The Grisly Case of 'Jack The Stripper' | True Crime Mystery | Well, I Never

The crimes of Jack the Ripper have been well documented and retold over the years. A lesser known serial killer that stalked the streets of London had a very similar M.O. 'Jack the Stripper' as he became known, attacked women exclusively leaving their bodies strewn around the London borough of Hammersmith during the 1960s. Sadly, another similarity was that, despite there being several suspects, the killer was never brought to justice.
00:00 - Intro
00:35 - Elizabeth Figg - The First Victim
01:50 - 4 Years Later and the Stripper Strikes Again
03:00 - The Body of Hannah Tailford is Found Weeks Later
04:20 - Irene Lockwood becomes the 4th Victim
05:25 - 2 Weeks Later the Body of Helen Barthelemy
06:20 - Kenneth Archibald Confesses to the Murder of Irene Lockwood
07:40 - Police Find Their First Piece of Evidence
08:00 - The Body of Mary Flemming is Discovered
09:05 - Margaret McGowan's Becomes Victim No.7
11:10 - Police Discover the body of 'Bridie' O'Hara
11:55 - Police Step Up Their Investigation
13:16 - Who Was Jack The Stripper?
Sources for this episode include The Chiswick Herald, a Medium article titled “The Hammersmith Nude Murders: Unsolved Over Five Decades Later” by A.W. Naves, a Medium article titled “Hammersmith Nude Murders” by Eliza J., The Ministry of History UK, My London News, Crime + Investigation, Express UK, A+E Networks, Mysteries Unsolved. Books 'the secret life of freddie mills' by Michael Litchfield and 'Laid Bare: The Nude Murders and the Hunt for 'Jack the Stripper' by Dick Kirby

[@aurorawolfe6060]

the fact that you frequently cover cases unknown to most here on KZbin, on top of your respectfulness when speaking of the victims, and then visiting the relevant areas (when possible), has made you my favorite channel. keep up the GREAT work Well I Never! 💕

[@poetcomic1]

And no 'dramatic recreations'.

[@brentstevens9069]

I really appreciate your words.

[@secondchance6603]

@@amethyst1826 THAT!

[@stephenscott5333]

ààAaaAQà see r

[@peachbunnys01]

This it’s the best channel I’ve found so far when it comes to old crime. No overreaction, no disrespect and a lot of times their cases I’ve never heard of. I love learning of old cases like this

[@lizc6393]

The decorum and respect with which you speak of these sex workers is really a wonderful thing. They were abandoned, derided, and had everything taken from them, but at least their stories are being heard and recited with reverence. Thank you for that.

[@lolirot93]

Sadly, this still happens now. Sex workers, drug addicts, etc. always get comments about how they “brought it on themselves”, “nothing of value was lost” etc. it’s disgusting.

[@kellydalstok8900]

@@lolirot93 They aren’t just sex workers and/or drug users, they are also someone’s child and sibling. The families deserve closure.

[@lolirot93]

@@kellydalstok8900 Yes. That’s why I said it’s disgusting they’re still treated this way.

[@lolirot93]

@Andrew Phillips Many sex workers feel it IS a bad term and so they prefer the term sex workers. I'm happy to respect that.

[@sisuguillam5109]

The gorilla suit story was not really needed... but he did well over all.

[@morgaj21]

I was 16 or so at that time and lived very near to the scene of the crimes. I remember vividly the publicity surrounding the murders. I also remember hearing the theory that the police know the identity of the murderer and that he had committed suicide and that they were no longer looking for suspects. It was very interesting to hear you mention the alternative possible suspects although I was quite shocked to hear that Freddie Mills was among them. I really liked your thorough and non-judgmental style.

[@northernstarr]

There needs to be more UK crime coverage, it's so underrated on youtube so thanks. I have heard of this before but I totally forgot about it, so loving your channel

[@ababble1245]

Try Crimes From History. They do mostly English stuff 👍

[@grettagirl2884]

@@ababble1245 , so does Real Stories channel and The World's Most Evil Killers, both British. Cheers 🍻 👏!

[@cautionTosser]

ape huncho

[@johngore7744]

When cowboy Ronnie rides again. And John Wayne melts in hell. Lol

[@SM-McKraken]

@@johngore7744 What? What is this even a response to?

[@jpendowski7503]

Your engaging and calm delivery is welcome. No sensational dragging on. Visiting the original sites and being respectful of the dead is refreshing. Thanks for an intriguing case.

[@WeAreNotAmused]

No shading just allowing the resilient natural enunciation to make illustrative through the clarity of contrast to brighten 1

[@SarahGreen523]

Oh my! You look so dapper in your tweeds!! I absolutely love your crime stories, but your sense of style is the icing on the cake!

[@mangot589]

And he rocks those boots!

[@marilynhudson5805]

Also that Cap that he styles he is so sharply dressed.. American Men could learn a lot about style and how be a True Gentleman.

[@Getpojke]

Seems to be a lot of the suspects met their ends in one way or the other quite close together in time. Between that & links to the Profumo affair & Freemasonry you can see why the conspiracy crowd's tongues were wagging. Excellent video as always, thank you.

[@th8257]

Professor David Wilson did an interesting TV special about this murder a couple of years ago - it was really interesting and well worth looking up if you can. He came to the firm conclusion that the murderer was Harold Jones. He managed to track down his daughter and interview her - it seems Harold Jones was very much leading a double life and none of his family knew about his previous murder convictions. Link to the video below. It's well worth a watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGeln3lre6qgrLM

[@annehaight9963]

As someone fairly familiar with Freemasonry in several of its forms, I can tell you that being a fellow Mason is not a reason to protect a murderer, especially not a serial killer as vicious as this. If anything, such a person claiming to be a Mason would be ostracized and repudiated.

[@craftycriminalistwithms.z3053]

Agree 100%

[@johannabarkwith3703]

I have only recently found you on here. But I think you are brilliant. Such a calm and measured voice. And such fascinating subjects. And I have caught myself many times saying well I never! (I might have gone down a bit of a rabbit hole and watched several of your previous episodes! Nothing like a binge watch!) 😊

[@celestialsylvia]

They put so much effort into each video! Really admirable

[@puffchick4197]

I like listening to his stories while laying in bed before going to sleep

[@kerry7216]

I feel exactly the same, just found this channel today and loving it, binging too. Take care stay safe and well.

[@cindysaroya1251]

I have only recently discovered this channel. The writing is good, the delivery is excellent, and I really enjoy Mr. Brodie's personal style and aesthetic sense.

I really appreciate how respectfully you treat every case. Sadly, lots of True Crime channels ans shows are just about using the victims for a cheap effect, goo and horror + romantisise the killers. It's good to see, that you're different and respect the victims as real people.

[@davidroddick91]

Having an alibi for one of the murders does not exclude him from the others. One of the killings may be a copycat, or someone who murdered a woman and staged her as the serial killer did in order to throw off the investigation.

[@th8257]

The criminologist Professor David Wilson made an excellent documentary about it -its here on KZbin and well worth a watch. He firmly believed it was Harold Jones and tracked down his daughter. Nobody in the family had known that Jones had been convicted for murdering two girls when he was young. It seems though that he was leading a double life. The link to the video is below. It's really excellent: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGeln3lre6qgrLM

[@gordonclarkson2672]

My thoughts exactly. Incidentally, the modus operandi of this serial killer had absolutely nothing in common with that of Jack the Ripper. The mass media is idiotic.

[@mikesanders8621]

They will lie through their teeth if they think it will sell papers.

[@MelancholyMoondancer]

I really appreciate your presentation and care to the deceased, whether they are children, adults, sex workers or just a family in Victorian times. This one makes me think of an episode of George Gently.

[@elvenkind6072]

What a brilliant style the narrator have here. Arch-British. :) Thanks for a great channel, from an anglophile Norwegian.

[@benmcreynolds8581]

Sidenote to this surreal case: I just need to say that You give these videos such a true to form "Old timey Londony" Feel. Im from Oregon, so I don't know if I'm explaining it correctly, I'm just saying I feel like I'm actually investigating in the areas covered, but with a time machine. Where we get to talk from a future perspective and bring up forensics and other detective work. (I love your videos, no matter what you cover, it's genuinely intriguing and intricately told. I'm always excited when a new video comes out. I feel like Sherlock Holmes is near by.)

[@EIRE55]

Yes, Paul tells a story like a master of ye olde days when there was nothing but books, and few people were able to read. Stay well over there, Ben!

[@th8257]

The criminologist Professor David Wilson made an excellent documentary about it - it's here on KZbin and well worth a watch. He firmly believed it was Harold Jones and tracked down his daughter. Nobody in the family had known that Jones had been convicted for murdering two girls when he was young. It seems though that he was leading a double life. The link to the video is below. It's really excellent: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGeln3lre6qgrLM

[@britbyname3620]

Beautifully expressed Ben !

[@OU812cheeto]

It's obvious how much time and effort you put into your videos. Make no mistake, we appreciate all your hard work. Thank you!

[@nemowindsor8724]

I love the effort of you going on location! Really sets you apart from other KZbinrs.

[@richardh3761]

These tales, and your delivery of them, are fascinating. Local to me is the burial site (and plaque) of Alice Blunden - buried alive … TWICE! Thought it might make you say, “Well, I never!” - I certainly did.

[@ladyfarona1988]

It isn't much but every bit helps. Thanks for making such great content!

[@WellINever]

Wow, thank you! It's really appreciated :]

[@PurityVendetta]

I have to say I love everything about your videos. The production values, presentation and the kindness and empathy you treat the victims with. While so many continue the initial disrespect these women were treated with your are respectful and kind. Excellent work, truly excellent.

[@cynthiatolman326]

This was only a little over 10 years before Sutcliffe, and this one I've never heard of. Amazing! A random murder is most difficult to solve, and without forensics it's almost impossible. The man who died is most likely in my book. He didn't meet justice here, but he's probably been judged by a higher court than we have. Your visiting the sites makes it more vivid, it's like we're there with you.

[@jessie-ht7bc]

This is so tragic. You always do a good job talking about such subjects in a proper way and respectful to the victims

[@jayleigh4642]

Well, that was very interesting Paul, and a tough one to think whom the suspect could have been? Mind you the police constable seemed like a strange soul. I think in my own opinion someone in politics, maybe a horrific cover up for the deed they had done then got the girls pregnant… I guess as you said; “we will never know”. Thanks for sharing.

[@th8257]

The criminologist Professor David Wilson made an excellent documentary about it -its here on KZbin and well worth a watch. He firmly believed it was Harold Jones and tracked down his daughter. Nobody in the family had known that Jones had been convicted for murdering two girls when he was young. It seems though that he was leading a double life. The link to the video is below. It's really excellent: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGeln3lre6qgrLM

[@billyshane3804]

​@@th8257Thank you

[@ladyfarona1988]

I'd never heard of this story before! It was absolutely fascinating! Sorrowful, as well. We'll probably never know who the culprit really was... But I do thank you for respectfully telling us about the victims. Justice should have no time limit... Perhaps against all odds, this case will be solved one day. Cheers.

[@th8257]

The criminologist Professor David Wilson made an excellent documentary about it -its here on KZbin and well worth a watch. He firmly believed it was Harold Jones and tracked down his daughter. Nobody in the family had known that Jones had been convicted for murdering two girls when he was young. It seems though that he was leading a double life. The link to the video is below. It's really excellent: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGeln3lre6qgrLM

[@turkeysandtiaras2623]

You are the best host/narrator I’ve seen in decades. Why aren’t you on mainstream tv?!! Love your channel!

[@kumakena]

Your storytelling skills are unmatched. The respect with which you speak about the victims, and the fact that you try to give their stories whenever possible, it makes it less triggering for a survivor of violent abuse to hear about. Your channel is the only true crime channel I can watch, knowing I will be safe. I hope you never stop making these videos. 🖤 Thank you for being you.

[@silvercandra4275]

Nothing better than a new true crime video from this channel, on a wonderful rainy afternoon...

[@GrisouIII]

Or a sunny morning here in Ottawa Canada. 😁🇨🇦

[@lordsheebus]

Raining hard in Delaware, USA. 🌧

[@vio3366]

Absolutely 👍🏼

[@jodyharnish9104]

I found your channel recently, and I subscribed after listening to my first episode. I've watched so many episodes since then, when a character on a TV show said, "Well, I never!", I expected you to show up!

[@NineLivesburra]

Slightly off topic but "Mungo Ireland, a Scotsman" had me giggling

[@rick_fortune]

Not the first video I've seen on Jack The Stripper, but I liked your delivery and you got yourself a new subscriber. :)

[@EIRE55]

Another good story, Paul. I could listen to you for hours! Stay well, and many thanks.

[@GrisouIII]

Expertly researched and presented, as always.

[@peachbunnys01]

How does this man not have a show yet I’d watch this on the history channel ?

[@neilpatterson1615]

I saw a documentary about this and it was quite clear Jones fitted in terms of being there at the right time. Also if I remember correctly he knew one of the victims

[@drumdad54sdl47]

Black Sabbath has an instrumenttal song titled "Jack The Stripper" on their Paranoid LP... I mistakenly thought it was just a little play on words.. Excellent channel..one of KZbin's best!!

[@grettagirl2884]

James, you do such a nice job of narrating the stories you bring us, not to mention what a dapper dresser & fellow you are! Thank you from the 🇺🇸! 👏

[@lizzdoe2821]

Brilliant job on these!! Thank you for continuing the awareness of these precious people who were harmed and disrespected in some of the worst ways. There is something special to remembering people who have passed and making sure they aren’t forgotten ❤️

[@Victoria-wb8ez]

Your narration is soothing despite the depressing subject matter.

[@lbirt1993.]

I just want to point out Harold Jones didn’t lure both girls to his home. The first victim was killed in a warehouse building (I’m a journalist from the local area and researched his case for an article). Absolutely loved this video though!

[@th8257]

The criminologist Professor David Wilson made an excellent documentary about it -its here on KZbin and well worth a watch. He firmly believed it was Harold Jones and tracked down his daughter. Nobody in the family had known that Jones had been convicted for murdering two girls when he was young. It seems though that he was leading a double life. The link to the video is below. It's really excellent: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGeln3lre6qgrLM

[@lbirt1993.]

@@th8257 yeah I’ve seen a lot about that! He did seem to hide it really well after he was released. I’m not 100% sure if it was him or not but it wouldn’t surprise me if it was.

[@SorcerersStoned]

I've just recently found your channel & can easily say you are one of my favorite true crime aficionados ❣️

[@karinac.3378]

Another great video! Thank you so much for all the info and the huge amount of time and passion you use to deliver such high quality content. I ordered some merch and more will be on the way very soon!

[@jrctneon1964]

This have become my favorite KZbin channel. You are so respectful and polite, soft spoken. It is a nice change from the other channels. I love when you get to go to the sites. I find myself checking in to see if there's a new video every morning!

[@WeAreNotAmused]

Great content The program created herein is as good a format as any broadcast TV program I can recall Totally brilliant recounting the story of the time and Definitely is able to evoke a sense of dwelling within historical times The narrative is both caretakingly easy to listen and also has urgency and gravitas

[@colmanpm]

No wonder I'm single. Keep forgetting my gorilla suit.

[@dryflyman7121]

Very well researched and presented Paul.

[@keyaunna.]

you are brilliant. you bring such a comfort to cases like this due to your disposition. thank you for covering these cases.

[@louisepartridge5414]

Love this channel ...thanks for all your story's xx

[@garethcollocott6310]

This was a terrific video. Great work.

[@avampiresdestiny6101]

You put so much work into these and it really shows . Thank you for this unique channel.

[@neilfoster814]

What a great narrating style you have, most impressive!

[@lynngliottone2812]

Just found and subscribed to your channel. Love that you cover seldom heard of crimes. Looking forward to watching more videos!

[@miap6844]

I always appreciate the time, effort and research you place into your videos. Thank you!

[@irmalaucirica1688]

Well, I Never- knew about this case; Very interesting case like all your Case's! Great work which I'm sure took hard research! Thank you so much!

[@gingerray2834]

I'm so glad you are here this morning. Your videos are always wonderfully informative.

[@lenae1643]

im so early again!! tysm for your fantastic videos! its always a joy to watch

[@miltondelacruz7033]

The production value is through the roof. Absolutely lovely content. Always happy for the new videos.

[@raymondsprengelmeyer1278]

I very much appreciate your work! Your research and delivery are excellent! Thank you for your excellent stories.

[@pimpozza]

Excellent work.. great research.. thank you, Paul, this was totally fascinating 👏

[@rogersledz6793]

Thank you so much for uploading this video. It is helping me get through the pandemic!

[@krystalrobin3164]

This was such an interesting video. I must say that it was very unnerving to hear that my complete birthdate was the day that Margaret McGowen was found. Thank you for treating these ladies and their stories with respect.

[@moominesque6081]

Love your channel. I have never heard of this case, although it occurred not so very long ago. Lots of smoke and mirrors from the police around this case, it makes me think they were protecting someone, either because of who that person was,, or that the murders were arranged to remove the victims as they knew something that could incriminate others. The Profumo link is very interesting.

[@dianestallworthy7711]

What a stylish, enigmatic narrator: gorgeous eye-candy!

[@anastan5445]

I adore the vibe of this channel. ADORE. IT.

[@janetwebb2701]

Thank you for such informative professionalism.

[@kevingriffiths9787]

Really good documentary, really well presented. Thank you and I will be watching more of your presentations.

[@marthaohare8590]

Interesting as always......fabulous host! Peace out ✌

[@allanriches9381]

That was a great video , poor ladies to succumb to such a sad ending.

[@lyndacarter4586]

Did they not preserve evidence from then so they can do forensic exams now? I love your channel; you do the research and show such respect to the survivors/victims. Your delivery is impeccable and decorum admirable.

[@Emjay_____71]

Thank You 🙂 Rest In Peace to these women 💔🖤

[@scratchy1704]

Never heard of this 1.Thanks,great video 👌

[@mandyD]

As usual, thanks for an interesting video.

[@nettejakobs2501]

Thank you for another "good story". I really like your way of approching the stories.

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

Thank you for this excellent series

[@AmateurHistorian999]

Your content is excellent, and so is yourself as presenter. I've gotten a lot from them. Thank you!

[@WellINever]

Thank you so much for your kind words and generosity! It's very much appreciated ☺🙏

[@TheMerryPup]

Great coverage of this unknown, (to me at least), series of crimes. Given the information presented here I'd say that there's just not enough information to determine who the killer might have been. I think that you're correct in saying that his identity might never be known.

[@colettegriffiths509]

Oh my giddy aunt! This is the first time I have heard Freddie Mills name mentioned!!!! Thank-you so much for all your posts. I enjoy them so very much. Take care.

[@roybarker1290]

I’m absolutely sure Freddie Mills had nothing to do with it !! At that time he was a very well known face, he lived in South London he wouldn’t have a detailed knowledge of the area . Sadly he was found murdered in his car outside his club in Soho . 🤔

[@freddieblue6351]

Greatl presentation!!! I am going right to your John Christie episode...never heard of him. luv the channel.

[@lulug4283]

Loving this one thank you 🙂👍🥰

[@madgary5827]

You are the best out there! Thank you and like 🙂

[@cautionTosser]

Love your style, squire. :)

[@PatriciaPageMosaicArtsCrafts]

Thank you for a great upload, "Well I never" I must say you look rather dapper out there in the beautiful countryside scene, great dress style. Love this channel you tell em well. 👍🏾👏🏾😊💜

[@annfisher3316]

Interesting cases with wonderful coverage by a dapper gentleman. 👏✌

[@reneedennis2011]

Great video. This case profiled on Infamous Murders.

[@sherryramirez6329]

love your facial hair my friend lol

[@michaelpeel9347]

I wonder if there would be anyway to exhume any of the victims and the suspects to recover any potential DNA that might have survived and use modern techniques to compare or discover familial DNA links. Again your story telling gets to the facts and characters invovled without all the fluff and stuff others try to use to cover up their weak research and content.

[@suziec8428]

Gee I love you ❤ you've got a knack for this storytelling thing 😊 Your lovely well spoken English is a blessing to listen to and of course I ALWAYS say... Well , I never. ❤

[@neilcook9088]

Having three really strong suspects all die within a relatively short space of each other, makes it really difficult to narrow down the list any more. It must have been one of the three as the murders all stopped - but which one?

[@rissyrose3661]

This should be given time on television

[@paulaswaim8434]

Thank you for this most excellent channel. You dress in a very dapper and charming manner, and I like your pleasant accent and calm delivery of narration. Greetings from Montana, USA.

[@siobhanmacandrew7068]

Fantastic content such high production values too. I love the title - I am British and it reminds me of old aunties’ exclamations at amazing or scandalous things. Please could tell us why you chose this title? Is there an interesting tale behind the selection?

[@margaretkerr4591]

I always wait for Ur video x

[@harold4506]

Excellent channel. Subscribed.

[@SProwse101]

Love the suit great style, where do you buy them from? Amazing video as usual.

[@amybannister4021]

I would love to see afew of the cases from here in Western Australia on here 😊. Love this channel ❤

[@Ms.HarmonyJ]

Thought you weren't going to make another amazing video thank God I was wrong I adore your videos

[@AlmostHippieKnitter]

I think the sketch on the left looked a lot like the boxer.

[@Luna_Spiritus]

Your videos are excellent, and you have such wonderful manners! You've got a new subscriber!

[@craigcook1571]

Your a good moderator. Interesting story, very well told

[@richhughes7450]

Thanks for thst. Well narrated.

[@bridgetchapman5985]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@JJW77]

Well, I never thought that you would bring forth a case not solved in this day and age...