The Attack On Annie Farmer. Had Jack The Ripper Returned?

On Wednesday the 21st of November, 1888, two days after the funeral of Mary Kelly has taken place, rumours began to circulate that another Jack the Ripper murder had occurred at a common lodging house in Spitalfields.
Several reporters headed for the district and tried to find out as much as they could about this latest atrocity. Unfortunately, not a great deal of information was available, and, with deadlines for the evening papers looming, the journalists did what many of them had been doing since the onset of the murders, they improvised and created their own facts!
The result was that word got out that yet another horrible murder, a brutal as the previous crimes had occurred, and panic-stricken crowds began to arrive at the supposed scene of the crime, a common lodging house in George Street, Spitalfields, where the rumour mill went into overdrive.
Later that day, as the fact began to become available, it transpired that some of the first reporters had, to say the least, jumped the gun, as no murder had, in fact, taken place, but, rather, a woman by the name of Annie Farmer had been attacked.
It was reported that her attacker had fled the scene of the crimes within minutes of having committed the assault and that he had been pursued by several of the residents of the lodging house as he ran through the streets. Unfortunately they had lost him in the crowds on Brick Lane.
The consensus in the district that day was that this perpetrator was Jack the Ripper, and as the news spread far and wide, more and more people began to arrive at the scene, as well as at the police station to which the victim had been taken.
It quickly became apparent that this attack was nothing to do with Jack the Ripper, and there were rumours over the next few days that it was actually a disagreement over money between Annie Farmer and a client.
In this video we tell the story of the events of that day as they unfolded, and, suing contemporary newspaper reports and witness accounts, we gauge the mood of the East End residents as they faced up to the alarming and horrible prospect that yet another atrocity had taken place in their midst.

[@markshaw827]

The theory that there was more than one killer is a theory that has always intrigued me

[@edtillett8245]

Highly unlikely, Mark - any serial killer profiler will tell you that. Serial killers are mainly lone wolves, and as a rule, don't like to share their 'spoils' (ie, disembowelled organs) with an accomplice. Though there have been exceptions, they are extremely rare. The mere fact the killer in this killing spree removed internal organs as his 'trophies' is all the proof I need that this was the work of one man. All these 'intriguing' new theories (including the notion the killer was a woman) are just clutching at straws, because the inconclusive uncertainty of these crimes seems to have 'killed' more people than "Jack" had victims.

[@kalicom2937]

@@edtillett8245 Apart from the fact that the murder rate in that part of London at that time was ridiculous. For example, within 20 years or so of JTR killing Mary Jane Kelly 2 other women were murdered in the same building at Miller's Court in Spitalfields. If that was hard enough to believe in 1901 Mary Ann Austin was murdered with ten wounds to her abdomen at Annie Chapman's former home in Dorset Street. To add colour to that and to quote Frederick Arthur McKenzie (Daily Mail) [Dorset Street] "has recently sprung into undesired notoriety. Here we have a place which boasts of an attempt at murder on an average once a month, of a murder in every house, and one house at least, a murder in every room." It is hard to comprehend just how dangerous being a prostitute was back in Victorian London.

[@LittleKitty22]

@@kalicom2937 Yes there were two more murders at Miller's Court, but I didn't know about Annie Chapman's house - wow, interesting! For some reason, some houses seem to "attract" murders. The house next door to me has seen three murders - and that's just the ones I know of! I don't even live in a rough area but in a small countryside town with very little crime! Rumor has it the house is cursed. I'm starting to wonder... there is also a very long history, going back all the way to the 1970's, of whoever lived/lives there, violently attacking whoever lives at the house that is now mine. I've had to experience that more than enough myself in the two decades I've lived here. No idea how to explain this, it defies all rational explanation. A long succession of neighbors at that house also take on the habits of the former residents - without me telling them what these habits are...

[@michaelcraig8860]

@@LittleKitty22 Three unrelated murders, or just three nutters from the same family (you do get them) living in the same house over time? Thats really interesting. I'm not doubting, it just piqued my interest thats all.

[@gowdsake7103]

SPECULATION

[@blrenx]

I can't get enough of these videos. Jack The Ripper is a subject that never gets old. I must say that out of all the historians I find Rich the most consistent with the facts. With that said I wonder if the Government made the Ripper disappear. As we are learning at the present time, If the News doesn't report on it, it didn't happen .

[@TheGreatest1974]

It does seem a possibility- but only if the ripper was found to be a higher class person. It would have absolutely scandalised Victorian society. But if they’d caught him and he was a poor person he would’ve faced the hangman. Then the police force of the time would have been seen to have done their job. Personally I think he ended up in an asylum, as he was obviously totally insane. He likely never got out and that’s why the killings stopped- or he moved to America of course!

[@gaynorpatterson2915]

The narrators voice is what keeps me coming back. He has the perfect speaking voice and it makes me want to watch more. Thx 😊

[@lad4702]

Never heard of this victim, thanks for sharing 🍻👍

[@JackTheRipperTours]

My plesure.

[@jeffreyriley8742]

It's doubtful she was a Jack victim.

[@markrowley2739]

Brilliantly presented, researched and narrated. One of my favourite channels on KZbin. Thank you for your work.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you Mark. Pleased you enjoy the Channel.

[@JaySamurai79]

Love coming to this channel. I literally feel like I'm time traveling back in time.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

That's very kind of you, Jay.

[@maryaha7]

Richard, you are the very best narrator. I could listen to your voice all day. Many blessings to you, sir!

[@JackTheRipperTours]

That is very kind of you.

[@Legionmint7091]

Thank you Mr. Jones. There were quite a few details that I was previously unaware of in this case. Your work is much appreciated indeed.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you kindly

[@FrankJGZ]

I've said this before in one of your videos and I'll say it here again. Your channel is the most underrated channel on KZbin. You should have a minimum of 500k subs and your videos should be required viewing.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

That's very kind of you.

[@Markthespark1970]

Hello Richard, I have been off work for 6 months now with a back injury. I have been getting a bit despondent of late, but I have been watching all your videos on your channel and I must admire your attention to detail, your story telling and the production. First class. I would dearly love to attend one of your "ripper" walks. Perhaps when I am back on my feet and 100% fit. All the very best wishes to you for 2024.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Hi Mark. So sorry to hear about the back injury. I hope things are improving? I hope the despondency is lifting. I wish you all the very best and I look forward to meeting up with you on a tour when you are up on your feet.

[@Markthespark1970]

@@JackTheRipperTours I have been fascinated by this case since I was young, the walking stick that was gifted to Abberline on his retirement has a very intriguing face on the handle, do you think the police knew the identity of "Jack"?

[@JackTheRipperTours]

I honestly don't think they did. Some of them, Robert Anderson in particular, claimed they did! The truth is we'll never know for certain. I hope things are starting to improve for you.

[@cherinotary2533]

I love new content!! Best there is on the subject. Thank you

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you, Cheri. Very kind of you to say so.

[@colinmscott]

Superbly well researched and presented series. Very highly recommended to all who have at least a passing interest in Jack The Ripper.

[@andybarratt0704]

Another brilliant video Richard. It just shows you how fresh Jack The Ripper was still in peoples minds doesn't it. Has the Ripper struck again etc. Excellently told as always. Love your stories and for all the hard work and research you put into them. Some other piece of history learnt. Look forward to your next update. Best wishes.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you for your kind words Andy.

[@TheGreatest1974]

Your channel is absolutely superb! 👍🇬🇧

[@janrren125]

Again,thanx alot for another superb upload.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

My pleasure, Jan. Thanks for the comment.

[@johnny4864]

Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷 Thx Richard for the unique material.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

My pleasure, Johnny.

[@JoeLisle]

I went on the tour last night, was so interested to see how the places changed from the year 1888!

[@chrischibnall593]

I've heard that, a few years after the murders, there was some kind of waxwork museum devoted to Jack the Ripper set up in the East End as a visitor attraction. Could you cover that in a video?

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Indeed Chris, one was set up on Whitechapel Road. There was also a report that a waxwork proprietor tried to rent Mary Kelly's from from John McCarthy. I will do a video on these aspects of the case, so thank you for the suggestion.

[@lindagoodswin9519]

Thank you Richard for a great video, i can see why people would of been so worried, that jack the ripper was back, they went throught so much.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thanks 👍

[@sandramacglashan1088]

Glad you have found another Jack the Ripper video.

[@bobbyunavailable]

Well researched and informative as ever. Thank you. I really enjoy your choices of music as well.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you!

[@joansavage1857]

Thank you. Very interesting!!

[@rebpipes816]

Richard, although I differ with your opinion as to the most likely suspect, I must say that your contributions to research in the field and presentation thereof are truly outstanding.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

That's very kind and gracious of you. I think it is important that we all have our own opinions on the suspects.

[@JMurdochNZ]

I agree with your conclusion and the case well illustrates the quite understandable hysteria of the time. While MO can evolve, this would be more of a devolution. Jack would have made a far deeper cut that would have almost assuredly killed her. The MO here seems to suggest a less assured, less bold attacker (or she faked it to avoid blame for robbery) waiting until she was very vulnerable and even then he could not seem to finish her off.

[@christinebrannigan1288]

Thank you for the video very interesting

[@JackTheRipperTours]

My pleasure, Christine.

[@kellyhyson4772]

Fascinating, as usual!

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@louisemerriman1079]

Hiya Richard I have a question! Wasn't there a collection for Mary Kelly from the community. But a rich gentleman paid for her funeral instead and the collection money for her went missing and nobody knew where it went ? Excellent video as always 👌 thankyou 😊

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Hi Louise. Pleased you liked the video. There was a collection for flowers for her, and as far as I know the flowers were sent.

[@louisemerriman1079]

@@JackTheRipperTours thankyou for the reply. keep the videos coming i love them 😀

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Will do.

[@nastyaissor7825]

I would like to hear more about every single victim that followed jack the ripper's victims and about the investigation

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Hi. Yes, indeed. I'm working on detailed videos about them all.

[@suzieaustin.5905]

Thanks for more information on Jack. I heard one time that it got quiet for awhile and in New York they that he was there.

[@Dude0000]

3:57 pubs were open at 6am? That’s, erm, interesting.

[@markbrodie7491]

Hey! Love your channel! Could you do a video on George Hutchison’s man, the one he saw with Mary Kelly? Do you think he saw Jack the Ripper?

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Hi Mark, yes indeed. I am looking at doing a video on him.

[@davesmith7432]

I was thinking to myself through the early parts of this video that it sounded like Martha’s story. It’s interesting that they might’ve known each other. The story sounds like another case of ripper fever. Every time I watch one of your videos I learn a new historical fact. Thx Rich

[@JackTheRipperTours]

It does!

[@weilandiv8310]

Great coverage, research and narration. I love it. A scary place to be a citizen... let alone to be a prostitute.... or a client.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you, JW.

[@-b_i_b_b_y-]

Wow, those reporters REALLY don't like women, do they? What a surprise... obviously have no sense of irony if they can't see that it is precisely that indifference towards the suffering of women (especially working class women) that helped rather than hindered the Ripper's savagery

[@TheGreatest1974]

You know, seeing the old photos of such busy streets, people everywhere, the population must have been large even for the time. I wonder where they are all buried? Are there really that many cemeteries in London to bury so many people? I wonder where they are all buried at, because literally millions must have died since those photos were taken.

[@jonathansimons5715]

Yes, I think Annie tried to rob the man, and accused the man of being the Ripper. Didn`t she have some money hidden in her mouth?

[@drbigmdftnu]

Yes, Richard mentioned that in the video.

[@mathewlawton8944]

Great video sorry I only just found it

[@JackTheRipperTours]

No problem

[@WadeRaney-vv5oi]

Another 👍 episode😉

[@Dude0000]

1:40 “The murderer escaped leaving no traces behind” well, apart from the dead mutilated women with her throat cut.

[@Itme]

That is very sus indeed.

[@MsSmudge14]

Does anyone know the name of the woman in the 'Dorset Street' photo?

[@heyokaempath5802]

I still ponder whether or not Mary Kelly *was* a Ripper victim.

[@Loopy.Loop27]

Always thought Jack the ripper was multiple people. All the murders were different and even the descriptions of the man were different.

[@jeffreyriley8742]

Don't think so. Jack was much more thorough. When he murdered, he REALLY murdered.

[@keepitsimple4629]

Jeffrey Riley, that's EXACTLY what I was thinking. When Jack went after you, you were dead!

[@jeffreyriley8742]

@@FlaviusConstantinus306 I've studied this a lot. I think he left town immediately after he killed Mary Kelly. He killed outside until it was impossible then killed inside. Now everyone was on the alert inside and out. He knew it was time to leave so he left.

[@jeffreyriley8742]

@@keepitsimple4629 And he made sure he was always in a position to kill like he wanted.

[@AlexaLake1]

Jeffery, yes, and Jack murdered swiftly! He wouldn't leave a victim with minor wounds which would heal in a fortnight.

[@jeffreyriley8742]

@@FlaviusConstantinus306 I still think we MIGHT find out one day.

[@ohmy4275]

Two killers. The last active was Mary Pearcey

[@lauraleesrogers9702]

I think entering a public lodging house with a victim would have been too risky for even Jack. He was certainly someone who was very intelligent, so this seems just like a copy-cat to me. UNLESS he thought to change his MO in order to win another victim's trust, especially after the seriousness of the Mary Kelly murder.

[@detdeet]

This one was deemed fake, looks Farmer tried to rob the man and then lightly cut herself with a blunt blade to make it seem he was the Ripper, that's what the police deemed happened. In either case yes totally unrelated to the Ripper murders

[@sphinxrising1129]

Return or copycat killer?

[@sanderson9338]

Charles Lechmere was the ripper

[@mathewlawton8944]

U can place him at Nichols n only Nichols

[@sanderson9338]

@@mathewlawton8944 no there's circumstantial evidence for others and being placed at 1 is more than most other suspects if we could place him at them all he would of been captured.

[@jasonrandall5148]

Wasn't there something about the number 88 as this happened 1888. I remember in 1988 there was something special about that year and summer ?.

[@eva5601]

🤔

[@nicholaswideman6658]

Royal family cover up

[@marshrabbit7565]

The idea of hiding coins in your mouth is horrible. Do you have any thoughts on Albert Bachert?

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Albert Bachert is interesting. I do no think he was Jack the Ripper, although I suspect he actually wrote the letters that he claimed to have received. He was most certainly a self-publicist. I have never been able to discover what happened to him after he'd served his 3 month stint in prison and then appeared at the Thames Police Court where he told Dickinson that a fund had been opened on his behalf for the purpose of sending him abroad, and he intended to go. It would be interesting to know where he did go.

[@marshrabbit7565]

@@JackTheRipperTours He did perpetuate the myth about the black leather bag, whilst also being the Chairman of one of the Vigilance Committees (I've never been able to find out if he worked with Lusk).

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Hi. It appears that the committee was wound down after Lusk received the From Hell letter. It morphed into the Spitalfields Vigilance Committee following the murder of Mary Kelly, with Mr Cohen taking over as Chairman. The committee then appears to have petered out in early 1889. It was revived in July 1889 and this is the first time that Albert Bachert is given as the Chairman, and, as far as I can tell, sole member! So I don't think he did work with Lusk, albeit he may well have tried to!

[@marshrabbit7565]

@@JackTheRipperTours That's tragic. Odd that the press took him seriously as an army of one. Thanks for the info.