two months, but I do not arrival, and establishment in comfort- tunity of making his acquaintance by feel sure about taking his advice. able quarters, the other day. I hope that mentioning Dr. Playfair’s name, who is I think I have nothing more to say your stay this time may lead to perma- a great friend of his. He has been very at present. nently beneficial results. I thought by polite to me ever since. Perhaps I shall With love to all, I remain the tone of your letter that you seemed win the diploma of S.M., which he Your affectionate son to be in tolerably good spirits, whatever gives to those who are most successful Lionel Druitt. 3 the natives may say. at his class examinations, but it is said Prof. Thomas Laycock would fea- The evil effects of my snow-balling to be a curious coincidence that those ture several times in Lionel’s com- have quite subsided by this time, there happen to be his personal friends. munications with his father—he even was in fact no snowballing at all, but I have also been introduced referred to him at one stage as “the the blow I received was from a stray to Profs. (?) Brown and Sir R. 3 DRUITT MS-9 (80), West Sussex Records Office cad in the street. The terrible threats Christian Bart, but in these cases our

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 52 acquaintance has stopped very near to obligated to devote more time to it than Master of Surgery at Edinburgh, and where it has begun. Finally, through I should do otherwise, rather to the also a Licentiate of the Royal College the medium of the Hares at Norwich, I hindrance of my projects and studies. of Physicians. The long road of tutor- have made the acquaintance of Bishop I have found the Royal Medical Society ing, travelling and studying was finally Cotterill, and his brother, the vicar of a great help, and have there learnt a completed, and, at the age of twenty- Portshells, the latter of whom has been little confidence in speaking, and airing three, he was now a fully fledged doctor particularly kind and civil. I have been my views, and hearing them repeated if ready to enter practice. to dine with him two or three times, they admit of repetition. The library of Like so many before him, Druitt and he has introduced me to one or the society is also a great resource. chose to return to London and ply his two more of the aristocracy here. I went Dr. Laycock continues to be so kind profession there. His father, though to the Bishop’s house for the first time as ever and lavish with his advice. It in ill health, was still residing in last Monday, when there was a small is at present his turn to have charge of Strathmore Gardens along with the dinner party, after which I adjourned the clinical wards in the Infirmary, so I rest of his family, and this would have with some of the company to a concert, closely follow his practice. I think he is been an added incentive to return to returning in time to have a little ama- about the best teacher that I have met London. teur music afterwards. I am at no loss with as yet. At one brief stage upon his return for music here, as the musical men very I remain from Edinburgh, he was an assistant soon find each other out and form a Your affectionate son to one Dr. Thomas Thynne in The little clique amongst themselves. Lionel Druitt. 4 Minories. Shortly afterwards, however, Just before Christmas I took part Here we can see an increase in he began practicing in Strathmore in an amateur concert given by the stu- Lionel’s self-confidence as a person Gardens, his home suburb (possi- dents in the large kitchen of the Royal and in his abilities as a doctor. He bly to be closer to his father, both for Infirmary, as I dare you say have heard was also known to have been critical assistance, advice and concern about which was eminently successful. of the University’s rationing of alco- his illness). It was here that he was With regard to my work, I am still grind- hol supplies, perhaps influenced by— registered as practicing in both 1878 ing on for the preliminary which I hope to his father’s views; Robert Druitt was and 1880. How successful he was is a pass in March, and I have not much doubt as among the medical men who suggested matter for speculation at this stage, to the result. that a bit of wine occasionally could be though it was clear that despite now Since the beginning of January I beneficial to a person’s health. being a doctor in his own right, he have been working with a coach for two Whatever the case with Professor was not averse to using his father’s hours daily, and I think that has done Simpson, in 1877 Lionel became a name and position in society to try to me some good, though in that way I am 4 DRUITT MS-9 (81), West Sussex Records Office snare more lucrative positions. He also

“Cousin Lionel” Adam Went practiced from 122 Clapham Road, and aside from having to raise the children, DRUITT IN AUSTRALIA it was from here that he wrote this also had to look after Dr. Druitt in his In May 1886, Lionel Druitt set sail brief note to his father on January 22nd final years, and the death of his mentor from London, bound for Australia, on (no year): and the man he idolised undoubtedly board the S.S. Lusitania (not to be con- 122 Clapham Road S.W. had a huge effect on Lionel, along with fused with the Cunard liner R.M.S. Jan. 22nd the rest of the family. Lusitania, torpedoed off the Irish Coast My dear Father, He continued, however, to push in 1915—this Lusitania was an 8,825 I hear that there that there [sic] is on, and was involved in several ama- ton steamer owned by the Orient Line likely to be a vacancy for a divisional teur theatrical performances for the and under the command of Captain J.F. surgeon to the police through the retire- Bethlehem Royal Hospital, including Ruthven. She would unfortunately be ment of Dr. Corbett Blades. playing the role of Dumont in Robert wrecked off the coast of Newfoundland Can you give me an introduction to Macaire as late as November 1885. in 1901, though unlike her namesake, Mr. Timothy Holmes, such as will rec- The year 1886, however, would see with no loss of life. ommend me to his notice in case this a great change in the life of Dr. Lionel To say that Lionel didn’t pack vacancy occurs? Druitt. As he would demonstrate in lightly would be a gross understate- Your affectionate son, later years, he was never one who liked ment. There still exist several pages Lionel Druitt. 5 to settle down in one place for any con- of records of the goods he took out to siderable length of time, and so it was Australia with him, ranging from Whether or not this request was that in that year he made the decision everyday, mundane objects such as fulfilled, Druitt’s bid to become a divi- to sail to the other side of the world and books (including a set of Wordsworth’s sional police surgeon was unsuccess- take up practice in Australia. It could poems), towels, linen, clothes and so ful, and he continued to practice in be suggested that perhaps the passing forth, to some more interesting items, London. of his father influenced this decision, or including amongst them: It was at Strathmore Gardens, in that he had grown tired of London and Chloroform May 1883, that Dr. Robert Druitt passed wanted to see a different part of the Microscope away at the age of sixty-eight. It had been world, or that he had relatives already Phosphoric pills a tough few years for the Druitt family— living in Australia, but it would seem Truncheon Lionel’s older brother, Cuthbert, had probable that all these factors played a Fire screen died prematurely in 1876 at the age of role, and., added together, they would Mosquito net twenty-six, while Lionel was still study- soon start a fascinating new chapter in 8 tooth brushes ing in Edinburgh. His mother, Isabella, his life. Tool box 5 DRUITT MS-9 (82), West Sussex Records Office Whip & Saddlery (Among his

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 54

“Cousin Lionel” Adam Went many other pursuits, Druitt was also a Cooma, New South Wales, and spent and happiness for the Druitt’s in New keen horseman.) some time with his uncle, Archdeacon South Wales. Despite this, however, there are Thomas Druitt. He plied his trade On October 20, 1889, Lionel and some indications that Lionel was leav- in the area before moving to Wagga Susan’s first child, a daughter named ing the door open for a possible return Wagga, NSW. Susan Katherine, was born in Wagga to his homeland from Australia sooner It was here that he met Susan Wagga. rather than later, should things not Cunningham, daughter of a Scotsman The very next month saw Dr. work out for him. That is, he was still named Andrew Murray, and the two Druitt appointed as the caretaker receiving shipments of his belongings very quickly fell in love. It would replacement for Dr. Hillas, house sur- from London as late as July 1888, more become a bond that lasted a lifetime— geon at Wagga Hospital. This duty, than two years after his departure and even after Lionel’s death, Susan pre- having been completed, Lionel sought by which time he was married and had ferred to be known as Mrs. Lionel another change in his life—tired of settled in Australia. Druitt than by any other name. Wagga Wagga, he relocated to St. Almost two months after his ini- On April 2, 1888, the couple were Arnaud, Victoria in mid-1890. tial departure, Dr. Druitt arrived on married at St. John’s Church in Wagga His stay in St. Arnaud, how- the shores of New South Wales on July Wagga. The Sydney Morning Herald ever, was to be very brief. Registered 1, 1886. The Sydney Morning Herald contained a brief summary of this mar- to undertake practice in Victoria in gave detail to the journey he had riage in its April 9 edition: August 1890, and running his practice undertaken to get him there: MARRIAGES: Druitt-Murray. - out of his own lodgings in McMahon From London via Plymouth April 2, at St. John’s Church, Wagga, St., by March 1891, he was on the May 11, Port Said May 26, Suez May by the Ven. Archdeacon Pownall, Lionel move once again, this time even fur- 28, Diego Garcia June 9, Adelaide Druitt, M.D., of Wagga Wagga, young- ther south—to Tasmania. Despite his June 25, and Melbourne June 29. est son of the late Dr. Robert Druitt, of short stay, it is clear from a report in Passengers – From London: Mr. and London, to Susan Cunningham, eldest the St. Arnaud Mercury that the doctor Mrs. F.O. Pussy and child, Miss W. surviving daughter of Andrew Murray, had become very popular amongst his Evans, Miss Bessie Noble, Dr. Lionel Esq., of Crieff, Scotland. 7 patients and friends. Though the St. Druitt, Rev. J.F. Jones, Messrs. A.E. While the Ripper murders engulfed Arnaud Mercury is now defunct and Calley, R. Littlejohn, J.J. Dunlop, F. London and the life of Lionel’s younger the surviving microfilm reels lie in White, 40 in the second saloon, and cousin Montague spiralled downhill Victoria, fortunately Lionel’s mother, 182 in the third cabin and steerage.6 in the late 1880s, the same period of Isabella, transcribed the text of an From the port, Lionel travelled to time was one of new opportunities article relating to Dr. Druitt’s depar- 6 The Sydney Morning Herald, July 2, 1886 7 The Sydney Morning Herald, April 9, 1888. ture in a note, which reads as follows:

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 56 “From St. Arnaud newspaper. By the time Lionel departed from lies on the East Coast of Tasmania, Enclosed in letter of 26th March Victoria and made his way to Tasmania, a picturesque spot very popular with To Miss Murray his wife was heavily pregnant with tourists and travellers. It has a popula- This is surely a (?) of exchanges ---- their second child. His experiences tion of only approximately 500 people --- We are now on the eve of witness- in Tasmania would prove among the today and is a very close-knit commu- ing the departure of Dr. Lionel Druitt, more interesting of his career, but for nity, of the variety where everybody who goes to take charge of the Swansea the legacy he would leave in the minds knows everybody else—in the 1890s, Hospital, in Tasmania; we are always of researchers, as he left Victoria, he the number was of course far smaller unwilling to lose a townsman, who could not possibly have imagined that than this but the situation with its has shown a worthy desire to interest his short stay in St. Arnaud, and the inhabitants was very similar. Swansea himself for the good of his fellow men, St. Arnaud Mercury, would later play had only been settled in the 1820s, & the deep expressions of regret at such a large role in the story of the having originally been named Great his departure, received from many of mysterious Australian document. Swanport, and was still very much a his thankful patients & large circle of tiny rural community when Dr. Druitt friends ample testimony of the respect DRUITT IN TASMANIA settled down there. in which he was held during his short On May 5, 1891, The Mercury, the It was in Swansea, in the same stay amongst us. Dr. Lionel Druitt, newspaper of the Tasmanian capi- month they arrived, that Susan gave qualifications acquired under the tal, Hobart (which continues to birth to their second daughter, Isabella, tuition of his father, Dr. Robert Druitt, operate to this day), gave notice that named after Lionel’s own sister and who we understand is the author of the Tasmanian Board of Medical mother (after their first daughter had The Surgeon’s Vade-Mecum, will pre- Examiners had approved Dr. Druitt, been bestowed with the same name as eminently fit him for the highest of along with one Dr. Hugh Armstrong, Lionel’s wife.) positions in the profession. for practice in Tasmania. It did not take long for Dr. Druitt The kindly sentiments repeated Meanwhile, in Swansea, Dr. to warrant himself a mention in the at the private farewell dinners, which Arthur Naylor, local physician for the columns of the newspaper. One local have been held in his honour, will give preceding five years, had decided to resident, giving a report from the area him many pleasant recollections of St. take up a new appointment in Hobart, in June 1891, mentioned that while Arnaud. We can only add “bon voyage” leaving vacant the medical practitio- the residents missed their former to Dr. Druitt and his amiable wife, & ner position in Swansea. It was here, doctor, Dr. Naylor, Dr. Druitt had been with them the prosperity & happiness then, that upon his approval to prac- very quick to impress the community they so well deserve. 8 tice, Dr. Druitt was to locate himself. not only with his personality, but also 8 DRUITT MSS/406, West Sussex Records Office Swansea is a small village that with his music playing and passion for

“Cousin Lionel” Adam Went involvement in community activities disease. Mr. Stephen Gamble and his professional pride. He quickly fought and groups – he was particularly fond wife lost three of their four children back by writing a letter to the editor of of playing the violin and would often within a week of one another, and Dr. The Mercury regarding the incident, entertain residents at local meetings, Druitt was under pressure to treat the which was published on April 7, 1892: functions and at the Masonic lodge. affected patients with what medical DIPTHERIA AT SWANSEA: He took up residence in a two- supplies were available to him. Sir,- As Mr. John Cotton seeks to storey building known as “Resthaven,” He reported on the situation in console himself and his relatives in which was also where he practiced. March 1892: their bereavement by having a public The home was situated on 2.5 acres of DIPTHERIA AT SWANSEA slap at me, as the medical atten- land, with the rates valued at £30, and Dr. Druitt reported that diphtheria dant, I must ask you to allow me the proprietor was one Mrs. Makepiece had broken out at Swansea in two to state my version of the case, and of Sandy Bay, Hobart. (This building families, in one of which three deaths I will do so as briefly as possible. is still in existence today, though it had already occurred. There were no Mr. Cotton is quite correct in saying has long since changed its name, been trained nurses available, but acting that the patient had no relapse. There renovated and gone under private under instructions the afflicted fami- was no relapse. The patient went on ownership.) lies were doing their best. One woman steadily from bad to worse during the By the end of 1891, Dr. Druitt was who had been nursing at a house left whole course of her illness, and when I doing well enough for himself to be it. She was disinfected and isolated. He reluctantly came to the conclusion that able to call in some assistance, and he asked for disinfectants which the secre- a fatal termination was inevitable, and placed the following advertisement in tary reported were forwarded by rail a informed her relatives of my opinion, the Hobart Mercury: WANTED: Young week ago. 10 they very wisely and properly decided man as Groom and Gardener, and to In April 1892, following the death to have further medical advice and sent make himself generally useful. Duties of a young female relative, Mr. John for Dr. Tofft on the morning of March easy. Board and lodging provided. Cotton began to publicly criticise the 21, and he arrived that same evening References required. Apply, stating age medical treatments of Dr. Druitt for by the coach, and departed again the and wages, to Dr. Druitt, Swansea. 9 diphtheria, including to no less than following morning. After Dr. Tofft had This honeymoon period was soon the Glamorgan Municipal Council. come and gone, Mr. John Cotton and over for the doctor, however. In early However affected he may have the other relatives, the wish being father 1892, an outbreak of diphtheria seri- been by this sudden outbreak of illness, to the thought, fancied they saw consid- ously threatened the community, Dr. Druitt was not about to accept any- erable improvement in the patient. I, and some victims succumbed to the thing which could be detrimental to his however, never saw any. If the patient 9 The Mercury, December 16, 1891. 10 The Mercury, March 16, 1892. had improved at 10 a.m. on the 22nd

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 58 the improvement had completely dis- would take up too much space to detail was to give the patient considerable appeared by 11 a.m., when I paid my all the plans by which I tried to give pain, but this passed off in a few min- visit. In fact, she was obviously sink- relief, such as steam inhalation, with utes, and we went outside for further ing, though she did not expire till the and without eucalyptus, etc., etc., and consultation. We had not been outside next day. had to discard as useless, only increas- many minutes when the nurse called I must now say a few words as to ing the patient’s discomfort. In spite of us in again, saying that the patient was my treatment of the case, as Mr. John everything the false membrane in the very bad indeed. So we went in again, Cotton obviously considers that it is throat spread with unexampled rapid- and found her apparently in danger the immediate and remote cause of the ity, blocking the nostrils, and threaten- of collapse from stoppage of the heart, patient’s death. The disease in this case ing at last to block the wind-pipe itself which is well known as a dangerous came on very insidiously, but as soon On the evening that Dr. Tofft was complication in diptheria. This, how- as the characteristic throat symptoms expected I took care to be in time to meet ever, passed off by degrees. Dr. Tofft appeared I freely applied to the throat him. On my entering the sick room the then remarked to me -”I don’t feel quite a solution sulphurous acid diluted patient said to me, “Oh doctor, I do feel so hopeful about her now.” She then with glycerine. This is well known as so much better,” and on examining the remained in the same condition, get- a powerful cleaner and disinfectant, throat I saw that the membrane had a ting neither better nor worse, till about and it has the advantage of being per- pulpy, disintegrated appearance, and 11 p.m, when I departed, leaving Dr. fectly painless in its application. I have whenever she coughed small pieces Tofft in charge. When I called again used it frequently with success in pre- of it were expelled. This looked like a at 11 o’clock next morning I found the vious cases, and I may state paren- hopeful sign, but taking into account patient’s condition unaltered, save thetically that deceased’s older sister, the patient’s general condition I was for a great increase of weakness: but I who was ill at the same time, though unable either to indulge or to impart faithfully carried out the instructions less severely, with the same disease, any false hopes as to the result. left by Dr. Tofft, which were for an recovered perfectly under its use. Also, Dr. Tofft arrived in due course, application of oil of peppermint largely I endeavoured to support the patient’s and after consultation with me, advised diluted with olive oil, and an appli- strength with such tonics as she was the substitution of oil of peppermint for cation of sulphurous acid alternately able to take, together with peptonised sulphurous acid as an application to every four hours. That same afternoon food, and wine and brandy at regu- the throat. To this I consented, and he the patient’s difficulty in breathing lar intervals. She had an excellent, accordingly supplied some that he had increased to such an extent that I was kindly, and attentive nurse, and I am brought with him, and he expressed (?) to try one of the “placebos” suggested absolutely certain that nothing was left himself hopefully as to the result. The by Dr. Tofft, and I caused a tent of blan- undone that should have been done. It immediate effect of this application kets to be erected round the patient and

“Cousin Lionel” Adam Went filled with steam from a kettle, but the and the public judge between me and Firstly, Dr. Tofft was Dr. Walter effect of this was worse than useless; Mr. John Cotton, and he is welcome to Henry Tofft, physician for Campbell it only increased the distress and the the last word if he wants it. Dr. Tofft Town, one of the closest neighbour- apparatus had to be hastily removed is a gentleman for whom I have the ing villages to Swansea, the two being in a few minutes. One quasi-comical greatest regard professionally, and approximately 70 kilometres apart. episode remains to be mentioned. That with whom I have the privilege to be on Incidentally, Campbell Town is today same evening Mr. John Cotton, finding terms of intimate friendship, and there- the home of the “Convict Walk,” a medical aid of no avail, took upon him- fore I regret very much having to make memorial to those who were trans- self to try a quack “remedy,” and set a use of his name in the way I have done, ported for various crimes, a large por- soup-plate full of burning pitch in the but it is inevitable, and I feel sure that tion of them very petty by today’s middle of the room, almost under the he will pardon me under the circum- standards, to Tasmania from England, patient’s nose, so that when I came to stances. Besides, it is not I who began many of whom later settled on the pay my last visit that evening, I could it. island and became the ancestors of neither see nor breathe in the room, Yours, etc., those who have lived there for several which was full of thick black smoke. LIONEL DRUITT M.D., generations since. Dr. Druitt, then, Anything more calculated in increase Swansea, April 1.11 would certainly not have been alone as the distress of a patient on the verge Whether or not Druitt’s treat- a foreigner to the country — in fact, he of suffocation can hardly be imagined. ment of the patient could be deemed was likely surrounded by many of his Of course, to do the thing properly, he sufficient under the circumstances or former countrymen. should have solemnly danced round the otherwise, he certainly stayed true to Secondly, according to local soup-plate with a wand, and chanted his word and had nothing further to Swansea history, there could well be an incantation, but he took good care say on the matter — at least not in the a story within a story for this letter. not to remain in the smoke himself. I do newspaper columns. What exactly he At the time of this public spat, Mr. not think, however, that this had any may have said or done the next time John Cotton was sixty years old and material effect on the course of the dis- Mr. John Cotton approached him for his family had spent their lives in and ease; the patient lingered on till 4 p.m. medical advice or treatment, however, around Swansea. The very first doctor on the following day, when she quietly is perhaps best left to the reader’s to ever practice in Swansea was Dr. expired. imagination. George Storey, who had been there This letter is very much longer There are several points that are for all of 55 years from 1829 — 1884. than I intended it to be when I began, perhaps worth mentioning in regard to Mr. Cotton, therefore, along with his but it is the only one I intend to write. that particular letter. family, had always been treated by I am quite willing to let the profession 11 The Mercury, April 7, 1892. Dr. Storey. So, the theory goes that

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 60 when this self-confident, still quite reward in Tasmania unless his name the Government at the rate of fees given young doctor named Lionel Druitt is on the register of the court, or to below, which is fixed by law:- came onto the scene, he was consid- dispense medicines unless he has the For giving evidence at an inquest – ered as, to borrow a term, “the new kid licence of the court. The by-laws of One Guinea. on the block,” and older residents like the court provide that a holder of any For making a post-mortem exami- Mr. Cotton were unsure of him — the British diploma may be registered, or nation – Two Guineas. diphtheria outbreak, so soon after his of any colonial or foreign diploma on For travelling to the inquest – One arrival in Swansea, simply added fuel proving that he has received a medi- Shilling a mile one way, for each mile to the fire. cal education equal to that prescribed after the first ten. Ten miles or under, Despite this relatively early set- by the Royal College of Surgeons in no fee allowed. back in his Tasmanian medical career, England. For giving evidence in court of law it is clear that he was doing quite well The registration fee for a legally – One Guinea a day. …HE WAS DOING QUITE WELL FOR HIMSELF, for himself, both on the professional qualified medical practitioner is one For travelling to the court – 18s. a and financial fronts. The medical- sec guinea. Registered fee for licence to dis- day, and coach or railway fare. tion of Welch’s Almanac of 1895 gives pense medicines as a legally qualified Medical officers who are in receipt us an idea of the various payments for chemist and druggist, one guinea. The of an annual allowance from the medical practitioners in Tasmania: court can grant licences as dealers in Government for professional atten- The practice of medicine in the poisons to any person providing certifi- dance on destitute persons will receive colony is under the supervision of a cate of fitness from a medical practitio- remuneration according to the follow- Court of Medical Examiners, appointed ner of a stipendiary magistrate, fee 1 ing scale:- by an Act of Parliament. Their chief (pound). The meetings of the court are Attendance within one mile from duties are to register the diplomas of held as occasion requires. Police Office, gratis; beyond one mile persons practising medicine, and to Medical practitioners who regis- and not exceeding three miles, 5s. issue licences to dispense medicines. ter their diplomas in Tasmania may per visit; beyond three miles and not No one is entitled to practise for fee or be called upon to give their services to exceeding five miles, 7s. 6d. per visit;

“Cousin Lionel” Adam Went beyond five miles, 7s. 6d. per visit, and seemed to have quite died out, has but also unfortunately stone deaf, mileage of 1s. one way.12 again made its appearance, the first which last affliction, no doubt, caused Lionel Druitt was listed among case being a boy named Edwards, one his accident, as he could not be aware the Tasmanian medical practitioners of the witnesses in the above trial, who of the exact time the tree would fall.13 in the medical almanacs of both 1893 came from town so ill that he had, upon Edward Duncombe would go on to and 1895. At one stage in 1892 when his arrival here, to be examined by Dr. be known by the Swansea locals, and in he attended to a murder case outside Druitt, who pronounced it diphthe- particular the youths, as “Old Deafy” of Swansea, Druitt had complained ria, and had him placed in an empty Duncombe, and he is well known in about the amount of remuneration cottage. Since then the child has been local folklore. Unfortunately, though that he had received for his trouble. seized with the same complaint, but it saved by Dr. Druitt on this occasion, Subsequently, he was compensated a is hoped that no further development of he would suffer a rather tragic end to sum totalling just over £4. the disease will occur. his life almost thirty years later — in Clearly, then, Druitt was doing While a poor man named Edward 1922, he was murdered. well for himself. So much so that by the Duncombe was felling a tree on a place The year 1894 would see Dr. end of 1893, with two young daughters of ground about a mile from the town- Druitt involved in yet another public and his wife also quite a busy woman, ship, it fell on him terribly crushing spat in the “Letters To The Editor” Mrs. Druitt had advertised for a “good both legs. At the time he was alone, but column of The Mercury. This time, it general servant” in The Mercury. fortunately did not lose consciousness, was in regard to sewage disposal and 1893 had begun in interesting and his cooees at last brought a neigh- the system then being used in Hobart. enough circumstances for Dr. Druitt. bour, who obtained help and brought On June 7, his letter was published: A report, again from The Mercury of the sufferer to his cottage. After some SEWAGE DISPOSAL February 22 that year, details this hours’ delay, caused by Dr. Druitt SIR. - I was much interested to read occurrence: being away at Lisdillon, the sufferers’ in your issue of May 30 a report of a “COUNTRY NEWS FROM OUR left leg was skillfully amputated just meeting of the Sanitary Association, at OWN CORRESPONDENTS above the knee, and his right, which which one gentleman (Mr. Chesterman) SWANSEA. was broken just below the hip, was put said, “If Melbourne were content with Swansea has been considerably stirred into long splints and bandaged. Mr. the pan system, Hobart might be also,” lately by a succession of disastrous Rust, Superintendent of Police, kindly i.e. if big Melbourne is content to foul events, the chief of which the Llandaff assisting the doctor in the operation. her water supplies and poison her murder case is still fresh in the mind The poor fellow is still alive and quite population with typhoid and other of your readers. Diphtheria, which cheerful. He is greatly esteemed, being filth diseases, there is no harm in little 12 Tasmanian Medical Almanac, 1895 edition a very steady and hard-working man, 13 The Mercury, February 22, 1893.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 62 Hobart doing the same. Dr. Giblin also committed to this system is shown by a something should be done to prevent “considered underground drainage an few forcible facts and figures to be noth- the curse of London from falling on our urgent necessity, etc.” The fact is, these ing more than a myth. Indeed the pres- city. The means of prevention are easy gentlemen of the Sanitary Association ent deplorable state of London should and plain. The “water carriage system” are all on the wrong track. Melbourne be a warning to us. Some 60 years ago must be abolished in toto. In subur- should be a warning to us, and not an London was abundantly supplied with ban houses, the water closets should be example to be copied. Any system of pure water by the numerous small replaced by dry privies placed at a suf- sewage disposal, which involves the tributaries of the Thames. Since the ficient distance from the house, the con- dilution of excrement with large quan- introduction of the water closet, these tent being daily covered over with dry tities of water is radically wrong, and have one by one disappeared, having earth, and periodically removed and can only lead to disaster. Earth, and first been fouled till they became open buried in the garden, where they will earth alone is the proper receptacle for sewers, discharging their poisonous soon pay a handsome dividend in flow- such refuse. To cast our excreta into the filth into the Thames, then becoming ers, fruit, and vegetables. In the more river or the sea, whether directly, or by a nuisance, having been covered over, closely-packed houses of the city which means of a costly sewer, is both waste- hidden from sight, and their very exis- have no curtilage the water closets ful and dangerous; wasteful because tence forgotten. Now, the question how should be replaced by earth closets, and we thereby starve the earth and throw the vast overcrowded population of the saving in water rates thus effected away that which, when properly London is to be supplied with non-poi- may be applied to keeping a sufficient treated, becomes our food and clothing, sonous water is one of the most difficult supply of dry earth on the premises, and dangerous because we are poison- and perplexing problems of the day, and a system of scavenging by which ing our water and sowing wholesale and in the meantime the foul water and the content of the closets, both solid and the seeds of diseases. foul gases emanating from the miles of liquid, may be removed daily to the I have before me a little work by sewers (which have been constructed country and buried. This change will Dr. George Vivian Poore, one of the at most appalling public expense) are involve some expenditure, no doubt, but highest and best-known authorities on causing typhoid and diphtheria to it will be less costly than Dr. Giblin’s sanitary science, which it behoves every increase at a rate which is baffling the underground sewer. Moreover, it will one interested in sanitation to read. The efforts of sanitary science to arrest it. As be the first and only expense, while in evils and fallacies of the water-carriage Dr. Poore remarks, “London is becom- the case of the sewer an expenditure of system are fully and forcibly exposed ing daily less habitable.” Hobart is but public money and public health will be and explained, and the supposed a small town compared with London, begun, of which no one can see the end. healthiness of London and other large and while our sanitary arrangements Yours, etc.; SWANSEA, May 31. English towns which are hopelessly are yet within manageable proportions L. DRUITT, M.D.

“Cousin Lionel” Adam Went P.S. Dr. Poore’s work to which other day a correspondent said that its abundance and its purity. The con- I have referred is entitled “Rural the weighbridge for the sale of stock sumption is 183,859,000gal. per day, Hygiene,” and is published by by weight was not in use in England, and although a Royal Commission have Longmans, Green & Co., London. For whereas cattle are sold by weight now recently had to report as to the means the perusal of it I am indebted to the in several of the largest cattle markets of increasing the supply in the future kindness of Mr. John Meredith, of in the old country. Last week I noticed to meet demands, they had no fault to Cambria.14 a letter from “L. Druitt, M.D.,” presum- find with the quality. As to the London Druitt, having been a resident of ing to give the Hobart people, from his sewage draining into the Thames, as London for many of his earlier years, rural retreat in the bush, information the bush M.D. out here alleges, none was of course in a good position to com- and advice in favour of reverting to at all is allowed to do so. Perhaps I ment on the water and sewage systems the old state of things in Hobart when cannot do better than give extracts from in his old city. One particular respon- everybody made cesspools in their gar- a description of the London system of dent, however, was not so pleased with dens, and as every doctor who was then drainage published towards the end of the doctor’s assessment of the situa- in Hobart informs us, a pretty state last year, as follows — “The reasons for tion. Signing himself only as “Up To of things was the result. This advice this greater length of life are, no doubt, Date,” he fired back a letter harsh in would no doubt be taken with a good various, but the most potent is, unques- tone to the columns of The Mercury on spoonful of salt by all who read it, tionably, better drainage. Under the June 19: but where the evil comes in is where Metropolitan Board of Works a gigan- SEWAGE DISPOSAL the writer, on the authority of a book, tic new scheme, called ‘the London SIR,- In the public interest I beg a not quite up to date, says London is main drainage,’ and proposed by the short space to protest against persons in an unhealthy and deplorable state, later Sir J.W. Bazalgette, was brought writing to the press letters, stating through underground drainage; that into operation, comprising the northern what is the position in regard to this the drains discharge their poisonous high level, middle and low level, and matter and that, in England, and sug- contents into the Thames, and pollute the southern high level and low level gesting that we over here should do the water for domestic consumption, sewers. In 1888 the Prince of Wales set likewise without adequate information. “till London is becoming daily less hab- the engines in motion which began to In many instances which have come itable.” I do not take part in advocating lift the outfall sewage at Crossness. under notice, I have thought that cor- his system of sewage disposal, or that, At present the disposal of London respondents were deliberately lying; for Hobart, but I do protest against sewage is none other than the treat- they were certainly trying to pose as such a statement as this. As to the ment of the whole of the sewage of knowing when they did not know. The London water supply, it is the marvel of London with lime and sulphate of iron” 14 The Mercury, June 7, 1894. the whole civilised world on account of (at Barking and Crossness) “to produce

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 64 precipitation and deodorisation, and correspondents to ventilate grievances correspondent’s naïve assumption that the conveyance of the precipitated por- and opinions, many of the latter being dwellers in towns are mentally and tion, called ‘sludge,’ far out to sea by often most useful, but, for goodness intellectually superior to dwellers in tank steamers, whilst the clear and puri- sake, let us have the truth, and nothing the country, as shown by his sneering fied liquid runs into the Thames.” The but the truth. at my “rural retreat” and courteously description goes into full details, which Yours, etc., dubbing me “bush M.D.,” is, I venture of course you would not find space for. I June 8. to think, a mistake, and I fail to see may add this is the system in operation UP TO DATE15 where the “presumption” on my part in numerous towns in England, large Looked at from a modern view- comes in. Certainly in the matter of and small, especially those situated on point, this debate on the best method sanitation we, in the country, are far in the banks of rivers which are noted for of sewage disposal and the condition advance of the town. I have for many their fish. The now “old times” to which of London’s water is particularly fasci- years carried out the plan of refuse dis- Dr. George Vivian Poore refers must nating, and history would be the judge posal which I advocate (I do not call it have been when the contents of 30,000 of which of these two debaters were sewage, for we have not any, and God cesspools were turned into the Thames, probably closest to the truth. Unlike grant we never may); and I have good and open sewers existed to carry off all his previous newspaper communica- reason to be satisfied with the result, refuse water, whilst the death rate was tion on diphtheria, however, Druitt both from an hygienic and an agricul- 30 per 1,000, and in some years many was not satisfied to let the matter rest. tural point of view. It is not the case more. Now, the death rate in London is On June 23, another letter from the in this village, nor in any other town- 20-2, and is steadily decreasing; that doctor was published in response to ship that I have visited, that “everyone of England and Wales is 17-8. The “Up To Date”: makes a cesspool in their (sic) gar- present system of treatment of London SEWAGE DISPOSAL: dens.” Such a state of things can only sewage and drainage is said to have SIR,- In my turn I beg leave to exist in towns which are slaves to the “solved one of the most pressing and protest against the writing of muddle- hateful poisonous water-closet. Were serious problems of modern London.” headed letters to the press, with no your correspondent as much up-to- So what Dr. L. Druitt has been telling other apparent object than to obscure date as he affects to be, he would know us is ancient history, and is mislead- the question at issue. I do not as a rule that the wasteful and costly process ing; he has been criticising without take any notice of such anonymous recently adopted in London is but an knowing what the London sewage dis- criticism, but the letter signed “Up to experiment, in all probability doomed posal system is. Date,” in your issue of the 19th inst., is to failure on account of the enormous It must be a great boon to the public too assuming to be passed over. Your quantity of liquid to be dealt with, that your columns are thrown open to 15 The Mercury, June 19, 1894. and the enormous expenses involved in

“Cousin Lionel” Adam Went dealing with it. Already other schemes and medical correspondent, as pre- spirit not often noticeable in amateur are being mooted, amongst others the viously mentioned, Druitt was very performances. The cast was as follows: construction of a huge tunnel through much interested in involving him- Wolverine Griffin, Miss Wortham; which the whole of the London sewage self in many local clubs and societies. Judge Wigfall, Mrs. Salier; Mrs. may run into the sea off the Essex coast When the Swansea Visitors & Tourists Badger, Miss Chambers, Victorlue, without touching the Thames at all. Bureau was established in May 1895, Miss Effie Amos; Mr. Wigfall, Mr. W. Another is the electrolysed sea-water Druitt was one of the board members. Best; Tom Carberry, Dr. L. Druitt. The fad which is being tried with a certain He also never forgot his upbring- dresses of the ladies and their careful measure of success in the reduction ing and Anglican faith — he attended attention to all small details added not of mortality from epidemic diseases, and was an occasional lay preacher a little to the success of the piece. The induced by their previous water-closets, at the Anglican Church in Swansea costume of Wolverine Griffin (if it is at Worthing, a small town on the south (which also still stands and is, ironi- to be taken as a specimen of the dress coast. When these have been tried and cally, situated next door to the to be worn by the “new woman”) must failed, no doubt other schemes will crop Historical Society, where some infor- have struck terror to all the feminine up to keep the pot boiling. mation on him is kept). hearts in the audience, and no doubt The eagerness with which young Aside from his entertaining of they were much relieved by the appear- communities rush to imitate the vices locals at various gatherings, he was also ance of Mrs. Badger, the female tax and mistakes of the mother country is a member of the Swansea Dramatic collector, in her smart official uniform very remarkable. Does your correspon- Club and, as he did in England, contin- of blue cloth and gold braid. The after dent really wish to induce in Hobart ued to take part in amateur plays and piece, a farce entitled Dearest Mamma, the same condition which has necessi- productions — which he features in did not go quite so smoothly, the voice tated the vast and unprofitable outlay from this review in June 1896: of the prompter being heard rather too on sewage works in London? Unless SWANSEA often. Still it made a very fair wind up he be a proprietor of some patent up- On Friday evening, 29th ult., the to an excellent evening’s amusement. to-date water closet, or a participator Swansea Dramatic Club gave a suc- The performers in this were the Misses in the profits of some big prospective cessful entertainment in the Council Wortham, Morris and N. Smith, Dr. L. sewage scheme, his answer must surely chamber in the presence of a large Druitt; Messrs. L. Lyne, R. Meredith be in the negative. audience. and W. Dossetor. The Coming Woman L. DRUITT, M.D.Swansea, June The curtain rose on the opening was repeated on Saturday night, with 20.16 scene of The Coming Woman, a capital the addition of the screaming farce Aside from his pursuits as a doctor little three act drama, which from start Found in a Four-Wheeler, in place of 16 The Mercury, June 23, 1894. to finish was played with a dash and Dearest Mamma. Most of the performers

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 66 before mentioned, including Mr. James advertisement that he has no intention lay-reader in the , Davidson, took part in this piece. The of relinquishing practice in Swansea.18 and also for his willingness and ability proceeds are to be used in defraying Clearly, however, he did. Just to assist at any of the social functions expenses connected with the new stage, two months later, Druitt made his held at Swansea during the period of which is a great improvement and one intended departure final by having a his stay among us. that has been long needed. further notice published: Mr. A.W. Smith, as senior warden June 1.17 All persons indebted to me are of the English Church, occupied the Mrs. Druitt had also undertaken requested to pay the amount of their chair, and after announcing the object her own pursuits in Swansea. She debt to Mr. Mirrion, shop-keeper, of the meeting, stated that the proceed- was very keen on horticulture and Swansea, whose receipt will be a suffi- ings would commence with a short many crafts, and was a member of cient discharge. musical programme. This was car- the Swansea Horticultural Society. L. Druitt, Swansea, August 13, ried out in a most successful manner She helped to organise a variety of 1896.19 by Mesdames Edwards, Rust and fairs and events, and submitted her So popular was Dr. Druitt with Graham; Misses Moore, Morris and own creations to them, for which she the locals that a special meeting of Graham, and Dr. Druitt; Messrs. F. regularly won awards – including the Glamorgan Municipal Council and and A. Morris. for bowls of roses, wine making and others concerned had determined to Then followed the presenting of flower growing, among others. Bearing give the Druitts a farewell event at the address, which was beautifully all of this in mind, it is little wonder the council chambers, and to have Dr. engrossed and most artistically illu- that by 1896, the Druitts had become Druitt presented with an illuminated minated on a large sheet of vellum, by much beloved members of the commu- address as a show of gratitude for his Mr. Albert Reid, of Hobart. It was pre- nity, well liked and respected by all. It time in Swansea: sented by Mr. Smith, with a suitable was with much local disappointment, SWANSEA speech to which Dr. Druitt as suitably then, that rumours began to surface in On the evening of Friday, 21st inst., a responded. The proceedings terminated mid-1896 that they were intending to number of Dr. Druitt’s friends met at with a coffee supper which everyone leave Swansea and return to mainland the Council chamber, for the purpose enjoyed, and which, to the young folks Australia. Attempting to quell these of presenting him with an illuminated at least, seemed the most enjoyable part rumours, on June 3, Druitt had the fol- address prior to his departure from the of the evening. lowing brief advertisement published district, as a mark of their respect for I must add, though, that the plea- in The Mercury: him and gratitude for his services as sure of those who had come prepared Dr. Druitt notifies by 18 Ibid. to listen to music, and the reading of 17 The Mercury, June 3, 1896. 19 The Mercury, August 17, 1896. the address, was greatly marred by the

“Cousin Lionel” Adam Went rowdyism of a number of young per- replace Dr. Druitt as medical practitio- Druitt’s residence, Dandenong-Road, sons, I regret to say of both sexes, who ner at Swansea — though it would be when he slipped and fell, breaking both had apparently come for the purpose of brief. He lasted only one year. his wrists.21 making a noise. Swansea has hitherto On September 3, 1896, Lionel, his In June 1897, Druitt was listed as been noted for the quiet, orderly behav- wife and two young children boarded the Chemist for Koroit, Victoria. He iour of its inhabitants when at any the S.S. Pateena (a very popular and would go on to reside in Koroit, and it public entertainment, so I trust this quick steamer in the late 19th cen- was here, in February 1899, that his has only been a temporary divergence tury, serving the Bass Strait route third and final child, named Dorothy, from the paths of decency and sobriety, and belonging to the Tasmanian was born. and that they will on a future occasion Steam Navigation (T.S.N.) Co. — she Though new life was being wel- behave in a proper manner. would go on to serve more than forty comed into the household of Lionel Dr. Druitt’s place in Swansea years in various locations before being Druitt, back home in England, will be filled, we have every reason to broken up in the 1920s) at Launceston, his family suffered a succession of believe, with great efficiency, by Dr. Tasmania, and sailed for Victoria once tragedies. Graham, who is well known in other again. The following day they arrived In 1899, his mother Isabella parts of the island.20 there, and their chapter in Tasmania passed away at the age of seventy-six. Druitt was still able to create con- had come to a close. His younger sister, Katherine, had troversy to the last — shortly after this passed away earlier (in 1887), and article was published, a note was pub- LATER YEARS now the year 1900 saw the premature lished from a resident of Swansea who It is at this point, unfortunately, that deaths of two more of his siblings, his denied that there was any truth in the the information on Dr. Druitt begins to older brother Charles and his younger story that there had been misbehav- thin out slightly. sister Gertrude. iour at the event. Following his departure from Druitt continued to maintain his Whatever the case, in the files Tasmania, he moved into a property faith, however, and as in Swansea, was of the Historical Society in Swansea, on Dandenong Road, in the Melbourne an occasional lay preacher in Victoria. there is a letter from a descendant of suburb of Oakleigh. It was here in By the turn of the century, his two the doctor, who stated that the illumi- November 1896 that The Mercury tells eldest daughters had been sent back nated address was still in “mint con- us of an unfortunate accident: to England to receive their educations dition” and was in the possession of OAKLEIGH – A singular and pain- there. another relative in Australia. ful accident occurred on Saturday to a It was during this period that Dr. Albert Graham would indeed boy named Gilbert Colwell, six years of there is record of Druitt attending a 20 The Mercury, August 26, 1896. age. The lad was fixing a swing at Dr. 21 The Mercury, August 26, 1896.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 68 number of shooting accidents, includ- a safety pea rifle with him. He laid it January 7, 1908 at his home in ing this one in 1901: against a tree, and his eldest son picked Mentone, at the age of just fifty-three SHOOTING ACCIDENT it up, and the rifle went off. The bullet years. He left behind his wife of almost KOROIT, Thursday. entered near the younger boy’s ear, and twenty years and his three daughters, Mr. F. C. Morriss, of Spring Creek penetrated his brain. Death occurred the eldest of whom was only eighteen Road, on Monday went out for an after- instantaneously. Dr. Druitt, of Drouin, years old. noon’s shooting, and while opening a was summoned, and pronounced life He was interred in the Church of gate into a bush paddock the gun acci- extinct.23 England section of the Cheltenham dentally went off, sending the charge In 1902, Druitt had been the rep- Cemetery in Melbourne on January into his left thigh. He was alone at resentative for Koroit at a meeting 9th. The following day, The Argus car- the time, and had great difficulty in of the Australian Medical Congress. ried a death notice: proceeding far enough to obtain assis- 1903, however, would see him relocate . . . The death of Dr. Lionel Druitt tance. Dr. Druitt was at once called once more to Drouin, a community in occurred at Mentone on Tuesday eve- in, and found the charge had made a West Gippsland, Victoria. ning [January 7, 1908], at the age of 53 perfect tunnel through the upper part He continued to practice in years. Dr. Druitt was born at London, of the thigh, passing right through Victorian towns throughout the 1900s, and was descended from a family the flesh. Mr. Morriss is progressing but gradually his health began to dete- which practised medicine for genera- favourably.22 riorate. He had been struggling with tions. He was the youngest son of Dr. And this particularly tragic one in diabetes and though he liked to stay as Robert Druitt, author of Surgeons 1904: involved in the community as he possi- Vade-Mecum, &c. Dr. Druitt came SAD SHOOTING ACCIDENT bly could, the illness began to take its to Australia about 21 years ago, and A BOY KILLS HIS BROTHER toll in Lionel’s later years. practised in different towns in this DROUIN, Friday. In 1907, he packed his family and state [Victoria]. A couple of years ago – A sad shooting fatality occurred belongings up for the last time and he removed to Mentone, but gradually at Drouin to-day, when a boy, aged moved to Mentone, a suburb some failed in health, the ultimate cause of 7 years, the son of Mr. C. W. Smaley, twenty kilometres [twelve miles] from death being diabetes.24 coachbuilder, Drouin, was accidentally central Melbourne. He named his prop- Back in Tasmania, The Mercury shot dead by his elder brother, with a erty here “Wimborne” after his family’s also carried a brief mention of Dr. pea-rifle. Mr. and Mrs. Smaley and home back in Dorset. Druitt’s passing and his time practic- their family went away to the Tarago His condition gradually worsened ing in Swansea. River for a picnic, Mr. Smaley taking until he passed away on Tuesday, Following her husband’s death, 22 The Argus, May 17, 1901 23 The Argus, April 2, 1904. 24 The Argus, January 10, 1908.

“Cousin Lionel” Adam Went S.S. Pateena

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 70 Mrs. Druitt moved back to the state widow of Dr. Lionel Druitt, who was One of these letters was from a Mr. in which she had originally lived, medical practioner [sic] at Swansea A. Knowles, living in Australia, who New South Wales, before returning to more than 40 years ago. Mrs. Druitt claimed that there was a document Victoria. She continued to be involved leaves three daughters.26 privately published in 1890 titled with various local events and activi- Her daughters went on to be mar- The East End Murderer: I Knew Him, ties, particularly of the craft and hor- ried and have families of their own, and which had been written by one Lionel ticultural variety, including this one some of the descendants of the couple Druitt, Drewett or Drewery. with her youngest daughter Dorothy in still reside in Australia to this day. At a similar time, a copy of an 1918: 1894 memorandum draft pertain- SWEET LAVENDER CONCLUSION ing to the case written by Sir Melville Mrs. L. Druitt was one of the speakers Having completed the preceding biog- Macnaghten (who became Assistant when a deputation from the Association raphy section, I would be happy to Chief Constable of the CID in 1889, for Cultivation of Flowers for Scent leave “Cousin Lionel” at that and and who would later become head of and Essential Oils waited upon the finish up. However, for the sake of the CID), came to light via his daugh- Victorian Minister for customs recently. Ripperology, it is perhaps necessary at ter, Lady Christabel Aberconway. This With her youngest daughter (Miss this point to take this article full circle memorandum had been intended for Dorothy Druitt) Mrs. Druitt resides on and return to where we began – the private and internal perusal only, and a beautiful old-fashioned apple orchard mysterious document. had been written in response to news- among the foothills of the Dandenongs. As I mentioned earlier, many paper claims that Thomas Cutbush Another daughter is working with readers will already be familiar with was a likely candidate for the killer other volunteers for the Land Council the story — it is a complex and lengthy — Macnaghten was attempting to list in England on a farm in Warwickshire one, but just to refresh memories and suspects who should be deemed more (says our Melbourne correspondent.)25 for the sake of those who aren’t so likely to have committed the murders. Outliving her husband by almost familiar with it, the short of it is that His three suspects were Montague thirty years, Mrs. Druitt passed in the 1950s and 1960s, following pro- John Druitt, Aaron Kosminski and away in February 1937 in the town duction of a television documentary Michael Ostrog. of Beaumaris, Victoria. The Mercury on Jack the Ripper, British researcher In his memorandum summary also felt that her passing warranted a Daniel Farson began to collect infor- of the case against Druitt, he states mention: mation and correspondence relating that: . . . From private information Mrs. Lionel Druitt died last month to the case, eventually publishing a I have little doubt but that his own in Beaumaris (Victoria). She was the book titled Jack the Ripper in 1972. family suspected this man of being the 25 The Sydney Morning Herald, March 20, 1918. 26 The Mercury, March 12, 1937.

“Cousin Lionel” Adam Went Whitechapel murderer.27 confused memories and tangled facts, Firstly, the Macnaghten Though official copy of this - docu possibly involving yet another Ripper Memorandum must not be used as a ment at Scotland Yard, discovered suspect, Frederick Bailey Deeming, reliable source of information. In the later, would vary in certain parts, and who was hanged in Melbourne in May original draft, which was one of the was in some ways a watered down ver- 1892 for murdering members of his first leads to this supposed family sus- sion of the draft, this part about Druitt family, and who had been known to picion, Macnaghten could not even get remained virtually the same: . . . From use the alias Mr. Drewen. As for this the age and occupation of M.J. Druitt private information I have little doubt incriminating “privately printed docu- correct (he claimed he was 41 and a but that his own family believed him to ment,” it was alleged to have been a doctor, as opposed to the facts which are have been the murderer.28 supplement from the November 29th, that he was 31 and a teacher), and the Further communications from 1890 issue of the St. Arnaud Mercury entire memorandum has simple errors Australia pointed Farson in the direc- (during which time Lionel Druitt did scattered throughout. It is inexplicable tion of the Dandenongs, Victoria, and indeed live in St. Arnaud), and was that there could be this many errors the search for this incriminating doc- simply another bogus “I knew Jack” from a man of Macnaghten’s position, ument had begun. What looked ini- lodger story, unrelated to the matter and there is therefore no reason to fur- tially like a fantastic breakthrough, at hand. ther believe that the information relat- however, soon proved to be anything Despite this, there have still been ing to family suspicion was correct. In but. The document proved incredibly researchers in recent times who have any case, should there be any truth in difficult to find despite the efforts of, delved deeper into the mystery of it at all, there are numerous instances among others, the BBC. The death the document in the hope that there of families who suspected one of their of Mr. Knowles also didn’t help the may still be some truth both in it own, it certainly is not limited to M.J. search. and the theory that it was written by Druitt. In 1987’s The Ripper Legacy, Montague’s cousin, Lionel Druitt. Secondly, there is no evidence to Martin Howells and Keith Skinner I don’t intend to re-write history suggest that Lionel and Montague chronicled their own research into the here and I have little to add about the were particularly close to one another. subject and their search for the docu- document itself other than what has The argument has previously been ment. After much effort, they con- already been said — however, having made that they would have associ- cluded that they had tracked it down researched Lionel Druitt and his time ated with each other when they were to be little more than a mish-mash of in Australia, I believe we can now be both living and working in London in 27 Sugden, Philip, The Complete History of Jack the in a position to deal with a few points the early 1880s — this may indeed be Ripper, (Robinson, Revised Ed., 2002) p. 379 relating to this tale by using a combi- true. However, the Druitts were quite 28 Ibid.; p. 380. nation of factual and logical points. a large family and there is nothing

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 72 to suggest that Lionel and Montague from other members of the family? existence of the allegedly missing doc- were closer than any of the rest. Like If so, why did the task fall to him to ument surely has to slip beyond the most families, they would surely have write the document — why not one of realms of likelihood. been acquainted with one another, the many other members of the Druitt There are further points that even if it was only through family gath- family still living in London? One of could have added to the confusion erings and events, but this is hardly Montague’s own siblings rather than over the author and origin of The East enough to say that they had intimate one of his cousins? What was the neces- End Murderer. As we’ve established, knowledge of one another’s doings. sity of writing such a document in the Druitt did for a time live in Dandenong In any case, when Lionel left London first place? We’ve seen a transcription Road following his departure from for Australia in 1886, Montague Tasmania, where the document was teaching at Mr. Valentine’s could supposedly be tracked. Yet School, where he had been for …SURELY this was almost a decade after the previous five years, was play- the document was supposedly ing cricket and was presumably HAS TO SLIP published. There are more rea- in a relatively stable position, as sons why the names could have opposed to the crumbling of his BEYOND THE been confused in the involvement life some two years afterwards. of Lionel Druitt — aside from That brings us to our third REALMS OF the Deeming connection and the point. When Lionel left for search for a document by Druitt, Australia, he never saw his LIKELIHOOD. Drewett or Drewery, we’ve also cousin alive again. Just over two established that he did, for a years later, during the autumn of 1888, of a report from the St. Arnaud Mercury time, practice in a community named the Ripper murders and the suicide of upon Druitt’s departure in March 1891, Drouin. Also, though unrelated to the Montague in December, Lionel was the same newspaper which had printed document, his original state of New half a world away in Wagga Wagga, the supplement just four months ear- South Wales is home to a community New South Wales, newly married and lier. If there had been any suspicion named Mount Druitt. Take all of the doing reasonably well for himself. against Dr. Druitt’s family or of his above factors, add in a tangled web of Presuming for a moment that he would writing such a document at that time, places and people, plus the passage of have written such an incriminating would the newspaper then have printed seventy years or more, and you have a document, how could it be possible for such a glowing report of the doctor so recipe for a rather confusing wild goose him to do so while he was in Australia? shortly afterwards? chase. Did he receive some inside information These questions considered, the Finally, during the course of this

“Cousin Lionel” Adam Went article, we’ve seen correspondence, both ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS SOURCES private and public, from Dr. Druitt him- There are several organisations and The West Sussex Records Office self, covering everything from snowball individuals who have been instrumen- (WSRO), DRUITT MSS/399, DRUITT fights to sewage disposal. Indeed, the tal in piecing together this article. I MSS/400, DRUITT MSS 402-407, latter topic surely demonstrates that he would like to thank Maureen Martin DRUITT MS-9 (79-82). liked to keep up to date with what was Ferris and the Glamorgan & Spring happening in his old city, and he surely Bay Historical Society; the West Sussex Glamorgan & Spring Bay Historical would have kept himself informed Records Office and the Devonport Society of the Whitechapel murders as well. Maritime Museum for their assistance Devonport Maritime Museum Despite this, from the man who suppos- and kind permission to reproduce edly wrote such an incriminating docu- documents, images and information. University of Tasmania Archives ment, from all of his correspondence Thanks also to the State Library unearthed to this point, I have not man- of Tasmania and the Tasmanian State Library of Tasmania aged to come across one single reference Archives. Also, special thanks to John to the Whitechapel murders of any kind Ruffels, a long time Druitt researcher www.casebook.org — and fellow Druitt researchers have whose correspondence, assistance and www.nationalarchives.gov.uk concurred with me on this point. willingness to share information has www.trove.nla.gov.au All things considered, the story of been greatly appreciated; and to Nina the Dandenong document is a fascinat- Brown, for once again delving into the Sugden, Philip: The Complete History ing chapter and a really interesting tale, newspaper archives for my benefit. of Jack the Ripper (Robinson, Revised be there truth in it or not. There is no Ed., 2002) doubt that discussion and debate will continue on the candidacy of Montague Howells, Martin and Skinner, Keith: John Druitt as a Jack the Ripper sus- The Ripper Legacy (Sphere Books, pect, and who knows, perhaps a hidden 1987) document may one day come to light. We can rarely be certain of these things. Farson, Daniel: Jack the Ripper There is one thing I believe we can be (Michael Joseph, 1972) certain of, however, and that is that should such a document ever surface, Eddleston, John J: Jack the Ripper: the ink that has written it will not have An Encyclopedia (Metro Publishing, belonged to the pen of Dr. Lionel Druitt. 2001)

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 74 Watson, Reg A: A Quinology Of Tasmanian Crime Cases (Anglo- Saxon-Celtic Society, 1997) Welch’s Almanac, Medical Section – Biography 1893 & 1895. Adam Went The Standard, October 4, 1871. dam has been researching The Mercury: the Whitechapel Murders & March 22, 1892, March 26, 1892, AVictorian History since 2004, June 3, 1896, August 17, 1896, June and has taken an interest in mari- 3, 1896, June 7, 1894, June 19, 1894, time history for even longer. He has June 23, 1894, August 26, 1896, previously researched, written and September 11, 1896, December 16, co-written articles for Ripperologist 1891, February 22, 1893, April 7, and says he cannot write at all unless 1892, March 12, 1937, May 5, 1891. he has 80s rock music blasting in the background. Adam makes his home in The Sydney Morning Herald: far away Tasmania. This is his second March 20, 1918, October 24, 1889, article for Casebook Examiner. July 2, 1886, April 9, 1888.

The Argus: May 17, 1901, June 1897, April 2, 1904, January 10, 1908.

“Cousin Lionel” Adam Went The 1888 Old Bailey and Press Criminal

Matrix BY D. M. GATES AND JEFF BEVERIDGE

ou will notice that this paper done immeasurable harm to this field 1888. My first thought was that maybe has a co-author. Mr. Beveridge of study in my opinion. Mr. Beveridge they have but either it isn’t widely Ygenerated the astounding data- and his contribution belong to that known or they simply only collected set that is this paper’s foundation. elite sub class of Ripperologist the true a relatively small number of interest- Without his efforts this paper could Ripper scholar. A sub-class that has as ing cases and left it at that. At about not exist, and his many years devoted its goal a proper understanding of the the three-year mark of my research to accumulating the data and (more events we study. We owe him many I think I now know why, at the very important) his willingness to share the thanks for his efforts and generosity: least, no one has tried to catalogue data before he publishes his results, Thank you Mr. Beveridge. “hundreds” of cases like I have—either are to be held as the standard for they think the task is a waste of time, Ripper scholarship in the future. As MR. BEVERIDGE’S or they aren’t as obsessive (or possibly you read this paper and contemplate its COMMENTS: as “foolish”) as I am! Or to put it more relative value to your understanding, “Why hasn’t anyone else tried this succinctly, “Do you really think you are remember this: The guarded approach before?” I had thought to myself many going to catch Jack the Ripper by doing to data sharing, and the vitriolic times during the last three and a half this research after 120 some years and responses to new data that have previ- years of documenting crimes in and thousands of others trying to solve the ously marked the Ripperologist, have around the Whitechapel area, circa great mystery?” My answer to that

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 76 question is simply this: do you really British Empire. During most of my sources of my research were the Old believe you are going to strike it rich time doing this research I found myself Bailey Online website which repre- by purchasing that lottery ticket? becoming much more interested in the sented about 40 percent of the cases Of course I know that it is like behavior of these people and less so on I recorded, and contemporary news- finding a needle in the proverbial “hay- anything having to do with Jack the papers of the era, including the stack” but I still think it is a worth- Ripper. The more I learned about life Times (of London), Lloyd’s Weekly, while project. Why? Two reasons—one in London’s East End and the strug- the Illustrated Police News, the Daily Ripper related and the other not. gles of the poor and working class News (of London) and, to a lesser Firstly, I have never believed for a during this time period the more it felt extent, several other newspapers second that the “Ripper” crimes were like reading a modern day newspaper (newspapers accounted for the other 60 ever solved nor do I believe that the or journal and the less it felt like read- percent). I focused on crimes commit- sorry lot of “suspects” that were of ing about something that happened ted in the years 1875-1895, with a par- interest to investigators during the in the past. The archetypes at the ticular focus on the years 1887-1889. time were ever worth their weight forefront of my mind relating to poor, Suspects had to be between the ages in salt. And I always believed that Victorian London began to fall away— of 15-75 during the year of the Ripper because the Ripper seemed to operate Jack the Ripper, the works of Charles murders, almost exclusively male in a very small area, he probably had Dickens, and even the “people of the (with a few exceptions), had been con- some connection to that area (lived abyss.” I can only describe this feel- victed of or been charged with some- there, worked there, etc.). And though ing as the difference one feels at actu- one who was convicted of a crime, and serial killers who are finally caught ally visiting or even living in a famous had some connection (site of the crime, are not always found to have extensive city or country that you had only read where they lived and other criteria) to criminal records, many do. Therefore I about for part of your life. Not that this a geographical area around the Ripper hope to at the very least to point out research makes me any kind of expert murder locations. This area was not some “people of interest” that might by any stretch of the imagination, but I set in stone, but generally encom- warrant further investigation. And do feel that such research is meaning- passed about a mile to a mile and a surely a look at those of the criminal ful in itself in providing context to time half around the center of Whitechapel. class during this period are worthy of and place, regardless of the discovery I excluded suspects who committed scrutiny are they not? or lack thereof of any of the hidden crimes I felt were not indicative of what The other reason is simply to gain “chestnuts” of history, like the identity modern criminologists would associate an understanding of crime during this of Jack the Ripper. with a serial killer (gambling, sodomy, time period in one of the more poverty- Here is a very short summary business violations, etc). stricken areas of the capital of the of my research method. The primary I was also more “lenient” about

The 1888 Old Bailey and Press Criminal Matrix D. M. Gates and Jeff Beveridge what crimes I selected when getting process, the 1894 Ordnance Survey a surrounding area. Thirteen-and-a- further from the Ripper crime loca- [OS] map and 1888 Kelly Directory half percent of sites plotted correspond tions. So, for example, I might record map for those points not covered by to boundary streets. Additionally, a relatively minor crime of passing the OS map sheet. This, in conjunction there is a 1.85 percent margin of error bad money, or fraud in a place like with the Kelly Directory street listings, that exists when the road in ques- Whitechapel or Spitalfields, but I allows for a level of precision within 50 tion crosses a boundary and no exact would not in an area like Shoreditch feet or so of the actual position. This location is to be had. This error, when or Poplar. Crimes were recorded in a is of course when the data was specific combined with the previously described database with information about the enough for such a location to be deter- error, results in a total margin of error crime, the suspect, the location of the mined, as when a address is given for for the macro dataset of 15.35 per- crime, and the sentence of the crime the event. Some of the data contained cent, which in turn results in dataset when it could be determined (in about no such information. In those cases a accuracy of 86.65 percent in regard to 20 percent of the cases I could not find street name was given but no address, the placement of plots within the cor- the result of the trial). An attempt was and the point plotted was the result of rect geographic area. As mentioned, made to “link” suspects of separate stochastic processes. Additionally, I am these errors are multi-causal and non- crimes, though this can be difficult. using an overlay that is less than pre- actionable and this must be borne in I plan to expand the database in cisely defined, and contains some error mind when reviewing the dataset. It the future by photographing some of in placement (unavoidable) within should also be understood this is the the actual police court cases from the the mapping program. This is an non- 1888 subset of Mr. Beveridge’s data, London Metropolitan Library instead actionable set of data boundaries and and as such has signature elements not of solely relying on blurbs from news- results in an unquantifiable margin of present in his macro investigation of papers, which only report a small frac- error in plot placement. I cannot say if East End criminality. When the 1888 tion of such cases and often get some of the various dividing lines correspond subset deviates from the macro picture the details wrong. I have shared some with 100 percent accuracy to the phys- it is mentioned here, and serves as a of the data I have with David Gates for ical reality. I can say that the overlays reminder of the value of the publishing this article. I plan to eventually put the are laid in as best as can be done with of Mr. Beveridge’s data in total. database online for everyone to access. the program used, and I expect the physical deviation to be within 50 feet. THE SPITALFIELDS SUBSET MY METHODOLOGY Therefore, when a crime is described, Spitalfields in 1891 had a population Having received a bulk data infusion, for example, as in Brick Lane, sto- of 22,8591. The Spitalfields Old Bailey the first task was to plot the crimes chastic processes determine whether 1 “Demographics - Casebook Forums”, forum.casebook.org on a map. Two maps were used in this the resulting plot is in Spitalfields or (accessed 11/1/2010, 2010).

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 78 dataset consists of six (6) plots. These three (3) incidents of picking pockets, of the following: felonious wounding, six consist of a pair each (2) of violent and a charge of breaking and entering. unlawful wounding, assault, assault on thefts and burglaries and, one (1) each The average age of the Whitechapel a police officer, and attempted murder. of breaking and entering, and counter- Old Bailey violent offender is 21.72 The average age of the SGE Old Bailey feiting. Two of these plots arise from years in a set of 11. violent offender in 1888 is 26 years. a pair of offenders launching a violent The Whitechapel press dataset The SGE press dataset consists attack in Wilkes Court on April 12, contains sixteen (16) defendants. This of 10 plots. Of these ten (10), seven 1888. includes a four defendant violent sub- (7) are violent in nature. The average The Spitalfields’ press dataset section consisting of two (2) violent age of the SGE press violent offender consists of nine (9) plottings. Six (6) thefts, one (1) each of assault on a is 25.16 years. The SGE press dataset of these plots are distinctly violent in police officer and a threat of violence. contains: a pair (2) each of violent theft nature. These violent plots consist of The average age of the Whitechapel and theft. There are four (4) assaults, a pair (2) each of felonious wounding press violent offender is 33.25 years. In one of which was on a policeman. There and assault. Additionally, there are the data there are six (6) theft defen- is one unlawful wounding and one (1) one each (1) of assault on a policeman dants, stemming from five events. The report of an abduction of an underage and violent theft. The average age remaining six plots consist of a pair (2) female. of the Spitalfields press reports’ vio- each of charges of picking pockets and lent offender is 32.66 years. The other burglary, and one (1) each of break- THE CITY SUBSET press events are two (2) thefts and one ing and entering and receiving stolen I have no data on the population of the (1) charge of abduction of an underage goods. City of London for 1891. These figures female. represent approximately 1/4 of the THE ST. GEORGE’S EAST geographical area (extreme east) of the THE WHITECHAPEL SUBSET SUBSET (SGE) city. The Old Bailey Dataset for the Whitechapel in 1891 contained 32,326 St. George’s in the East contained city contains six (6) defendants. Three people.2 The Whitechapel Old Bailey 10,551 people in 1891.3 The Old Bailey (3) of these events are burglaries, dataset consists of 21 separate defen- Dataset for SGE contains 11 defen- two (2) of which stem from a singular dants. Eleven (11) of these defendants dants. One (1) charge each of breaking event. The remaining consist of one (1) committed acts that are violent in and entering and burglary make up each counterfeiting, receiving stolen nature and they consisted entirely of the data outside of the violent sub-sec- goods, and theft. violent thefts. In addition, the data con- tion. The violent sub-section contains The city press dataset consists of tains four (4) burglaries, four (4) thefts, four (4) violent thefts, and one (1) each eleven (11) persons. Thefts account for 2 ibid. 3 ibid. seven (7) of these. The remainder is a

The 1888 Old Bailey and Press Criminal Matrix D. M. Gates and Jeff Beveridge pair (2) each assaults on police officers (Old Bailey and that generated from more accurate. The pink balloon at and burglaries. the press accounts) no comparison top right is the attempted murder in would be possible. Without the holistic the Spitalfields Old Bailey data. Pink THE MURDER DISTRICT approach employed by Mr. Beveridge Balloons are Old Bailey data, green SUBSET we would be at the mercy of a singu- are press data. Of note is the affinity The murder district, the area roughly lar dataset (Old Bailey) and would not of press data for areas shaded black in within which the Whitechapel be able to see the reality with as much the Booth map sheet. This indicates Murders occurred, had no fixed popu- clarity, or the discrepancy between differential reporting that corresponds lation total at this time (this is an sets. to known class identity, and suggests excellent research question). The Old To demonstrate the importance of press reporting was class-sensitive in Bailey dataset for the district contains this let us take Spitalfields as an exam- nature. (See map 1 overleaf) 16 defendants. One half of this set is ple. In the images that follow you will While on the subject of differ- covered in eight (8) violent thefts. The also see the margin of error discussed ential reporting, and the benefit Mr. remainder are three (3) each burglar- at the outset regarding boundaries. Beveridge’s work has brought to us ies and breaking and entering, one (1) Note the dotted lines on the all, we should consider the makeup of each counterfeiting and picking pock- Booth map sheet. These are defin- the Spitalfields press data. The Times ets. The average age of the district ing boundaries. Note that they do not accounts for 77.7 percent of Spitalfields Old Bailey violent offender is 22.16 correlate at 100 percent with the blue Press Reports. (See map 2 overleaf) years. line, the defining line used in the cre- An overwhelming affinity for The district press dataset con- ation of this dataset. The reason is Booth classifications can be seen. tains 18 plots. Four of these are violent two-fold. The Booth maps I have are In large measure, the Times is the in nature and consist of one (1) each not of sufficient detail to allow a per- reason behind the current reputation for violent theft; threat of violence; fect placement within the program of Spitalfields among novice Ripper assault, and an assault on a police offi- used, and The Booth maps I have are scholars. The scope of this differential cer. The average age of the press vio- not of sufficient detail to allow a per- reporting in the Times is staggering. lent offender is 31.25 years. fect placement within the program Fully 83.33 percent of Times reports used, and a map like that generated are in Booth semi-vicious and criminal DIFFERENTIAL REPORTING by “Septic Blue” posted on this thread areas. Compare this with just 0 per- The age discrepancy in the last dataset on Casebook .org4 would have been cent of Old Bailey plots in Spitalfields regarding violent offenders demon- 4 “Exact Boundaries of Whitechapel and Other Boroughs in 1888. strates the value of Mr. Beveridge’s - Page 2 - Casebook Forums “, forum.casebook.org (accessed Spitalfields is also regarded as contribution. Without both datasets 11/29/2010, 2010). violent by many Ripper scholars. I

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 80 Map 1 Map 2

The 1888 Old Bailey and Press Criminal Matrix D. M. Gates and Jeff Beveridge submit that this is because 100% of below. (see map 3 overleaf) While I the Times focused on Spitalfields over violent crime reported in the press can explain the scope of Times input other areas in recording crime, I am and occurring in Spitalfields in 1888 in terms of newspaper size (resources illustrating the crime reports of the belongs to the Times. When we couple expended on coverage), there are some Times for Spitalfields in 1888 differ this with earlier scholars’ reliance on aspects of Spitalfields press report- markedly from the Old Bailey record- Times material as an accurate gauge ing I cannot explain. The widespread ings of the same criteria and also of endemic criminality and violence perception of Spitalfields as over- appears to heavily favor a Booth clas- and the widespread distribution of the whelmingly violent has a root in con- sification category as it pertains to the Times mythos regarding Spitalfields, temporary press coverage. Violence 1888 data. The macro data does indeed you get the basis for the widespread reports in the press for Spitalfields indicate that Spitalfields was more modern, pernicious, and erroneous are in the photo below. If we com- criminal in nature than surrounding belief that Spitalfields in 1888 was bine differential reporting with the areas, but the temporal environment a surreal Thunderdome-like soup of understanding that the more violent in which the murders occurred (1888) criminality and violence. This is one you paint the area, the less aberrant does not. Times reporting is differential area of this topic that differs from the these killings become you will gain an because it differs markedly from offi- Macro data (hopefully appearing soon). understanding for how the conception cial data with a significant affinity for The effect of this differential report- was born and fostered. This is another a certain class. The photo below shows ing can be seen early in Ripper stud- area where the macro picture is differ- recordings of 1888 violent events, Old ies, and I submit that in large measure ent from the Spitalfields specific data. Bailey in pink and the press in green. is responsible for Dorset Street being When street length is taken as a vari- The pink balloon is actually two bal- labeled the worst Street in London.5 able, Dorset Street does emerge as loons from a singular event. (see map While there were certainly other fac- one of the worst streets. Street length, 4 overleaf) tors involved in the generation of this however, was not a variable used by conception, the full impact of Times the Victorians, as the ample second- INTERESTING TIDBITS differential reporting cannot be ascer- ary sourcing will attest to with nary There are some notable discover- tained, and is very widespread in its a mention of it as an operative vari- ies stemming from this widespread distribution as a Google search of able. If it was a variable in the Booth and holistic approach to east end “Dorset Street, London” will readily analysis, the subsequent secondary- criminality. One is that a group mug- evidence. The Times recording of vio- sourced material has taken Booth out ging occurred at the intersection of lent events in Spitalfields can be seen of context in regard to Dorset Street. Whitechapel High Street, Leman 5 “Casebook: Jack the Ripper - the Worst Street in London”, In terms of 1888 events, Dorset Street Street, and Commercial Street on the www.casebook.orgl (accessed 11/7/2010, 2010). contains but one. I am not implying

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 82 Map 3 Map 4

The 1888 Old Bailey and Press Criminal Matrix D. M. Gates and Jeff Beveridge 10th of January 1888.6 This is also a (G) 85 ft counter- background of our crimes, however, location given by the 1888 Dickens’s feiting on (6/16/88) (T) 4 days theft is in error. Approximately 10 percent Dictionary as an H division fixed (G) 225 ft B&E on of the Macnaghten sequence area, point.7 This brings into question the 6/20/88) (T) 12 days threat of violence marked by the white balloon in the efficacy of visible police officers asa Catherine Eddowes (G) 265 ft photo below, is occupied by Mile End deterrent mechanism for criminal counterfeiting on (12/02/88) (T) 12 New Town. (see map 5 overleaf) behaviors. days threat of violence This area suffered no observable The second involves one of the Mary Kelly (G) 126 ft felonious crime in 1888. There exists neither a Stride witnesses, James Brown, who wounding on (12/26/88) (the sole press press report nor Old Bailey proceed- on 2 July 1888 faced between three crime on Dorset in 1888, and compli- ing for the area indicated in the photo years and life at penal servitude for a ments of the Times) (T) 8 days assault below. Every Ripper writer who has royal coining offense.8 9 on a police officer. asserted district criminal homogeneity Crimes closest to Macnaghten It may also help some to contextual- in 1888 has been in error. The modal- victim recovery sites are likely to be of ize by knowing the data regarding crimi- ity of this error is ignorance. If any one interest to some. They are given here nality within the Macnaghten sequence of these experts had stopped secondary for the Macnaghten sequence and are both temporally and geographically. source interpretations and invested the presented regardless of press or Old Again this data subset is comprised of effort to gather the data, they would Bailey origin with the closest both tem- both Old Bailey and press reports. This have seen this facet of the 1888 reality. porally (T) and geographically (G). dataset contains four (4) persons regard- This can be added to the list of valuable (G) 445 ft threat ing thefts, three of which stem from a understandings that the holistic dataset of violence (on 9/18/88) (T) 12 days single event. There are also four (4) vio- has brought to light through geographic theft lent crime sites consisting of one (1) each, correlation. It is also an area that illus- 6 “Old Bailey Online - the Proceedings of the Old Bailey, threat of violence, violent theft, felonious trates what the macro data indicates, 1674-1913 - Central Criminal Court”, www.oldbaileyonline. wounding, and assault on a police offi- namely the Spitalfields differed mark- org (accessed 11/1/2010, 2010). cer. The average age of the Macnaghten edly from surrounding areas. 7 Charles Dickens , Dickens’s Dictionary of London, 1888 sequence violent offender was 31.5 years. Thank You Mr. Beveridge for shar- : An Unconventional Handbook. (Moretonhampstead, Devon: Mile End New Town has been ing your hard won data prior to pub- Old House Books, 1993), 103. maligned in Ripper studies also. The lishing and providing an admirable 8 Old Bailey Online - the Proceedings of the Old Bailey, area bounded by the Macnaghten example of scholarly behavior! It has 1674-1913 - Central Criminal Court , t18880702-621 sequence has been touted by many helped me greatly in assigning a value 9 “Coinage Offences - LoveToKnow 1911”, Ripperologists as being homoge- to the truly aberrant nature of the kill- www.1911encyclopedia.org (accessed 11/8/2010, 2010). nously criminal. This painting of the ings we study.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 84 Map 4

The 1888 Old Bailey and Press Criminal Matrix D. M. Gates and Jeff Beveridge BIBLIOGRAPHY

Casebook: Jack the Ripper - The Worst Street in London. Biography “Casebook: Jack the Ripper - the David Gates Worst Street in London” www.case- book.org (accessed 11/7/2010, 2010). y name is Dave. I was born in involved, I wish my fellow students of Kansas and still reside there. this phenomenon well and I urge them “Coinage Offences - LoveToKnow MI have been an airborne sol- to look outside the “facts” of the case to 1911” www.1911encyclopedia.org dier and a carpenter. I then suffered increase their understanding of these (accessed 11/8/2010, 2010). a stroke at age 33, and, after several events more fully. years of rehab, recently graduated “Demographics - Casebook Forums” from the University of Kansas with forum.casebook.org degrees in Anthropology and History. (accessed 11/1/2010, 2010). I genuinely enjoy both, and they marry together well. My concentrations in “Exact Boundaries of Whitechapel and both areas have been centered on the Other Boroughs - Page 2 - Casebook First Nations of North America. I am Forums” forum.casebook.org now looking seriously for work, pref- (accessed 11/29/2010, 2010). erably a job that would allow me to use my finely honed research skills. “Old Bailey Online - the Proceedings My sense of humor is very dry, and of the Old Bailey, 1674-1913 - Central usually on prominent display. Since Criminal Court” www.oldbaileyonline. coming to the case, I have been, and org (accessed 11/1/2010, 2010). continue to be, fascinated by both the anthropological and historical issues Dickens, Charles,. Dickens’s Dictionary of London, 1888 : An Unconventional Handbook. Moretonhampstead, Devon: Old House Books, 1993.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 86 Undercover Our regular read between the lines. Investigations Jack the Ripper – The Definitive Story Written by Paul Begg & John Bennett Produced and Directed by Jeff Leahy

2 x 45 mins, broadcast 11th and 20th January 2011 Channel Five (UK)

ocumentaries about Jack the Ripper are curious things. DUsually promising the viewer some wonderful revelation as to the killer’s identity, or maybe promising to reveal some previously unseen evidence. They are the TV equivalent of the tab- loid press. They use sensationalism to attract audiences and in turn, generate advertising revenue for the broadcasting companies. The story of Jack the Ripper, his crimes, and the subsequent police investigation, has often been skewed one way or another in order to fit a particular suspect theory, often leaving viewers who are new to the case under false impres- sions of the true established facts behind what actually happened back in 1888. With this in mind, Jeff Leahy, Paul Begg and John Bennett have spent sev- eral years producing a documentary that sets out to tell the story of Jack the Ripper as accurately as possible, and without descending into the wild speculation

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 88 normally associated with suspect based mention in particular showed Mary Ann Similarly, the Miller’s Court reconstruc- programmes. Nichols writing the letter to her father, tion really came into its own when the I had high expectations for this pro- so familiar from its inclusion in numer- “camera” suddenly rose up from outside gramme, with its use of computer gener- ous books on the case. However, I felt the door to Mary Kelly’s room to show a ated reconstructions of the murder sites, this gained additional poignancy simply kind of aerial view over the roof of num- and its linear storytelling approach. through it being read out by an actress. bers 25 and 26 Dorset Street. An impres- I’m happy to say that I wasn’t disap- Little touches like this, which highlighted sive view that really brought home how pointed. Covering the whole story of the lives of the unfortunate victims, close Mary’s room, the scene of her hor- the Whitechapel murders from 1888 to helped to give a much more balanced rible and depraved murder, was to the 1891, but concentrating in particular on and “human” story than would otherwise hustle and bustle of the street outside. the crimes attributed to Jack, the pro- have been the case. Other recreations, such as Buck’s Row …AMAZING CGI RECREATIONS OF THE MURDER SITES. gramme used a good combination of live One of the main draws of the pro- and Berner Street, were shown with over- action and computer graphics. Worthy of gramme was Jake Luukanen’s amaz- laid maps, computer markings and cross- mention was Paul Begg, widely known as ing CGI recreations of the murder sites. hairs included, in order to illustrate the a leading Ripper author, who I felt really The scenes of Mitre Square and Miller’s work involved in getting the dimensions excelled himself as the documentary’s Court took my breath away when I saw just right, in order to accurately bring narrator. them. Today, Mitre Square is quite open 1888 East End London to our screens. Some of the live action scenes were and spacious, but through Jake’s recon- A few suspects were covered in filmed in Chatham Dockyard, using struction we were shown just how small the very last part of the documentary, actors that as closely as possible resem- and claustrophobic it all looked when although these were restricted to those bled the original people in the case. This surrounded by warehouses and lit only investigated by the police at the time showed real dedication on the part of the by three dim gas lamps. The 360-degree of the murders, rather than any of the programme makers to bring the charac- camera pan, showing PC Watkins shin- more modern theories; but aside from ters we’ve all read about so many times ing his lamp over the rain slicked setts of that, the programme concentrated on to life on the screen. One scene worthy of the square was particularly memorable. the story itself.

Undercover Investigations I did feel that the programme suf- based approach, whilst others have ques- is likely to attract new people to study the fered a little at the hands of Channel Five, tioned factual errors in the narrative, subject of the Whitechapel murders, which as apparently there were certain parts or perceived visual inaccuracies in the as Jeff Leahy has stated recently, was one of the story that had to be edited out at reconstructions, such as the level of vis- of the main reasons for making it. the behest of the broadcaster in order to ible light in Mitre Square. With such After years of watching half-hearted fit the two 45 minute broadcast slots. An a multi-faceted subject as that of the documentaries filled with inaccurate extended version is to be shown on the Whitechapel murders, it’s inevitable that portrayals of the victims and the streets History channel in the near future, with a the occasional error will have crept in of the East End, at last we have a docu- full length two and a half hour version to whilst making such an intricate produc- mentary for those who appreciate a well be released on DVD later this year. This tion as this. These are, I feel, minor points made and well presented, accurate tell- will include the scenes that were edited which are to be addressed in time for the ing of the story of Jack the Ripper. Highly out of the televised version and will also History channel and DVD versions. recommended. include DVD extras and a “making of” Whilst the documentary will not feature on a second disc. satisfy any seasoned Ripperologist want- Since the programme was broadcast, ing to see their own personal “likely sus- it has been the subject of a great deal of pect” featured prominently, it will please debate on the Casebook: Jack the Ripper those looking for a good quality, well-made and jtrforums message boards. Some reconstruction of the Jack the Ripper My Rating have been critical of the less suspect story. This is the kind of programme that Andrew Firth

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 90 Jack the Ripper: The German Suspect Based on the research of Trevor Marriott Directed by Ian A. Hunt

Broadcast - National Geographic Monday 3rd January 2011 (UK)

ack the Ripper: The German he compares the crosses etched on more likely suspect than some others Suspect was originally broad- Brown’s back and abdomen to the as he has actually killed a woman in Jcast on the National Geographic crosses on Catherine Eddowes’ face a “Ripper like fashion” with a knife, channel in the UK on Monday, January (according to Marriott, Eddowes had surely being able to prove he was actu- 3rd, at 9 pm. The documentary, which two crosses carved into her cheeks, a ally in London during the autumn of focused on research undertaken by piece of evidence no other Ripperologist 1888 would be an important piece of Trevor Marriott, promised to reveal has noticed until now; note, however, evidence that would decide on his can- the identity of Jack the Ripper as being the position of the crosses, as we shall didacy as a suspect. Unfortunately for that of Carl Feigenbaum, a German refer to them later). A question this Marriott and his theory, he is unable merchant sailor who had also commit- raised for me about the likelihood of to find such evidence, simply as the ted murders in New York. Brown being a Ripper murder is that files in question are missing and you The documentary begins with a since she was found in similar circum- do genuinely feel sorry for him as his surprisingly sparse introduction to the stances to Kelly (in a room, her killer disappointment is clear, he speculates case, complete with screaming women, allowed to do whatever he pleased that this is because Feigenbaum’s fog-filled alleys and a shadowy killer with the body), why was a similar level lawyer had the same theory and took wielding a knife. Then we go straight of violence and brutality not present? the files. At this point the narrator to New York. The program makers Marriott then investigated similar states that Marriott believes he now draw comparisons between London’s murders in the area and he believes has enough evidence that Feigenbaum East End and the Lower East Side that Carl Feigenbaum, the perpetrator is Jack the Ripper. Since Marriott is of New York, before focusing on the of the local murder Juliana Hoffman, an ex-police officer that he considers Carrie Brown murder of 1891. Marriott in 1894, was responsible for both the this to be enough evidence is a disturb- believes there are significant similari- Brown murder and the Ripper murders ing concept! ties between the Brown murder and due to the similar knife used. While Finally, the documentary takes us the Ripper murders. Most notably, Marriott notes that Feigenbaum was a to Whitechapel to examine the murders.

Undercover Investigations The recreations are not very accurate likelihood of organs being removed at (including errors in the geography the scene (to support Marriott’s theory and layout to locations and how the that the Ripper did not take the organs bodies were discovered). One of partic- but that they were stolen later). The My Rating ular note is Diemschutz walking into major failing of this is that these men Jon Rees Dutfield’s Yard, rather than riding in in their professional work are used to on a pony and trap. The recreations removing organs with care, but the are interspersed with other aspects of Ripper may not necessarily have taken Marriott’s investigation — speaking to care. Perhaps consulting a butcher on historians, psychologists, pathologists, the time scale would have been more etc. The psychologist in particular accurate. raises an eyebrow as he states he “can Overall, Trevor Marriott has made kinda think like these guys, I can just an intrepid attempt to identify the walk in their shoes” raising questions Ripper, but has taken several leaps of if his analysis is based on solid scien- logic in his investigation, taken cer- tific evidence and analysis (as psychol- tain “evidence” to be irrefutable, while ogy should be) or just gut feeling. the investigative “team” featured all The scenario of the computer seem to have been briefed to just sup- images showing Eddowes’ injury is fas- port Trevor’s theory, calling into seri- cinating, but claims to be “balanced ous question serious the objectiveness and objective” and shows crosses where of the presentations. the V’s or triangles are on Eddowes’ face that every other report, diagram and autopsy photograph seems to …THE RIPPER neglect, which raises serious questions about the objectivity of this recreation, DID NOT TAKE but even more interestingly puts them on a different part of the face than that THE ORGANS BUT pointed out by Marriott earlier! During his virtual autopsy, Marriott consults THAT THEY WERE different experts from the medical profession on the mutilations and the STOLEN LATER…

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 92 In Pursuit of Jack the Ripper: An Introduction to the Whitechapel Murders Robert A. Snow

2011 Outskirts Press Paperback 238 pp, 1 map, 1 illu. £13.95/$17.95

his book, by the former Deputy The Crimes, Detection and Death of Chief of the Suffolk County Jack the Ripper, but not a felicitous T(N.Y.) Police Department and font choice. Perhaps, a book intended a now nationally recognized cold-case primarily for non-Ripperologists investigator, is just what the subtitle should have had crime scene diagrams suggests—a primer on the murders at least. in Whitechapel from 1888-91. Mainly Now to the good things about the using contemporary news reports, book. First and foremost, it is a no-non- Snow moves the narrative from the sense presentation built on contem- murders of Emma Smith to that of porary newspaper reports and a few France Coles and then looks at the vic- more modern books and that cuts down tims, crime scenes, suspects and so on. significantly on the errors within the And within that framework he does an book. Some still creep in, though, like exemplary job. the assertion that Mrs. Emma Green, I have some minor niggles with whose room fronted on Buck’s Row, presentation, which I will get out of was a “light sleeper.” She was not— the way immediately as there is much she was a self-proclaimed light sleeper to like about the book. To begin with, who in truth might well have slept the type-face is difficult to read. Not through a brass band concert beneath quite so monumentally bad as that in her window. The suspects, however, the hardcover version of Martin Fido’s are all treated quite objectively, which

Undercover Investigations is a big plus. Most laudable, though, is that the author explains such dis- parate words and terms as ecchymosis or side-spring boots that are apt to be unfamiliar to most readers. In what might seem an odd obser- vation, I would suggest that Snow wrote the book too objectively. Of course, he did express an “opinion” of sorts by giving uncritical attention to profiling—criminal and geographic— and by effectively dismissing all the known suspects. Still, it would have …EFFECTIVELY been interesting to hear from some- one with Snow’s background some of DISMISSING ALL his ideas about the way the investiga- tion was conducted and what possible THE KNOWN leads might yet be pursued. It would be hard to believe that an investigator like SUSPECTS. Snow did not often have ideas as to sus- pects and police procedure as he inves- tigated — he should have shared them. Anyone new to the field of Jack the Ripper would well be advised to con- sider this book; certainly it is less daunt- ing as an introduction than Sugden and would only whet the appetite for more information. For Ripperologists, because there is really nothing new within the pages I give it 3½ stars, but as a possible gift for a non-Ripperologist My Rating it deserves a full four or a mite more. Don Souden

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 94 The Roses of Whitechapel By Jonathan Kaufman and Martin Stiff Director Juliette Grassby

Sunday 7th November 2010 Greenwich Playhouse

ike many other amateur When the day arrived, accompa- a bench and a few stools. After a matter Ripperologists, my ears always nied by two friends, I eventually man- of minutes, and with an almost full Lprick up at the mere mention aged to locate the theatre, despite a house, the lights dimmed and introduc- of the word ‘Whitechapel’ within the lack of signage and clear instructions. tory music played from the PA. media, always hoping that it might We ascertained it was situated above By the slightly ‘romantic’ title I’d relate to the infamous events of autumn a pub in the corner of a courtyard and guessed that The Roses of Whitechapel 1888. So when the phrase ‘The Roses that access could only be found via the would focus primarily on the victims of Whitechapel’ emerged from my car side bar, this was very confusing. Once of Jack ­— in this case the five canoni- radio one Sunday afternoon as I was inside the theatre it was clear that the cal women — and it is to Mary Jane about to turn off the engine I paused to performance was to be a ‘studio’ produc- Kelly that we are first introduced as listen and was rewarded when the BBC tion and we took our seats in the tiny she staggers into the performance London show interviewed the writers of rectangular space fronted on three sides space, falls to her knees and vomits a forthcoming play about Jack, as well by seats. For those of you who may not very convincingly mere inches from as one of the actresses. be aware, studio performances have an my feet, accompanied by an Irish The production, originally staged incredible intimacy with the perform- twanged drunken rant. The language 10 years ago as Proper Red Stuff: ers generally on the same floor level as is ripe and littered with Victorian Deconstructing Jack the Ripper, was the audience and quite often very close slang and swearing. Gradually, we scheduled for a short run at Greenwich to the viewing public. Looking round, are introduced to all five women and Playhouse in South East London and I was interested to observe that, as is immediately we are presented with so, prompted by my newly discovered strangely often the case with Jack the an impression of what their person- love of theatre (sparked by the bril- Ripper events, the vast majority of the alities may have been like. Cleverly, liant, recent Sherlock Holmes one-man audience were women. although probably not entirely accu- performances), I booked tickets for the The stage was sparsely lit, with rately, each woman, including the Sunday matinee. minimal set decoration; little more than feisty and drunken Kelly, displays her

Undercover Investigations own unique idiosyncrasies: Polly Ann and you are suddenly struck by the has died they occasionally reappear Nichols – solemn and pensive, Annie humanity and femininity of the five as ‘ghosts’ commenting on their situ- Chapman – vulgar, slightly rotund and women. The play clearly aimed to draw ation in a concept that isn’t as corny cackling, Liz Stride – haunted, elegant the audience into the women’s conver- as it may appear. Back on this mortal and with a soft Swedish lilt, Catherine sations (spoilt only by the almost inev- coil, though, we are also party to the Eddowes – confident, sassy, comedic itable ‘Cor’ blimey Guv’nor’ cliché that remaining women’s panic as gossip and lumbered with a broad Brummie all East-End drama seems to insist and news of the murders spreads accent. Costumes were sparse and on including) and their very existence throughout the Whitechapel prostitute to my untrained eye, not particularly within the grim Whitechapel environ- community and we are witness to how accurate. It seemed that these details ment. At times it was easy to forget terrifying this must have been to them. were kept to a minimum so as not to that they will eventually all meet a Once their character dies, each of the …THAT ISN’T AS CORNY AS IT MAY APPEAR. draw attention from the five personali- grisly demise. This dramatic strategy actresses then also takes on other roles ties being portrayed on stage. was only partly successful, however, (although, curiously, now they are The women are depicted as and was really only dependent on the all men) amongst them a policeman, friends, or at least ‘working’ colleagues strength of each actresses’ perfor- Frederick Abberline and . (something that, of course, in reality mance. Studio productions with their Jack himself also appears and is was highly unlikely) and are shown close relationship between performers represented in symbolic form only, drinking together and sharing stories and audience are very unforgiving and with no attempt to make his charac- in a pub. A pecking order amongst the any air of unbelievability in either the ter real and tangible. He is played women is evident as each individual script or delivery is accentuated. with menace by Keith Chanter and indulges in lengthy monologues — Gradually, the murders occur, portrayed as an anonymous, tall and some amusing and some sad — about although none are represented on elegantly foreboding gent. But don’t be their lives as a prostitute. The large stage, again, as if the very details of the mistaken, in the Roses of Whitechapel doses of Victorian vernacular give the acts would detract from the human- Jack the Ripper only plays a support- performances an air of authenticity ity they affected. Once each woman ing role.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 96 Most of the performances were and suspense as the production’s focus moving and thought-provoking bit of good, especially Rebecca Livermore as switched to the enigma of Mary Jane theatre, the five women, post mortem, Catherine Eddowes who was excep- Kelly and her inevitable horrific death. surround and confront Jack, accusing tional and really breathed life into the I’ll refrain from going into any him of killing for fame and legendary role. Fortunately, the producers didn’t more detail about how the climax of status. They then proceed to point out go down the usual route of hiring very the murders is portrayed, but it was that in fact, it is only the names of the young, very pretty women (apologies gripping and emotional. And, to be women he killed that have become to the actresses!) to play the victims, honest, it was the emotional impact of known to the world. Today nobody although a couple were possibly a little the play and its effect on me as some- knows the real name of Jack the younger than they should have been one who has digested countless books, Ripper but the names of Polly Nichols, and ironically Laoisha O’Callaghan, documentaries and dramas about Jack Annie Chapman, Liz Stride, Catherine who played was actu- the Ripper that really took me by sur- Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly have ally a little older. The only weak perfor- prise. On reflection, it was clear that been passed down through history. mance for me was that of Sara Mason, this was the whole purpose of the play. Would I recommend Roses of who played Polly Nichols, and unfortu- It was all about the women. Forget Whitechapel to any Ripperologist? nately as her role as the first of Jack’s top hats and Gladstone bags or any Well, as a study of the murderer’s tech- victims developed into her pretty much investigation into whether Jack was nique, his motives and possible strat- leading the entire play, offering narra- Tumblety, Kosminski or Gull. In the egy with the view of offering a solution tives and monologues throughout, her Roses of Whitechapel these details are to the eternal question of his iden- acting style became a problem for the superfluous. What the play aims to do tity, I would say no. But as a theoreti- production. is show that five real women with his- cal snapshot into the existence of the The first ‘half’ of the play was much tories, families and a right to exist lost five women who had their right to live longer than the second and all in all their lives and that this fact shouldn’t cruelly removed, and as an attempt to the performance lasted about an hour be forgotten and buried under a styl- remind us that they were real people and a half with the second part lasting ish, melodramatic London fog. rather than just grainy, grotesque a mere twenty minutes. Whereas the Rather than being simply second- mortuary photographs, I would say first half was a little hit and miss with ary (although albeit essential) charac- most definitely yes. its emphasis on character building ters in the Jack the Ripper legend, the and attempting to give the audience Roses of Whitechapel gives the victims a flavour of life as an East End prosti- the lead roles in the tragic tale. This tute in the 1880s, the second part was premise is summed up at the end of the My Rating heart pounding, crackling with tension performance, where in an incredibly John Devlin

Undercover Investigations The Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Revelled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime Judith Flanders

2011 Harper Press Hardback, 556 pp, biblio, illus., index £20

his book explored the writer. The book touches on Jack the interesting concept of Ripper in the chapter ‘Modernity’, at its Tthe seemingly morally end. Like the other chapters, it provides uptight, Victorians’ interest in a brief overview of the crimes; in this murder. Flanders looks at some instance starting with of the most famous cases of the and ending with Mary Kelly. It manages day and uses them to explore this well enough, though the author did the industries surround- annoy me slightly by calling the victims ing true-crime journalism, Mrs Eddowes and Mrs Kelly more than such as plays, novels, penny once (these actually being their maiden dreadfuls, their visiting names). Flanders then outlines the con- Madame Tussauds and, of temporary coverage and industry built up course, newspaper reporting. around this case. She makes no discus- Flanders, who has previ- sion of suspects or other related matters ously been highly praised but focuses purely on the aspects that for other books about the relate to the book’s stated scope, such as Victorian era, proved once the public reaction and the beginnings again that she is a highly of a crime industry. The book covered capable and entertaining many other crimes that readers would

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 98 recognise, such as the Mary Ann Cotton case, the Constance Kent case and the Israel Lipski case. It was frustrating, however, that although the book provided a good commentary on the crimes, the way they were reported, used pamphlets, plays and novels and how panics about certain types of crime (such as female poi- soners) were created, it came to no overall conclusion that might be seen to tie up all the loose ends. I therefore felt that the book ended abruptly, and I would have liked to have some more general analysis thrown in about how the Victorians were, as the title suggests, responsible for the creation of modern crime. Nonetheless, this was a most interesting read. …THE BOOK ENDED ABRUPTLY

My Rating Jennifer Shelden

Undercover Investigations Spree Killers: The World’s Most Notorious Gunmen and Their Deadly Campaigns Al Cimino

2010 Quercus Hardback, 192 pp, illus, index

t was hard not to be interested I would have liked to know more. in this book’s topic in light of the Nonetheless, the profiles themselves Ifairly recent spree killing by Derek were interesting and it was fascinat- Bird in the UK (June 2010). The book ing to learn about such people and profiles over 40 cases starting in 1913 how little seemed to be known about and ending in 2010. Although it does what causes them to go on a spree of not profile Bird himself, he does get killings. The box-outs within each …DISRUPTING THE FLOW… a mention in the introduction, so one chapter, whilst containing interesting However, be warned that you may assumes the case happened to near to pieces of information about peripheral start wondering if everyone you see the publishing deadline to be included. issues, were sometimes placed out of could potentially be a gun-wielding The sheer number of cases profiled sequence to the text, disrupting the murderer about to commit a spree kill- was a surprise to this reader, as I flow and sometimes giving away infor- ing after reading this book!! had heard of very few of them and it mation before that part of the story seemed to be a phenomenon that was had been got to in the main text (of more prolific than I had imagined. course this is not the author’s fault). However, none of the cases were exam- For anyone interested in this type of My Rating ined in great depth and in some places crime it is a good introductory piece. Jennifer Shelden

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 100 December 8, 1980: The Day John Lennon Died Keith Elliott Greenberg

2010 Backbeat Books Hardback, 240 pp, biblio, illus., index £16.99

his book should, perhaps, sat- the break-up of , John isfy those with an interest in Lennon’s experiences in childhood and TBeatle-mania more so than his relationship with Yoko Ono and those interested primarily in a true- his children. The author attempts to crime angle. Though purported to be understand what forces collided on the an account of the day, it was more than fateful day when Mark Chapman shot this and, in fact, did not dwell on the and killed John Lennon. It was inter- day in question too much at all. This esting to read about the background of inevitably will serve to disappoint those Lennon in terms of the place he ‘was who, on reading the blurb, assume that at’ in his life when it was cut short. it “follows the day’s events”. Instead, This is a clear and concise overview of it interweaves the day’s events with John Lennon and the events that led the biographical back-story, including Mark Chapman to shoot him to death.

…WHAT FORCES COLLIDED… My Rating Jennifer Shelden

Undercover Investigations The Secret History of Georgian London: How the Wages of Sin Shaped the Capital Dan Cruickshank

2010 Windmill Books Paperback, 654 pp, biblio, illus., index £9.99

t’s hard to be unimpressed by towards women and their desires and sexual the sheer size of this book (at appetite (as well as their nature in general) — I654 pages, reading did become not all the women involved in the sex industry literally hand-achingly good by the were passive. end). The vast depth of the research Cruickshank must be congratulated, not Cruickshank has undertaken mir- only for his in-depth academic research, but rors the book’s actual size. He leaves also for the fact that he was able to present no stone unturned in his look at this vast research in an easy to read way that the Georgian sex industry and the was not patronising or difficult to understand Georgian’s attitudes towards this, for those with less of a working knowledge specifically in London. Though the of the subject than would be held by those book is large, it was never a drag to within academia. Nonetheless, his book read as it is written in Cruickshank’s still provides a useful academic research usual entertaining manner. One could tool. All in all, this book is a must read for almost hear his voice speaking enthu- anyone interested in the development of siastically to you as you turned the the sex industry, not only in London, but in page. The tales of the people involved England itself. It is a thoroughly good read are both interesting and thought provok- and is, therefore, recommended. ing, although in places, these stories of are shocking and depressing. However, Cruickshank makes it clear that during this time period — despite what may My Rating seem to us very backward views of society Jennifer Shelden

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 102 Ian Hislop’s The Age of The Do–Gooders BBC 2 Director/Series Producer – Deborah Lee

First Broadcast 29th November 2010 – Episode One – ‘Britain’s Moral Makeover’ 6th December 2010 - Episode 2 – ‘Suffer the Little Children’ 13th December – Episode 3 – ‘Sinful Sex and Demon Drink’

an Hislop sought to celebrate those William Gladstone, Prime Minister at who had tried to do some good in several points during Victoria’s reign, IVictorian Britain. Perhaps unsur- had, on his way home from parlia- prisingly, a few names familiar to those ment, tried to help those on the streets My Rating of us interested in the Ripper case came engaging in prostitution by giving Jennifer Shelden up. Dr Barnado was cited in episode them money or other assistance, even two, for his work helping vulnerable taking them back to children. In the same episode William his home for his wife Stead also put in an appearance for to feed and giving his work highlighting and campaign- them a bed for the ing against child prostitution. In night. I sincerely Episode three Frederick Charrington hope that a DVD was included for his work trying to and/or book based stop “the demon drink”. Leaving aside on this series will be these interesting and Ripper-free dis- released. Otherwise cussions about these characters, the I thoroughly recom- programme in itself was a fascinat- mend looking out for ing insight into the Victorian era, its it being repeated, as skewed morals and a celebration of it was a very good those who tried, with varying degrees documentary series. of success, to reform the system. I was also startled, but fascinated to learn, whilst watching this programme, that

Undercover Investigations Edwardian Farm: Rural Life at the Turn of the Century Alex Langlands, Ruth Goodman & Peter Ginn

2010 Pavilion Hardback, 288 pp, illus., index £25.00

his book was written to accom- pany the BBC television series Tof the same name; it is the follow up to the Victorian Farm series. The authors, the stars of the show, offer first hand insights into what life was like as they recreated the Edwardian Farm, as well as providing insights to the era. The book is full of facts and insights and is easy to read. It is lavishly produced in a coffee-table style using many colour photographs of the farm and the team working on it to illustrate the various My Rating sections. The Edwardian period, which Jennifer Shelden directly followed the reign of , is, as the authors point out, one that is perhaps neglected, but an era in …LAVISHLY which much progress was made. The book is a good primer on farming, and PRODUCED rural life in general, during Edwardian Britain. It will be of particular interest to IN A COFFEE- those who may have had ancestors who lived rural lives during Edward’s reign. TABLE STYLE…

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 104 Undercover Investigations: From The Library Shelves DR H. H. CRIPPEN

elcome to our fictitious library, Publishing 32 pp containing all the best books This book is described as a fictional Won all the subjects that are of but biographical portrayal of the case. interest to true crime enthusiasts. For this edition we have decided to take a The Trial of Hawley Harvey look at the books that are on our shelves Crippen – Notable British featuring the well-known case of Dr Trials . We hope you Filson Young (Ed.) find amongst these items, something to 1920 William and Hodge 211 pp tickle your fancy. Doctor Crippen Ethel Le Neve: Her Life Story M. Constantine Quinn Ethel Le Neve 1935 Duckworth Hardback 224 pp 1910 Daisy Bank Printing and Publishing 64 pp I Caught Crippen The autobiographical account of her life by Ethel Le Neve, the woman with 1938 Blackie & Son Co 242 pp whom Crippen fled. She famously Inspector Dew’s own autobiographical disguised herself as a boy. account of his life, including his involvement in the Crippen case and The Great Crippen Horror his thoughts on Jack the Ripper. Tracked By Wireless Reginald B. Jones 1911 Daisy Bank Printing and

Undercover Investigations Undercover Investigations: From the Library Shelves Famous Trials – First Series Question of Guilt: The The Crippen File Harry Hodge (Ed.) Curious Case of Dr Crippen Jonathan Goodman 1941 Penguin Richard Gordon 1985 Allison and Busby Paperback 1981 Atheneum 96 pp, illus. Doctor Crippen Leigh Vince The Private Life of Doctor Dr Crippen’s Diary: 1959 Digit Crippen An Invention Richard Gordon Emlyn Williams Crippen: The Mild Murderer 1981 Heinemann 1988 Futura Tom Cullen This book is described as biographical 1977 Bodley Head Paperback fictional portrayal of the case. Crippen: A Novel of Murder 224 pp, illus. John Boyne Ripperologist Tom Cullen’s account of 2004 Penguin Books Paperback the crime. 512 pp

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 106 Poisoned Lives: English name that is well known in Ripperol- tor of the wireless, and Crippen, who Poisoners and Their Victims ogy circles. The book is a biography of was said to have been caught as a di- Katherine Watson Dew and includes Crippen’s case, as rect result of the former’s invention. It 2004 Hambledon and London it was one of the most notorious cases is an interesting way of looking at both Hardback 268 pp with which Dew was involved. stories, if a little laboured in places. This book on famous English poisoning cases naturally, includes Supper With the Crippens Dr Crippen information on Crippen. David James Smith Katherine D. Watson 2005 Orion 344 pp, biblio 2007 National Archives Hardback Walter Dew: The Man Who 112 pp, biblio, illus., index Caught Crippen Thunderstruck This book is one in a series of books Nicholas Connell Erik Larson on notable criminal cases whose Hardback 2005 and paperback 2006 2006 Doubleday Hardback records are in some way at the Sutton 244 pp, biblio, illus., index 352 pp, biblio, illus., index National Archives in Kew. Katherine This is a five star account of the life of This interesting book is an interwoven Watson tells the story for Crippen’s Inspector Dew by Nicholas Connell, a biographical account of Marconi, inven- turn in their infamous spotlight.

Undercover Investigations They Also DidJack the You Ripper Miss?... Wrote...

The Whitechapel Murderer Did you know that Alan Sharp, the author of Tales of Mystery and the Supernatural series 2005’s Jack the Ripper and The Irish Press: Terry Lynch London Correspondence, also wrote A Grim Wordsworth Edtions First edition paperback published 5th April 2008 Almanac of Edinburgh and the Lothians? 369 pp, illus., index, £2.99 This is a Scottish true crime collection and was first published by Sutton Books in 2009.

ynch proclaims in his introduc- cover rather than the author’s fault. tion that this book “represents It is, however, still rather amusing. Lthe strongest and most com- To my mind this book was written as prehensive book ever written on the though the author believed his book, subject of Jack the Ripper”. This is his research and his theories to be indeed quite a claim, and one he man- better than they are. Believing one’s ages to fail to live up to in dramatic own hype, it turns out, is dangerous. style. How a book of just over 350 For a book that was claimed to be com- pages, including illustrations, could prehensive, certain statements did not be said to represent the most compre- ring true. I also found that some of the hensive book about any subject is also text was muddled. The book’s conclu- beyond me. One has to also assume sions about suspects are not only brief that the fact that the images, familar but also, in places, pretty ludicrious. to Casebook viewers, on the front cover include artistic renderings of two vic- tims and none of the victims that Lynch ascribes to the killer (as he excludes Elizabeth Stride) is an oversight on My rating the part of the person who designed its Jennifer Shelden

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 108 Open Book Exam: A continuing look at detective fiction TWO CENTURY PLANTS BUT JUST ONE BLOOM DON SOUDEN

he basement cleanup project at the time of his death in 1914, was paperbound novels announced as the continues, though hardly apace. reputed to be “the most prolific writer work of Bertha M. Clay. They were sen- TStill, the contents of one box of sensational fiction that ever lived.” sational tales of the sort dear to young did yield two books, each published In fact, so great was his output that women who smell of musk and spear- just about a century ago, that seemed there was speculation that he had also mint, and they were amazingly popu- to provide a fair test of the detective written the “Bertha M. Clay” books lar. A mid-twentieth century American literature available 100 years ago. and therein lies a tale that by itself is academic was less kind, calling Clay’s The first was Cleek of Scotland Yard: most interesting and certainly worthy output “. . . mushy love stories for the Detective Stories, by T.P. Hanshew and of note. English lower classes.” Maybe, but as the second Average Jones, by Samuel The books ascribed to “Ms. Clay” the Times noted, they were stunningly Hopkins Adams. Of the two authors, were actually written by Charlotte M. successful. Adams is certainly the better known Brame, of Hinckley, Leicestershire, The books were, in fact, almost and Hanshew perhaps not even known who died in 1884. In a prime example of wholly written by Mrs. Brame but in to his own publishers. sexist and patronizing prose, the New an era before international copyrights That is, while the book clearly York Times wrote nearly a century ago her serials that appeared in England’s states the author is T.P. Hanshew, it of the Brame/Clay works: During the The Family Herald were reprinted— was in fact one Thomas W. Hanshew last half of the nineteenth century were without compensation—in The New who wrote the book and someone who, published . . . some ninety or a hundred York Family Story Paper. Later, Street

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 109 Open Book Exam: A continuing look at detective fiction and Smith published the Brame sto- ries under the name of “Bertha M. Clay,” likely without any compensa- tion either. After Brame’s death, other authors continued the Clay series, but all the publishers involved and Thomas Hanshew’s sister denied he was involved. As it was, Hanshew churned out enough prose under his own name. Based in England for the last few dec- ades of his life, he arranged with the London publishers Ward, Lock & Co. to write four novels a year and three short stories a month while also pro- ducing the same volume of verbiage for publishing companies in the . And he reputedly did all the typing himself, with nary a complaint about carpal tunnel syndrome. They made them tough in those days. Perhaps Hanshew’s writing had seen better days long ago or then again maybe his output was always “all hat and no cattle” (as they say in the American west) but the sad fact is that Cleek of Scotland Yard is just not very good. Oh, the writing is facile enough, but the stories hold no interest. Instead, we are treated to Hamilton Cleek, Charlotte Brame

Don’t Send In The Clones Don Souden Open Book Exam: A continuing look at detective fiction former cracksman turned straight, Sex Pistols sound as well.” While an waiting, Jones starts out in the book who is a master of disguise, knows eve- effort at sarcasm rather than presci- as an idler at a club just this side of rything, has a devoted companion, is ence, I was proved amply correct. Such Bertie Wooster’s Drones in terms of helpful toward—but contemptuous of— that today we must contend with the worthlessness, but challenged to do Scotland Yard and loves his flowers. digitized sounds of the Trashmen, the something decent with his life while Sounds rather like a Holmes knockoff, Joiner, Arkansas, Junior High School awaiting the legacy, he becomes the with a bit of Sergeant Cuff thrown in. Band, and probably those of the garage “Ad-Visor.” That is, he investigates the Then, just for jolly, there is his arch band with which I once terrorized the more intriguing of the personal adver- enemy “Margot,” a female “Napoleon old neighborhood. tisements appearing in newspaper of crime,” and her Parisian Apache Thus, it is no surprise Cleek is “agony columns” that were still popu- army of thugs. And, as if that were not available in electronic form, there lar a century ago. already enough painting of the lily, being no accounting for taste or liter- This activity naturally leads to there are the Baroness Orczy elements ary masochism (many of Mrs. Brame’s some very interesting criminal activi- of a Count Waldemar and the King of books are also available for those ties, that include attempted murder Maurvania who are also ever-plotting with an interest). However, Cleek of by a “B-flat trombone,” an effort to against Cleek. Finally, there is a chief Scotland Yard was recently reissued drive a man mad with “pin pricks,” of Scotland Yard with the extremely in actual paperback form and that is death by means of giant butterflies unlikely name of Maverick Narkom— quite scandalous. If even one recy- and other inventive plots. My favorite, isn’t there a Maverick Narkom or three cled Christmas tree died toward that however, was “The Man Who Spoke mentioned in the Domesday Books? No? end the “eco-police” ought charge the Latin” that involves the appearance of I didn’t expect so. perpetrators with a capital crime. this job-wanted ad in a Baltimore pub- It should come as no surprise that Understand, it is not that Cleek is so lication: L. Livius M.F. Praenestinus, many of Henshew’s books, including stupefyingly bad—it isn’t. Rather, it is quodlibet in negotium non inhones- Cleek, are available on-line. For rea- just a boring waste of time. tum qui victuum meream locare velim. sons that say nothing about me beyond In contrast, Adams’ book of short Litteratus sum; scriptum facere bene knowing some interesting people, I stories are just off-beat enough and scio. Stipendia multa emeritus, scien- was privileged to hear one of the first just well written enough to make tarium belli, praesertim muniensi, sum pieces of digitized music. My comment them worth reading. They involve peritus. Hac de re pro spondibit M. at the time was “I suppose someday we one Adrian Van Reypen Egerton Agrippa. Latine tantum scio. Sequis me will be ‘lucky enough’ to hear the real (A.V.E.R.= Average) Jones. An heir in velit convenire, quovis de mane adesto

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 111 Open Book Exam: A continuing look at detective fiction in pulicis hortis urbis Baltimoriana ad was desperately seeking employment, provided the basis for the Clark Gable signa apri. but I shan’t spoil the story for those and Claudette Colbert classic film It Granted the story was written who may seek it out. Happened One Night and the Judy at a time when schools like Yale still It is unfortunate that Adams only Garland film The Harvey Girls was required mastery of Greek and Latin turned out the one volume of Average based on his book of the same title. from applicants, but the suggestion Jones mysteries, but he, too, was a Adams died in 1958 at age 87. that Marcus Agrippa (who breathed prolific writer on many themes. He The verdict, then, is to avoid his last in 12 BC) should be sought out was one of the original “muckrack- Cleek at all costs but a profitable spare as a reference for this job seeker is a ing” journalists and his articles in day can be well spent tracking down nice touch indeed. Naturally, there is Collier’s magazine influenced the pas- Average Jones stories on the Internet. more to the advertisement than that sage of the Pure Food and Drug Act of a Latin monoglot in the 20th century 1906. A later short-story, “Night Bus,”

Jones

Don’t Send In The Clones Don Souden

CORNER keeping any of these?” Is it worth are these likely to be of any value?” are these likely to be of “I saw some Jack the Ripper figurines, “I saw some Jack the Ripper [See also the answer to question 4 below]. from over the years, including some supplements. years, including some from over the possible my used copy is worth more than my mint copy?” possible my used copy is worth more than my mint fewer of them that were produced, dictates upon the value. fewer of them that were “I have plenty of newspaper clippings of Ripper related items Ripper related of newspaper clippings plenty of “I have actually seen a collection of old Ripper clippings sold on eBay. actually seen a collection As a general rule of thumb, the older the figurine is, and the As a general rule of thumb, are always of interest and, in my opinion, worth keeping. It is opinion, worth keeping. It interest and, in my are always of probably best to arrange them in chronological order and to keep order and to arrange them in chronological probably best There have been many Jack the Ripper figurines produced over the There have been many Jack years, some of which are collectable and worth a bit to collectors. a bit to collectors. collectable and worth years, some of which are ease of reference etc, whilst the second I have not read and it is ease of reference etc, whilst the second I in pretty good condition. I am quite well known in the field. Is it in pretty good condition. I am quite well known that would depend upon its condition, desirability and availability. that would depend upon them in polythene pockets in folders for ease of reference. I have them in polythene pockets Old newspaper clippings relating to the subject of ‘Jack the Ripper’ the subject of ‘Jack the clippings relating to Old newspaper one for research purposes, making notes in it and marking pages for one for research purposes, making notes in it and “Two people bought me Patricia Cornwell’s book last Christmas. I used “Two people bought me Patricia Cornwell’s book last To a collector they must also be damage free and of decent quality. To a collector they must It would be difficult to place a specific value on any old figurine as figurine old any on value specific a place to difficult be would It

- He is also an avid The Ultimate Jack the and the Ripper case. He is the authorthe Ripper case. He is the tewart is widely recognised astewart is widely recognised the Jacka leading authority on

more hesitation, let’s turn to the ques tions posed this issue... answer your questions about Jack the Ripper collectables. So, without any books and memorabilia and in our viewour in and memorabilia and books this makes him the ideal candidate to Executioner Ripper Sourcebook. relatedRipper the of Jack collector of several true crime books including of several true crime books the Ripper,The Man Who Hunted Jack S P. EVANS P. STEWART STEWART WITH COLLECTORS CORNER

- . Stewart will be answer . Stewart will org . casebook wanted the book and it sold for £592. wanted the book and it @ put a first edition book from my collection put a first edition book on eBay at a starting price of £165 (I had on eBay at a starting off bidding. Therefore with items I sell I Therefore with items I off bidding. amount that I would be prepared to accept I would be prepared to amount that for the item. This, then, allows that there This, then, allows that for the item. might be only one bidder and the item may might be only one bidder then any higher amount is a bonus. I once then any higher amount go for that lowest price. If there is bidding go for that lowest price. it but thought that such a high price would a high price would it but thought that such always base the starting price on the lowest the starting price on the always base put bidders off). In the event two collectors put bidders off). In the a good idea as it seems to put a lot of bidders of it seems to put a lot a good idea as that putting a reserve price on an item is not item is a reserve price on an that putting actually paid £195 for the book when I bought actually paid £195 for the keen bidder). Personally speaking I have found Personally speaking I keen bidder). and get collecting. If you have a question about Ripper books and about Ripper books If you have a question like answered then collectables that you would address email via our Stewart to it not send why examiner ing again next issue, so get those questions in nature of the comments. the item, can you give me any advice?” the item, can you give me eBay is a very good market place to sell eBay is a very good market price. A used and annotated copy would, and annotated copy would, price. A used

than a clean and virtually unused copy. and virtually unused than a clean “I want to sell something on eBay. I am “I want to sell something generally, be less desirable to a collector less desirable to a collector generally, be was produced in large quantities, is easily easily in large quantities, is was produced too high a price on it you won’t sell it but too high a price on it you won’t sell it but However, if the annotations were made by a annotations were made However, if the available and will never command any great will never command any available and The situation appears to be that if you put

well-known author or authority in the field well-known author or authority depend upon who the annotator was and the depend upon who the annotator worried I do not know what is a fair price for worried I do not know what then that might make the copy more valuable then that might make the Unfortunately Patricia Cornwell’s Ripper book Patricia Cornwell’s Unfortunately a better profit (if there is not more than one a better profit (if there is not more than one with too low a price and you might miss out on to a collector of Ripper items. Again this would to a collector of Ripper collectable items but pricing can be difficult. collectable items but pricing

EMAIL TODAY! STEWART DON’T BE SHY RIPPEROLOGISTS RIPPEROLOGISTS DON’T BE SHY COLLECTORS On The Case…

The News From Ripper World

on display, was stolen in the 1970s. ON TESTING On its return in 2009, it was deter- ON TRIAL mined that it might well belong to TIMES Deeming, due to the pair of criminals The trial of Stephen Griffiths, the crim- having been buried close to each other inology PhD student, accused of the Interesting news reached our ears from and them being of a similar build and murders of several women last year Australia. It concerned a skull that physical proportion. Now, the Victorian in Bradford, West Yorkshire, was held some believe to be that of Frederick Institute of Forensic Medicine in at Leeds Crown Court in December. Bailey Deeming, the Ripper sus- Australia, is asking for anyone in the Griffiths, the self-proclaimed “cross- pect, who was hanged for murder in UK who believes that they are directly bow cannibal”, pleaded guilty to the Australia after murdering his family related to one of Deeming’s siblings murder of three women, Suzanne in and then doing the same (specifically his sister’s female line or Blamires, aged 36, Shelley Armitage, to his second wife in Australia. The brother’s male line) to come forward in aged 31, and Susan Rushworth, aged skull has previously been on display the hope that DNA analysis may yet 43. The shocking murders were carried at Old Melbourne Jail, as has that of solve the case of the unknown skull. out between June 2009 and May 2010. notorious outlaw Ned Kelly. The skull, www.heraldsun.com.au He was sentenced to life in prison. found during the redevelopment of www.dailymail.co.uk www..co.uk/news Melbourne Jail in 1929 and then put www.bbc.co.uk

ON A MURDER HUNT Have a comment about New York Police are comparing a thought to be the work of a serial mur- something you read in modern set of murders to Jack the derer and was made towards the end Ripper after the skeletal remains of of last year. this issue? Write a letter four women, were found on a beach in www.nypost.com now to the Examiner at Long Island. The grisly discovery is www.thedailybeast.com [email protected]

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 115 On The Case…

The News From Ripper World ON A DATE ON THE ON A 23rd February 2011 – ‘Policing and Social Order in Jack the Ripper’s MARKET LIGHTER London’, a lecture by Victor Bailey, The privately owned Old Spitalfields Miami University, Richter Library, Market has won a national honour NOTE 3rd Floor Conference Room, Coral and has been crowned Britain’s best, Spitalfields bound Ripperologists will Gables Campus. For more information by the National Association of British now be able to gaze upon a hand- on this event go to: www.miami.edu Markets Association. It is home to sculpted goat. The goat, standing on 1st Saturday in April - Whitechapel around 200 independent traders, and top of packing cases reaching three Society 1888 Meeting. holds markets six days a week. and a half metres into the air, is called Mid- April 2011 – scheduled for release www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk “I Goat”. It is located in Bishop’s Rob House’s book Jack the Ripper and www.bbc.co.uk Square. Sculptor Kenny Hunter beat the Case for Scotland Yard’s Prime a shortlist of seven to win the coveted Suspect. forty-five thousand pound prize. The Contributions are always goat is said to be symbolic of the dif- welcomed by the Examiner and ferent waves of migration that have ON THE we would be glad to discuss settled in the area, finding sanctu- future articles on Jack the ary. Meanwhile, the crates are also a RADIO reference to the market On Casebook, forum member Kate Ripper studies, other LVP crime www.artdaily.org Bradshaw, posted this link to a and social history. Radio Four documentary by Dan Cruickshank revisiting The London Drop us a line with your ideas Nobody Knows. For those interested [email protected] the link she provided is www.bbc.co.uk to and we will reply promptly.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 116 On The Case Extra

The News From Ripper World THE JACK THE RIPPER CONFERENCE 2011 By Colin Cobb

At the end of last year I announced as a host of speakers, the price of the room occupancies being £55). For my plans on Casebook, jtrforums.com conference will include a Belfast Bus those wishing to stay until Monday and Facebook, for the Jack the Ripper Tour, Tour of the Titanic sites, Titanic a reduced rate of £29 per room is on Conference to come to my hometown Boat Tour, Irish Night at the Pump offer for Sunday night. But please see of Belfast, Northern Ireland this year. House as well as the usual book room our website for full details and make I am happy to say that our plans are and raffle. The price also includes hotel bookings through myself to now in full swing, with the official lunch, tea and coffee and snacks as make sure you take full advantage of Conference website fully updated well as a full Saturday evening meal these great prices. for our 2011 event (www.rippercon- in the Pump House plus a live Irish It is fitting that the building ference.com). I also have a Facebook band. that basked in the mighty shadow of group that is regularly updated with Conference delegates do not need Titanic now plays host to the 2011 news (www.facebook.com). to book their own hotel accommoda- Jack the Ripper Conference. Jack and The Conference will be held over tion. We have a deal with the brand the Titanic’s are two important stories the bank holiday weekend of the new Premier Inn in the Titanic quar- on their own merits, but there are also 27th and 28th of August at the Pump ter. Just a mile from the conference historical connections between these House in the Titanic Dock in Belfast. venue, and on our walking tour route, two fascinating events. Ripperologists With things kicking off at 10 am on the hotel are offering a deal for dele- will be interested to note also that the the Saturday morning and scheduled gates of £60 per room per night. This beautiful Pump House, a Victorian/ to finish at approx 5 pm on Sunday is based on two delegates sharing a Edwardian building, was opened by evening. The cost of the Conference is room and including an all you can eat Prince Albert Victor in 1889. In its £70 per person for two days. As well breakfast (the same deal for single prime this building was used to pump

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 117 23 million gallons of water out of the dry dock that housed Titanic. It could do this in just 100 minutes. Belfast was originally a quiet village at the mouth of the River Lagan but it grew to become one of the most prominent cultural, indus- trial, and political cities in the whole United Kingdom. Belfast is the proud homeland of the Harland and Wolff Shipyard, once the world’s largest pro- ducing shipyard. It played an impor- tant role in World War Two. In over 141 years of shipbuilding nearly two thousand ships were built in the his- toric dockyard. I am happy to help with any ques- tions or travel queries, please use the email link on the website. We are now taking deposits. Full payment is not needed until 29th July. We are excited about the event we are holding and hope to see you there!

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 118 On The Case Extra

The News From Ripper World THE WHITECHAPEL SOCIETY JACK THE RIPPER CONFERENCE 2011 By Adrian Morris

he Whitechapel Society, in associa- helped negotiate and organise this event, writer, researcher and director Ray Joyce. tion with the History Press, will making sure that it has the best possible Professor Clive Bloom presents Jack the Tbe organising a Jack the Ripper basis for success. Ripper at the Movies. Writer and noted conference in London’s East End this commentator on films Kim Newman dis- year, right at the epicentre of the loca- WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT TO cussing the world of Ripper films (to be tion where the murders took place during SEE? confirmed). The Jeremy Beadle lecture that Autumn of Terror in 1888. It will be On Friday 30th September there will be 2011: The History of the Music Hall pre- a two-day event covering the first week- an informal evening get-together at a sented by the one and only Roy Hudd end in October which would traditionally location yet to be decided. – also to include special guests. be the Whitechapel Society meeting that has for the past couple of years incorpo- SATURDAY 1ST OCTOBER SUNDAY 2ND OCTOBER rated the now much anticipated charity RIPFLIC Jack the Ripper – The Suspects fundraiser, The Jeremy Beadle Lecture. The day’s events will essentially be dedi- Sunday’s events will continue to look We are grateful for the tremendous cated to feature films involving Jack the at the world of Jack the Ripper but will effort that certain people have made in Ripper and London’s East End. Lectures also look at the media representation making this conference happen. We refer will be ‘In Conversation with David of the murder series. The History Press especially to the Whitechapel Society’s Wickes & Sue Davis, the director, writer book launch of the new publication by the Development & Publicity Officer, Frogg and researcher of the 1988 film Jack the Whitechapel Society: Jack the Ripper – Moody and Secretary & Treasurer, Ripper starring Michael Cain. This is to The Suspects. There will also be a chance Susan Parry. Special thanks must go to be followed by a presentation and show- to hear as many of the authors as pos- Steve Forster who has come on board and ing of the film Montague Jack by the sible give a presentation and question

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 119 and answer session concerning the above sharing £135.00 (238.00 for single occu- nearby. The choice is yours.For booking publication. Then we will have the book pancy). Therefore, based on two delegates enquiries email Susan Parry on susan- launch of Robin Odell’s new book Written sharing a twin/double room for 1 night [email protected] Or send cheques & Red. Afterwards, The Whitechapel and including the 2 day conference, the to Mrs S. Parry, Ezra Cottage, Sunset Society Short Story Competition winner total cost per delegate is £157.50 based View, School Road, Whissonsett, Norfolk, will be announced, plus there will be a on two delegates sharing a twin/double NR20 5TE reading of the winning entry. room for 2 nights and including the 2 day Deposit of £30 to be paid by 2nd April. The delegate rate is £90 per person conference, the total cost per delegate is The remaining £60 is to be paid by 6th which includes a two day conference with £225.00. Although the delegate rate only August. All cheques should to be made out the speakers as above and evening enter- of £90 is to be paid to the Whitechapel to The Whitechapel Society. Please write tainment, tea and coffee, lunch and an Society - we will reserve the required London Conference on the back. Or you evening meal on Saturday. Hotel accom- City hotel place for you, but you will have can visit our website go to www.whitechapel- modation is available at the venue, The to settle the bill with the hotel during the society.com and pay using the PayPal facili- City Hotel at a negotiated rate if required; conference at the special conference rate ties that will soon be up and running. It prices are per person and are £67.50 of the desired room requirements. might be an idea to send a confirmation for twin/ double sharing for one night There are other local hotels around email to Susan Parry if paying by PayPal. (£119.00 for single occupancy for 1 night). the East End area that might offer Check our website for more details and For Friday and Saturday night the rates cheaper deals if someone wishes to updates at www.whitechapelsociety.com are for twin/double room based on two simply pay the £90 delegate rate and stay FOREVER AUTUMN - A CONVERSATION WITH JAMES WILKINSON By Jennifer Shelden

Thanks for talking to the Casebook as I can remember, my father Examiner about your upcoming Art JS - You are known for your portrait was a great draughtsman and he Exhibition Forever Autumn, focusing painting, but how long have you been encouraged me greatly. I do recall on portrait paintings of the victims of a painter and what got you started? that at primary school my draw- Jack the Ripper, which is being held in ings made me popular with the July at ‘The Bar’ Chelmsford, Essex. James – “I have always painted other kids so I guess I thought and always sketched for as long it was a cool thing to do and

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 120 continued with it. So about 40 years.” how circumstance led them ulti- site Casebook.org for cross refer- JS -I suppose that the obvious question to mately to their doom. It was a ence when I was out and about ask next is what made you inspired you little daunting painting them. or if I forgot my notes whilst in to paint the victims of Jack the Ripper? I felt that I wanted to do them the studio, I would tap into my James - “I have had a keen interest some kind of justice and convey I-Phone and sit and read the case- in London’s history and as the mur- them as just people of their time, book for a while. In the case of ders were a significant part of the but of course the manner of their Annie Chapman’s painting this history of London, it seemed inevi- death had to be prominent in the was the easiest because there was table that at some point the two paintings as it was the thread a living reference but I wanted to points would collide. I was mas- that joined the collection and try and age her to the end of her sively influenced by the Hughes ultimately their lives together.” life to fit with her background.” brother’s direction in the film, . Their attention to detail JS –What did you use as sources; did JS - What did you know of Jack the and, of course, their inspiration, you have to rely heavily of on their Ripper before you began to investigate Moore and Campbell whose work mortuary pictures? the topic for your paintings? I cannot fault, all four were inte- gral in starting these portraits.” James – “I did use the mortuary James- “I thought I was pretty well photographs but I swore to myself informed and I had trod the route JS - Did you find it daunting to at the outset that I would not of the murder sites alone without a paint the victims and did doing so make this a gratuitous set of por- guide many times to try and get a change your perceptions or feel- traits because I think that would feel of where they were and what ings about them or the murders? make it and the subsequent exhi- they might have seen and how help- bition, about the Ripper, and not less they must have been. I guess, James – “I already knew from the the victims. Each time I felt the like many people, I had been fed the amount of books that I had read painting was starting to lean that queen’s surgeon, royal connection before starting the paintings way I would stop and think again theory, which initially inspired me how the killings bought about a and learn a little more about their but after reading dozens of theories social upheaval and therefore I lives. The Victims of Jack the I started to realise just how impos- was aware of the abject poverty Ripper by Neal Stubbings Shelden sible it is now to determine who of the victims at the time of death was obviously an invaluable influ- Jack the Ripper was or if he even but I learnt a lot more about their ence on the paintings and I relied existed as an individual. Pretty backgrounds and beginnings and heavily on it but so was the on-line much every book I read had me

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 121 convinced until I read the next.” decided to put items that were of to add a little puzzle for the non- JS - I understand that you have woven the immediate world around them Ripperologist. I also felt that part in some intricate details of period and so after nearly cutting my of their lives should also include items into the paintings. This sounds fingers off making frames (curse their deaths and so I decided to very interesting, what items did you of....) I got a great local carpen- include the end of their lives in a choose and is this the kind of thing ter to make frames that contain less obvious but shady/vague way that you would usually do? shelves/pockets that will hold the and so each painting contains the artefacts. For the past two years I not so obvious portrait of the sus- James – “When I began painting have had a shopping list of items I pect too. I chose a different suspect portraits seriously I visited Hever needed and I have just continued for each based on what I felt was Castle in Kent, residence of the to collect. From period surgeons the most likely from the research Boleyn family and marvelled at a knives from London Hospitals I had done. I know that literary portrait of Henry VIII by Holbein. to mustard tins and period but- Ripperologists vehemently disa- I was totally in awe of the fact tons and combs, all of the victims’ gree with each other over who that when Holbein put brush to personal items to facsimile items the killer was and I have no doubt canvas, Henry was sitting just like the coroners’ reports (very that I will be told the same but feet away. I decided then, that I handily supplied in the excellent I suppose at least the exhibition would always ask my subjects to Casebook: Jack the Ripper) book. I takes on a more diplomatic solu- go one step further and leave a have also added items that allude tion, I’m five times more likely piece of themselves in the canvas, also to the killer and the police.” to be right than most authors!!!!” which luckily for me, most have indulged my wish and done so. JS – What made you decide to include JS - Was it difficult to fit a suspect to Since approximately 1984 nearly suspects/clues to suspects in the paint- each victim? everyone I have painted has done ings? And why did you choose the five this in varying degrees, with sig- suspects you did? James – “As I have said I chose what natures, messages and lyrics etc. I felt was the most likely suspect Recently I started to include Life James – “I believe that the ongoing for each victim in my own opinion masks into painted canvasses intrigue in to the Ripper’s crimes and some that just fitted with cir- with memorabilia and so when it exists entirely because his identity cumstances more than others.” came to the Ripper victims I had a is unknown. I think we all secretly dilemma, as there really is nothing hope to find the solution and so I JS - Do you think you will keep any I can add that belonged to them. I thought it would also be interesting interest in the case once your exhibition

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 122 is over? What’s next for you? James – “I think I will always have Puzzling Conundrums a keen interest in any develop- ments I hope that the paintings Just how good a detective are you? Then click and hold on the box prove educational in some way Inspector Abberline has five suspects below to see if you solved the case and that another generation of seen in the Whitechapel area on different correctly! Ripperologists take a look but days of the week, each with a distinctive this time I hope that even if they object. Each has an alibi. Although the don’t become as involved as some names might seem familiar, this is have, they will, at least, know the purely for fun and is not meant to be names of these poor women. historically accurate! If you are not sure how to solve Regarding my next project I have a logic puzzle like this one then go to been lucky enough to meet many www.logic-puzzles.org for instructions Go to the next page of my heroes through my paint- and a video tutorial. ings not least some of the heroes You could print the puzzle to work for the puzzle of Normandy that were portrayed on it, or click on the relevant boxes on the in Band of Brothers. There are a next page to fill them in with an X or O. couple of new dynamic musicians that I want to paint and so as I’ve lived in the dark of this project for a while I’m going to lighten things up a bit and paint a young girl from Essex who’s about to set the world on fire...Jessie J. should be fun.”

Thank you for your time and we wish you good luck in your exhibition and future endeavours.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 123 On The Case… Puzzling Conundrums 1. William has a walking stick. Name Alibi Object 2. The one wearing a cloak wasn’t at home. 3. Clarence was earlier in the week than William. 4. The person with the sack is not Robert.

5. The person in gaol is not Clarence. William Walker Robert Clarence Edward Opera Liverpool At Home Gaol Pub Bowler Hat Sack Top Hat Cloak Walking Stick Monday 6. Robert was later in the week than the person with the cloak. Tuesday 7. Edward said he was in Liverpool. Wednesday Day 8. The person with the sack was later Thursday in the week than the person with the Friday cloak. Bowler Hat 9. Of Edward & the person who enjoys opera, one was seen on Friday and Sack the other had a walking stick. Top Hat

10. Either the person seen on Monday or Object Cloak the person seen on Friday was in the pub. Walking Stick 11. The five people were the person in Opera gaol, the person seen on Wednesday, Liverpool the person with a top hat, Edward and the person who was at home. At Home Alibi Gaol Pub

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 124 Ultimate Ripperologists’ Tour: Wolverhampton By Jennifer Shelden

A compendium of travels through locations pertinent to the Ripper case.

Britannia Hotel, Wolverhamton

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 125 his issue’s leg of our ‘Ultimate the industrial revolution, it grew and Villiers who served the area for sixty- Tour’ takes us to the out- became one of the industrial centres of three years in total from 1835 to 1898! Tskirts of the Black Country the country. The Victorian period saw and Wolverhampton. With good it become wealthy town. Though some JACK THE RIPPER AND train and airport connections from houses signifying this wealth can be WOLVERHAMPTON nearby Birmingham, and good road seen today, however, many more were, The Jack the Ripper case has two nota- and bus connections, Wolverhampton sadly, demolished in the 1960s and 70s. ble connections to Wolverhampton. is within easy reach of most places. It was granted city status in the year The most important of these is that Wolverhampton was at the time of the 2000 (as a so-called Millennium City). it was where Ripper victim Catherine Ripper’s terrible killing spree, in the It was about time, Wolverhampton is Eddowes was born on 14th April 1842 county of Staffordshire. However, it ranked the thirteenth-largest English and later lived with relatives for is now in the West Midlands, of which city! Today, its principal industries are the years approximately 1859-1863. it has been part since the creation of those based around engineering. This is the reason why the 2007 Jack the county in the 1974 reorganisa- Wolverhampton was the home to the Ripper Conference took place in tion of administrative areas. When England’s first automatic traffic lights, Wolverhampton, and was organised in entering the dreary surroundings of installed in 1927 in Princess Square. Catherine’s honour. Wolverhampton train station, visi- There are black and white striped poles Perhaps less well known is the tors might wonder what they have let on the lights at the site today, in order City’s connection to Ripper suspect, themselves in for. However, it is fair to commemorate this historic fact. and wife murderer, William Henry to say that the train station is far from Famous local faces include, the Bury, who lived in Wolverhampton for the town’s best feature. gold medal winning athletes Denise several years and who returned to the Lewis and Tessa Sanderson; the town during 1888. Bury also stayed WELCOME TO actress Frances Barber; comedian and with relatives, possibly his uncle, WOLVERHAMPTON star of Monty Python, Eric Idle; British whilst in Wolverhampton. With these The town was founded in 985 AD and soul singer Beverley Knight; rock salient points in mind it is time to it is named after Lady Wulfrun and the group Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant; begin our tour of the sites. word originates from the Anglo-Saxon former England Football captain Billy for a high or principal farm enclosure. Wright, and actress, comedienne and OUR ROUTE The city grew from a market town spe- novelist Meera Syal. Incidentally, Starting at the train station, a place cialising in the woollen industry and it Wolverhampton also has the longest many would be likely to arrive, we can still has a woolpack on its coat of arms ever serving Member of Parliament in begin a relatively circular tour of the today as a memory of this. During English history. Sir Charles Pelham Ripper connected sites in the City.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 126 From the train station head down see the tram terminal on Railway Drive and straight towards Bilston Street itself. It the Britannia Hotel on Litchfield was at number 50 where Street, clearly visible from the bottom Catherine was living at the of the street you are on. Anyone stop- time of the 1861 census. ping off in Wolverhampton for the She lived with her aunt night, might consider here as a place and uncle, Elizabeth and to rest one’s head, as it was the venue William Eddowes. Sadly, of the 2007 Ripper Conference. Others her grandfather Thomas may not be so nostalgic. However, it is Eddowes also died in Bilston a handy starting off point for our circu- Street. With its tramlines lar tour of the city. and modern buildings, the Nonetheless, we need to first street is much changed from take a slight diversion east, towards, the one a young Catherine Horseley Fields and our first snoop would have known. At the into the life of William Henry Bury. end of the street turn in From the hotel head back down Garrick Street and follow it Railway Drive and take the second until you get to…. right you will reach Horseley Fields …Old Hall Street, the a large street, just off the ring road. site of the Old Hall Works. When William Bury was aged sixteen The Works were where the he worked here in a warehouse for a present central library is now Mr Biswell. It’s not clear if Biswell was located (and so an ideal loca- the warehouse’s owner or just Bury’s tion for a spot of research!). immediate supervisor. Nor is it known Catherine Eddowes herself for how long Bury worked here. worked here, as did her father, From there we need to head back George Eddowes and her uncle inside the ring road to Bilston Street, William Eddowes at various our first Eddowes location. From points in their lives. The Old Horseley Fields take a short walk Hall Works was a Japanning down Middle Cross Street, you will factory (originally built in then reach Bilston Street Island and the sixteenth century, it was Lady Wulfrun

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 127 converted from a wool merchant’s manor house) and was used by a suc- cession of Japanners between 1767 and 1882. Japanning involves apply- ing heavy lacquer or enamel-like paint decoratively to tin plate artefacts. Benjamin or Frank Walton were likely to have been in charge when the vari- ous members of the Eddowes family worked there. The building was demol- ished in 1883. The next stop on our circular trip is Snow Hill, where the Peacock Hotel (known as the Swan and Peacock from 1877) was located. Catherine Eddowes’ mother, also called Catherine (nee Evans) worked here, according to con- temporary newspapers. Sadly, the building was demolished in 1961. From Snow Hill we head towards the Graiseley Green area to the south- west. It was in this part of the city that Catherine was born. Unfortunately, we cannot be sure of the exact location today. Having had a look around and thinking of the young Catherine we can leave the Graiseley area and head back towards the city centre. Our next St. Peter’s Church Wolverhampton stop is Lord Street where William Bury worked as an employee of a lock man- ufacturer, Osbourne’s. This was his next known employment after working

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 128 at Horseley Fields. When employed LOCAL DIALECT – TO HELP TO CHECK TRAIN AND with Osbourne’s, according to Euan YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT TRAVEL INFO VISIT: - Macpherson, Bury was described as THE BLITHERING HECK www.traveline.org.uk “of a restless and unsettled tempera- THEY ARE GOING ON ABOUT www.nationalrail.co.uk ment”. A little way over from Lord THERE! www.touruk.co.uk Street is North Street, where Mary Strictly speaking, Wolverhampton Ann Colbourne lived; she was a cousin is on the edge, and not within, the WOLVERHAMPTON AND ITS of Catherine Eddowes, and the mother Black Country, nonetheless some of CONNECTIONS TO JACK of Christopher Robinson. Catherine it is said to lie within the border. So MacPherson, Euan (2005) The Trial Eddowes is said to have sold chapbooks we decided to take the opportunity to of Jack the Ripper: The Case of at Christopher’s hanging when he was provide a dialect guide to the Black William Bury (1859-89), Mainstream executed in 1866. Country “language”, just in case you Publishing, Edinburgh. It is here that we end this leg of encounter someone! Shelden, N (2007) The Victims of Jack our tour. Simply head back to your Ave we paces – to go and have the Ripper, Inklings Press, Knoxville. hotel or make your way back to the sandwiches en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolverhampton journey’s beginning at Wolverhampton Buz – bus en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graiseley train station. From there we can head Brummidge – a resident of www.wolverhamptonhistory.org home or on to the next leg, next issue… Birmingham, a nearby city en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanning Caerke’ole – mouth www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk Franzy – to be in a grumpy mood blackcountryhistory.org Kite off – run away www.casebook.org Op ‘n’ a catch – now and then www.bbc.co.uk/blackcountry Ow do – hello! Saft as a biled taernip – a silly person ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Tarra a bit – goodbye! With thanks to Neal Shelden for his Yampy – a mad person help in putting together this piece. Photos courtesy of Neal Shelden.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 129 CSI: WHITECHAPEL

NOVEMBER 9TH 1888 MILLER’S COURT

LOCATION: Miller’s Court, Dorset Street, Spitalfields.

DATE: 9th November, 1888.

TIME: 10:45 am

THE VICTIM: Mary Jane Kelly, aged approximately 24 years, was identified by Joseph Barnett, her partner.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 130 VICTIM DISCOVERED BY: the door had been broken open. Dr Thomas Bowyer employee of Mary’s Thomas Bond, police surgeon from landlord, John McCarthy, had been A Division, conducted the post-mor- sent to collect the rent that McCarthy tem alongside Dr Phillips; Dr Gordon was owed. Bowyer knocked on the Brown was also present. Dr Bond had door but on gaining no response pulled previously been called in by Robert back the curtain to see inside and on Anderson, Assistant Commissioner of doing so discovered her body. He told the , to review the McCarthy of the appalling discovery. medical evidence. Mary Kelly’s death was the first suspected Ripper murder FIRST POLICE ON SCENE: since he had been asked to do so. Bowyer was sent by McCarthy to Commercial Street police station, THE CRIME SCENE: where he spoke to Inspector Walter Dorset Street was known to be one of Beck (McCarthy himself subsequently the worst streets in London. It was followed Bowyer to the station). Beck seen as an area of vice and was occu- accompanied Bowyer back to Miller’s pied mainly by common lodging houses, Court and on doing so closed access one of which was directly opposite the to it. Inspector Frederick Abberline entrance of Miller’s Court. There were had arrived at the scene by 11:30 am. several courts leading off the main Under orders from Superintendent street, built into the back yards. One Thomas Arnold, at 1:30 pm, several such place was Miller’s Court, Number hours after the police and medical 13 of which, was where Mary Kelly had attention had arrived at the crime resided and been murdered. The chan- scene, John McCarthy smashed the dlers shop of John McCarthy, Mary’s door down with an axe. landlord, occupied the neighbouring property at number 27 Dorset Street. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: The Court was accessed from the street Dr George Bagster Phillips arrived via a passage three feet wide and about at the scene at 11:15 am; he was the twenty feet long. This narrow pas- divisional surgeon. Dr Phillips was sage led to a yard that was faced into Entrance to Miller’s Court the first person to enter the room once by six buildings. The area was known

CSI: WHITECHAPEL Miller’s Court Mary’s Room colloquially as McCarthy’s Rents, the windows; these faced the yard, and up against a wooden partition; this par- buildings that surrounded the Court the smaller of the two, near the door, tition sealed Number 13 Miller’s Court were mainly divided into single rooms contained two panes that were broken. from the rest of 26 Dorset Street. The and let by him. Joseph Barnett said Mary had been other furnishings were another table, Number 13 was a ground floor putting her hand through this broken a chair, a cupboard, a washstand and room and was the back parlour of 26 windowpane in order to open the front a fireplace. There was only one piece of Dorset Street; it was portioned off from door and access the room, as the key candle in the room. the front of the building and had sepa- had been lost. On Saturday 10th November rate access. The front room of Number The inside of 13 Miller’s Court Inspector Abberline went back to 26, which faced Dorset Street, was over was small and sparsely furnished. The the crime scene and investigated a shed or warehouse that was used for room measured no more than fifteen the ashes found in the grate in Mary storing costers’ barrows. The entrance feet square. There was a bedside table, Kelly’s room. There had been a large to her room was the second door on which the door (that opened inwards) fire that had caused the spout of the the right as one entered the Court (the had knocked against when the police kettle that was there to fall off. He first of the doors led to the upper floor entered; it was close to the left side of also found the remains of some wom- of the house). Kelly’s room had two the bed. The right side of the bed was an’s clothing. Shortly after he had

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 132 finished conducting the post-mortem, body and rested on the mattress. Her from the costal arch to the pubis were Dr Phillips, together with district coro- elbow was bent and her forearm was removed in three large flaps. The right ner Roderick MacDonald went to the supine with the fingers clenched. She thigh was denuded in front to the bone, scene to sift the ashes for traces of had her legs wide apart, with her left the flap of skin, including the exter- burnt human remains. thigh at right angles to the trunk and nal organs of generation, and part of her right forming an obtuse angle with the right buttock. The left thigh was THE DISCOVERY OF THE her pubis. stripped of skin fascia and muscles as BODY: When police entered the room they far as the knee. The left calf showed a Dr Phillips stated that the mutilated found Mary Jane Kelly’s clothes neatly long gash through skin and tissues to remains of Mary Kelly were lying two- folded on a chair. Her boots were in the deep muscles and reaching from thirds over towards the edge of the front of the fireplace. the knee to five inches above the ankle. bedstead nearest the door. She had Both her arms and forearms had exten- only her chemise on. He felt that the THE EVIDENCE: sive jagged wounds. body had been moved, subsequent to The whole of the surface of Mary’s The intercoastals between her the injury which caused her death, abdomen and thighs had been removed. fourth, fifth, and sixth ribs were from that side of the bedstead that The killer had emptied her abdominal cut through and the contents of the was nearest the wooden partition; he cavity of its viscera. Mary had had both thorax visible through the openings. thought this because of the large quan- breasts cut off. Her arms were muti- The tissue in her neck had been sev- tity of blood under the bedstead and lated by several jagged wounds. The ered all round and down to the bone. the saturated condition of the sheet at viscera of her abdominal cavity were Mary’s neck was cut through the skin the corner nearest the partition and of found in various parts. Her uterus and and other tissues right down to the the palliasse and pillow. The sheet at kidneys were with one breast under vertebrae, the fifth and sixth vertebrae the top right corner of the bed was cut. the head, her other breast by the right being deeply notched. The skin cuts in Mary’s body was lying naked in the foot, her liver between her feet, her the front of her neck showed distinct middle of the bed, her shoulders intestines by her right side and her bruising. Her air passage was cut at were flat but the axis of her body was spleen was by the left side of her body. the lower part of the larynx through inclined to the left side of the bed. Her There were flaps, removed from her the cricoid cartilage. head was turned on the left cheek and abdomen and thighs, on her table. Both On opening the thorax it was found her left arm was close to the body with her breasts were removed by circular that the right lung was minimally her forearm flexed at a right angle and incisions, with the muscle down to the adherent by old firm adhesions. The lying across the abdomen. Her right rib cage being attached to the breasts. lower part of the lung was broken and arm was slightly abducted from the The skin and tissues of the abdomen torn away. The left lung was intact. It

CSI: WHITECHAPEL Miller’s Court was adherent at the apex and there square. The wall by the right side of Hutchinson saw the man put his hand were a few adhesions over the side. the bed and in a line with the neck was on Kelly’s shoulder and they headed In the substances of the lung there marked by blood; this had struck it in towards Dorset Street. were several nodules of consolidation. a number of separate splashes. While standing under a street The pericardium was open below and Dr Phillips concluded that it was light outside the Queen’s Head public Mary’s heart had been removed and the severance of the carotid artery house, Hutchinson was able to clearly may have been taken from the scene which was the immediate cause of see the man with Mary Jane Kelly by her killer. In the abdominal cavity Mary’s death and that she had been and was able to provide a description. there was some partly digested food of killed while lying on the right hand Hutchinson said the man had a pale fish and potatoes, and similar food was side of her bed with her head and neck complexion, a slight moustache turned found in the remains of the stomach in the top right hand corner. up at the corners (he stated this was attached to the intestines. in fact a dark complexion and heavy Her face had been hacked beyond ON HER PERSON: moustache in the later press reports). recognition and so the features were Mary was found naked according to The man had dark hair, dark eyes, and difficult to see. Her face was gashed Dr Bond but according to Dr Phillips bushy eyebrows. Hutchinson stated in all directions, her nose, cheeks, eye- she had on a chemise or some other that the man was of Jewish appear- brows, and ears being partly removed. undergarment. ance. He was wearing a soft felt hat Her lips were blanched and cut by sev- pulled down over his eyes, a long dark eral incisions running obliquely down WITNESSES: coat trimmed in astrakhan, a white to the chin. There were also numerous George Hutchinson, resident of the collar with a black necktie fixed with cuts extending irregularly across all Victoria Home Working Men’s Club, a horseshoe pin, and dark spats over the facial features. Commercial Street, said that he light button over boots. He had a large The right thumb showed a small returned to the area after going to gold chain in his waistcoat with a large superficial incision about one inch Romford, Essex. He said that at about seal and a red stone hanging from it. long, with extravasation of blood in the 2:00 am he was walking along Flower He was about five foot six or seven skin, and there were several abrasions and Dean Street where he met Mary inches tall and approximately 35 or 36 on the back of the hand was showing Kelly. Mary asked him to lend her six- years old. The man held a small parcel the same condition. pence, but he declined to do so. Then in his left hand. Her bed clothing at the right she met a man whom Hutchinson said Kelly and the man crossed corner of the bed was saturated with he had previously passed on the corner Commercial Street and turned down blood. On the floor beneath it was a of Thrawl Street. Kelly and the man Dorset Street. Hutchinson followed pool of blood covering about two feet entered into a brief conversation before them. Kelly and the man stopped

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 134 outside Miller’s Court and had a conver- sation of about three minutes in length. The man put his arm around Kelly who then kissed him. Hutchinson reported that Mary said, “I’ve lost my handker- chief,” and that the man then handed her a red handkerchief. The couple then headed down Miller’s Court. Hutchinson waited opposite the entrance to Miller’s Court until the clock struck the hour. At this point it was 3:00 am. Elizabeth Prater, of room 20, 26 Dorset Street, was standing in the entrance to Miller’s Court at approxi- mately 1:00 am. She stood there for about half an hour before going into McCarthy’s shop. She saw no one going in or out of Miller’s Court; nor could she hear any singing. Shortly after this she returned to her room and went to sleep. She was woken by her cat Diddles cross- ing her neck at about 4:00 am, and she heard a cry of, “Oh murder,” but she stated that as the cry was common in the district she paid no attention. At 11:45 pm, Mary Ann Cox of 5 Miller’s Court, on returning home during the night, saw Kelly talking to a man Dorset Street of approximately five foot five inches in height wearing shabby dress, an over- coat and a billycock hat. She described him as having a blotchy face, small side

CSI: WHITECHAPEL Miller’s Court whiskers and a carroty moustache. He of Dorset Street, who told newspapers should be used to track the killer was carrying a pail of beer. Mary Cox he had seen Kelly and Barnett in the first surfaced as early as in the after- followed them as they entered Miller’s Horn of Plenty pub on the night of the math of Annie Chapman’s murder. Court, and saw they were standing murder, and, more importantly, that The police contacted Edward Brough, outside Kelly’s room. Cox wished Mary he saw her about 10:00 am. He was not a breeder of bloodhounds, who Kelly goodnight and she replied that called to the inquest and was virtually resided in Scarborough, Yorkshire, in she was going to sing. Minutes later, ignored by police because of the dis- October 1888. Brough doubted that Cox heard Kelly singing “A Violet crepancy with the timings. any dogs were trained sufficiently to from Mother’s Grave”. Cox went out track a scent in Whitechapel’s busy again at midnight when she could still CRITICISMS: streets as they would more easily go hear Kelly singing the same song. She The police waited for two hours on the wrong trail in such circum- returned home at 1:00 am to get warm. before breaking into Mary Kelly’s stances. The dogs Brough brought to Cox went out again shortly afterwards, room to examine her body and the Whitechapel were called Burgho and and at this time Kelly was still sing- crime scene. This delay was said to Barnaby and they were subjected to ing and there was light coming from have been because there was con- a trial run at Regent’s Park and sub- her room. It was raining hard at 3:00 fusion about whether bloodhounds sequently at Hyde Park with a view am and Mary Cox returned home for were to be deployed. Dr Phillips, cor- to testing their effectiveness. Their the last time that night. At this time rectly believing it best not to walk on use was widely publicised. Wagner there was no light or sound from the crime scene as this would hinder (2006, pp 27) noted “when it became Kelly’s room as she passed. Mary Cox their picking up a scent, and it being known that Burgho and Barnaby had was awake but did not go out again. obvious from the state of Mary Kelly’s been located, they and their han- She stated that she heard men go into body that she was dead and that noth- dlers were subjected to many clever and out of the court throughout the ing could be done for her, suggested remarks. But the fact is while the night. She also heard someone go out they should wait before entering. public believed them to be roaming at about 5:45 am. When Superintendent Arnold arrived free in London there were no Ripper Caroline Maxwell, who knew Mary he knew that no bloodhounds were murders.” Brough had returned the Kelly, gave evidence at the inquest to be deployed and so gave orders to dogs to Scarbourogh prior to Mary’s that she had seen Mary Kelly alive at break in. murder after the police refused to 8:30 am; this directly contradicted the Bloodhounds served as tracker pay for their services, hence the con- time of death given by the doctors. dogs due to their highly sensitive fusion about their availability for use It was supported however, by the sense of smell. The suggestion from tracking the murderer of Mary Kelly evidence of Maurice Lewis, a resident various quarters that bloodhounds in early November.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 136 CONCLUSION: The murder is likely to be one in a series, connected to those of Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes (see our reports in Issues #1 – -#5). Despite numerous suspects being investigated in the 122 years since the crime was committed the case remains unsolved and the files are still open.

SOURCES:

Evans, S. and Skinner, K. (2001) The Ultimate Jack the Ripper Sourcebook, Constable and Robinson, London.

Sugden, P. (2002) The Complete History of Jack the Ripper, Revised paperback edition, Constable and Robinson, London.

Wagner, E.J (2006) The Science of Sherlock Holmes, John Wiley and Sons, New Jersey. Demolition of Miller’s Court June 1928 www.casebook.org/victims/ mary_jane_kelly

CSI: WHITECHAPEL Miller’s Court casebookfrom the archives: Matthew Packer

his issue’s look at the Casebook’s The wiki section is usually a good extensive archives focuses on place to find biographical informa- Twitness Matthew Packer. He tion on people connected to the case. was controversial and often talked Matthew Packer’s segment includes an about witness who said he sold grapes overview of the facts we know about to Jack the Ripper and Elizabeth him and what he said he saw on that Stride on the night of her murder. fateful night. It can be accessed here: How much of what he said should we On Casebook is a copy of Chris believe? We have found opinions from Scott’s e-book Jack the Ripper A Cast the archives to help you decide (or stay of Thousands. This is an overview of open minded if you prefer!). information about people who are con- What better place to start our nected to the case. Chris Scott says hunt for information on a witness of Matthew Packer and his place in in the Jack the Ripper case than the Ripper folklore, “Packer’s grapes have Casebook’s witness section? This sec- become an icon of the Ripper story tion gives an account of what Packer and feature significantly in the 1988 said he saw, based on various newspa- Lorimar version of the story and the per reports and can be found here: film From Hell. In the latter version of

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 138 events, these grapes become the means Message Boards. One thread that dis- whereby Gull entices the victims into cusses an interesting Packer related his coach on the basis that no one in topic is that below, focusing on his the East End would have been able to claim to have seen the man who was afford them! If that were the case, it with Stride shortly before her death makes one wonder why Packer would for a second time. As well as this, it have bother[ed] selling them.” The seg- touches on claims he is said to have ment on Packer can be seen here: made at the time of the Pinchin Street Researcher David Yost, who has Torso case. Thread researched the Stride murder exten- Next, we turn to the Ripper sively, has written a dissertation on Podcasts and the episode that focuses the subject of Packer, reproduced on the night of Elizabeth Stride’s on Casebook. It is entitled ‘Matthew murder. On this occasion host Packer – Final Thoughts’ and uses Jonathan Menges, was joined by fellow the known weather conditions in Ripperologists Mike Covell, Ally Ryder Whitechapel on the night of the double and Robert McLaughlin. It can be event to try and establish what time found here: Packer closed his stall on the night Last but not least, we turn to the and whether he therefore could have extensive press reports area where we seen Stride with the Ripper. For the find thisIrish Times account of Packer’s link see here: story, published 15th November 1888 For some connected research into Le Grand, who interviewed Packer in his role as private detective, see Gerry Nixon’s excellent piece ‘Le Grand of the Strand’ here: This should be familiar Next issue we will have a to regular Examiner readers as Tom look at Montague Druitt Wescott recently referred to it in an article on Le Grand for us (Casebook Examiner Issue 2, June 2010). The testimony of Packer is a topic much discussed on the Casebook’s

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 139 The Aldgate East Tavern Andrew FRAGMENTS OF THE EAST END Firth ll too often, when buildings of original pre-1938 Aldgate East sta- the District and Hammersmith and historical interest are demol- tion, and alongside it, the aptly titled City lines from curious eyes. Aished and new structures are Aldgate East Tavern. North of the platform area lies put up in their place, all remnants of Both the station and the pub were what appears to be the cellars of the old the old structures disappear for good. grand looking buildings, with ornate pub, with a few ornate brick archways An excellent example of this is the stonework finishes to help entice trav- set into the cellar walls running along north side of Hanbury Street, site of ellers and drinkers to enter and par- the line of Goulston Street. With just the murder of Annie Chapman. All take of the facilities within. a little imagination, it is possible to traces of number 29, and indeed that The station closed in 1938, when recreate the scene of passengers catch- whole row of weavers’ houses were its modern day replacement opened a ing underground trains to Southend, swept away in the early 1970s for the few hundred yards further east. The whilst on the other side of the wall, building of an extension of the Truman, original platforms were badly sited, barrels of Truman’s beer stand in the Hanbury and Buxton brewery. in very close proximity to a number cool cellar, awaiting consumption by At this moment in time, how- of rail junctions in the Aldgate area, thirsty customers. ever, we do have a rare opportunity with the result that, prior to re-siting, This article is an extract from to look upon what is left of two build- stopping trains had caused congestion Andrew Firth’s forthcoming book ings that used to stand a short dis- and delays to other services. The sta- Fragments of the East End, due to be tance away, at the southern end of tion building remained in non-railway published later this year. Goulston Street. Normally, the atten- use until demolition. The Aldgate East tion of Ripperologists is focused on the Tavern, owned by Truman, Hanbury Wentworth Dwellings for obvious rea- and Buxton, closed around the early sons, but there are other parts of the fifties. Certainly, by 1954 both build- street worth looking at in order to gain ings had succumbed to the demolition a unique glimpse into the past. wrecker’s ball. On the opposite side of Goulston Today, the old platform area can Street from the modern day Aldgate be seen parallel to Whitechapel High Exchange pub (the venue for meetings Street. A few tell-tale metal brackets Previous Page: of the Whitechapel Society) is located a that originally supported the staircase A photo montage showing the location patch of waste ground, surrounded by still protrude from the wall. A rela- of the Aldgate East station and tavern metal railings. Upon closer inspection tively modern red brick wall runs along in relation to the modern day Aldgate of this area, the former use of this land what was originally the platform edge, Exchange pub. © Andrew Firth, 2011 can be deduced. Here used to stand the shielding the view of passing trains on

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 141 A closer view of the wasteland showing the “footprints” of the pub cellar and platform area.

An overlay of the southern end of Goulston Street, using an 1894 OS map, and a modern day view from Google Maps.

Fragments of the East End Andrew Firth Biography Andrew Firth

ndrew Firth is an Assistant years. He is a keen photographer; Editor of Casebook always on the look out for an unu- AExaminer and became sual angle of a familiar Ripper interested in the case back in related location, and has pro- 1991 after reading a special duced a number of photomontages edition Marshall Cavendish mag- showing old buildings placed into azine which included a facsimile their relevant modern day views. newspaper from 1888. In recent In 2009 Andrew published Past years Andrew’s interest in the Traces, his first photographic book case has been centred on the geo- on the case. A second volume, to graphical history of the east end, be entitled Fragments of the East and in particular on the changes End, will be published towards to the streets and buildings in the the end of this year. Whitechapel and Spitalfields area that have occurred in the last 120

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 6 February 2011 143 THE END