The Life and Death of Martha Tabram - Was She A Victim of Jack the Ripper?

Martha Tabram was murdered in the early hours of Tuesday, 7th August, 1888, in George Yard, Whitechapel, and. today, there is debate over whether she was the first victim of Jack the Ripper.
This video tells the story of her life, from her birth on the 10th of May, 1849, in Southwark, and on through her doomed marriage to Henry Tabram, which ended on account of her heavy drinking.
We then follow her, as she becomes involved with William Turner and heads for the East End of London, where the couple lead a transient life, alternating between rented rooms and the common lodging houses, of which there was an abundance at in the district at the time.
Martha and William became hawkers, selling trinkets and other wares on the streets of Victorian London, and you will learn the story of their life together as they struggled to survive against the obstacles that life threw at them.
Having told of the last poignant meeting between the couple, on 4th August, 1888, we follow Martha Tabram through the events of what would be her last night. Having met with local resident "Pearly Poll", the two met with two soldiers, in whose company they went drinking, and, having separated into couples, we follow Martha as she goes into a dark Whitechapel thoroughfare, little realising the danger that she was in.
We discuss the discovery of her body, on a dark landing in an apartment block called George Yard Buildings, and then outline the events that followed, from the description of her injuries that was given by the doctor who was called to the scene of the murder to the police efforts to identify the body of the, at the time, unknown victim.
Having covered the inquest into her death, we finally pose the question, was Martha Tabram a victim of Jack the Ripper? You will hear the evidence both for and against her having been a victim - and, therefore, his first victim - before learning of the impact her murder had on the residents of the Victorian East End, as they began to realise that something untoward was occurring in Whitechapel.
The video features footage of the locations as they are today, as well as evocative contemporary photographs and illustrations that help you gain an understanding and impression of what the area was like at the time of a crime that, in many ways, spelt the beginning of what would be Jack the Ripper's reign of terror, one of London's greatest true crime mysteries.

[@sovereignroyalty1675]

This was so good l had to comment twice. The fact that you went to the locations, the way this was researched. I am dissapointed it was only 25 minutes. Just brilliant!

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@mathewlawton8944]

I watched a BBC documentary on the case they put the information in 2 HOLMES ( is something 2 do with the he office). It linked Martha 2 the Ripper case. Thank you Richard 4 another great initiative video.

[@brimcilroy9002]

I've always believed Martha tabram was a ripper victim, I've always believed in patterns of things an Martha death is aligned identical to the cononical 5 dates of death as they are all at or on the turning of the month or around the end of the first week in the month, Martha Aug 7th then the cononical 5 dates, 31st, 9th,1st,an the 8th and nobody can tell me that it's just coincidence, and I'm sure the police of the time would of been looking into anybody lifestyle which connects with this pattern.

[@WadeRaney-vv5oi]

I believe that this is the only version of Martha told in full🤔

[@BakesModel81]

Possible she was killed by a murderer acting as a local rent collector for money she owed rent too, as the others did, as well as the obvious modus man posing as a client for one use... a gangster hit, shouldn't be ruled out, as with the others ...

[@Jackmc2112]

It’s always booze.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Very sad fact, Jack.

[@simonyip8571]

If you look at a map of the area of Spitalfields and Whitechapel in 1888, and compare the similarities and the differences in the murder of Martha Tabram and the slightly later murders, in my opinion it is almost certain that Martha Tabram was a victim of 'Jack the Ripper'. Martha Tabram was killed by a sharp instrument, in the early hours of the morning, just a few weeks before Polly Nichols was murdered a short distance to the east, she was of a similar age and social class and general background to most of the 'Canonical' victims. If you visit the area, it's surprising just how close the murder sites actually are, it's hard to believe that this murder was committed by a different killer to the other victims. The location alone is clear evidence, almost in the centre of the later murder site's, all of which are just a few minutes walk away from George Yard.

[@Pauly421]

I'm of the same mind. It's fun to speculate but we probably will never know precisely what happend back then

[@walkawaycat431]

And Charles Allen Lechmere's new route to work. He just moved to 22 Doveton Street in June.

[@leejohnstone894]

It's nice to see a mini documentary on Martha Tabram. I believe she was a victim of Jack the Ripper

[@dumptrump3788]

Serial killers don't just jump right into gruesome murders that first become known for. Whoever Jack The Ripper was he would undoubtedly have started small, then worked his way up to a recognisable modus operandi. Martha Tabram might have been one of those victims.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Good point.

[@DM-iw2qt]

At one time many experts historians were linking. 2 before the 5. and one after I for one believe there were more and it would make the London police really look bad and dumb

[@robertafierro5592]

I agree! There must have been a few lucky girls who also just missed him due to good luck in their part!

[@culthalionmorgan6282]

My feelings exactly, JtR must have started small before progressing to more and more gruesome murders

[@jamescorlett5272]

Yeah 39 stab wounds - tick that off the list ripper .

[@sideshowmark913]

It's mad how alcohol still ruins people's lives like it did even back then

[@C-U-IN-H3LL]

Yep. Reaped havoc on my life.

[@zeddeka]

Alcohol consumption like that is so often a means to try and blot out the pain of traumatic lives. It's a way to try and deaden the pain. Sadly, so many people who turn to alcohol had their lives ruined years before.

[@RadagastBrown420]

More like sexism. Women were treated horribly.

[@jackmessick2869]

As it has for milennia.

[@davidhallett8783]

Even 4 ooo years ago in mesopotamia and egypt. It was always safer than drinking water until about loo years ago. It s said that presidenrs w h harrison james k polk and zachary tsylor may have died from bad water. Lincoln s son willie in 1862 as well

[@TefiTheWaterGipsy]

This was brilliantly done! I've always thought Martha Tabram was the first Ripper victim, or the first discovered. Regardless, I've always wanted to know more about her, certainly her story is familiar, as it was for all the victims, but we know at least some of their back story, this is the first I've heard of Martha's. Beautifully done, brilliantly researched and fantastic photos. Two of my favourite pubs are featured. The Hoop and Grapes and The Still and Star, which used to be my local for a couple of years. As a freehouse, I had dreams of buying it. Thank you for covering Martha's story and for doing it so supremely well.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you, Tefi. That is very kind of you.

[@lucindahumphries4702]

He was learning with Tabram, learning what he liked, what he needed.

[@chriswald7700]

Thank you for this great video about Martha Tabram. Since I've first learned about her murder I am convinced that she was an early (if not the first) victim of the ripper. There are more similarities than differences and she also was killed just three weeks before Polly Nichols. How many maniacs could there have been at the same time in the same district. I believe that the ripper adjusted his modus operandi after that kill as you can see that he escalated his method.

[@drbigmdftnu]

I agree. Certainly could have been unrelated, but similar enough

[@susanstuckey7697]

Thankyou such a good informative documentary I really enjoyed it

[@walkawaycat431]

Charles Allen Lechmere's direct route to work, and he passed by literally, at the exact time of her murder, on his way to work.

[@danrooc]

I'm impressed! You've succeded in taking good taste to a brutal crime scene: exemplar command of language and eloquence on a detailed whilst measured and very well balanced recount of the facts with commendable reverence for the suffering of Mrs. Tabram.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you, that is very kind of you to say so.

[@panicmerchants]

The victims are infinitely more interesting than the murderer. I feel for her such a hard life

[@RadagastBrown420]

Women were treated horribly. Republicans long for those days

[@Nurichiri]

It's nice to finally have a biography of Martha Tabram. It is scarily similar to the canonical victims. I think she was JtR's first murder.

[@rachelraquel758]

Yes, I believe Martha was a victim of Jack the Ripper.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

There is a very good chance.

[@marcblank3036]

@@JackTheRipperTours But why in a mere 3 weeks did the "skill" of Jack change so quickly without other victims? Or did the murderer slash the throat and slice Martha open like a poor sheep as he did to the canonical give? Although both clearly mad, Jack seems to have been very handy with the knife and internal organs. Why was it possible that Pearly Poll recognized 2 soldiers but both seem to have had allibis. 2 out of 2 in a large group of men

[@awg7068]

It appears to be. With what we know about serial killers, the canonical five would not be likely be the only ones.

[@keredsilloc4095]

No doubt. Geographically speaking, its the stomping ground. He was disturbed here just like with Liz and Polly

[@walkawaycat431]

@@keredsilloc4095 It was on Charles Lechmere's direct route to work.

[@joec.9591]

Well done! I have been studying the Ripper crimes for decades, and I believe the evidence is compelling that Martha Tabram was, indeed, an early victim of Jack the Ripper (just as I believe Emma Elizabeth Smith, was not). A killer's "signature" doesn't develop right away. Their first efforts are almost always disorganized, and seemingly random. But the pattern itself (time frame, target, and location) fits perfectly.

[@graemeclifford6358]

It is well documented that serial killers develop their skill over the course of their spree. Early victims often do not have all the trademarks that are associated with a particular killer. When considering Mary Kelly (the 5th canonical victim) she was found indoors, as well as having been mutilated to such an extreme level so much more than previous victims. Clearly, jack the ripper developed his skills over time, so I believe it is very possible that Martha was one of his early victims. Also, may i thank you for such a well presented, and meticulously researched, documentary.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

I agree with you on that point Graeme. My personal belief is that Martha was the first victim. Pleased that you enjoyed the video.

[@herbert9241]

This is an interesting theory. Maybe it's possible that, reflecting on the air of chaos left at the Kelly murder scene, 'Jack' had an epiphany of guilt and continued killing in a more orderly fashion, cleaning up after herself and disposing of the corpses responsibly.

[@chicagoartthief7019]

@@JackTheRipperTours Esteemed author Philip Sugden also felt that Martha Tabram was the first victim. You guys are in good company!

[@RCT1963]

You took the words right out of my keyboard

[@deancordery5935]

Very interesting and thank you for another great video . I believe like most Martha Tabram was a Ripper victim do I feel she was the 1st no I dont I believe The Ripper killed many more than 6 I also don't believe he stopped so many serial killers never just stop. I feel the Ripper may have gone on to be the Torso killer all points too the Whitechapel killer living in that area working in that area knowing all the alley ways areas that are dark I still believe the Ripper & Thames Torso killer is Charles Allen Lechmere aka Charles Allen Cross....

[@rebeccap9343]

I think she was Jack the Ripper's victim. Too many similarities in my opinion.

[@Eric-the-Bold]

This is a first rate presentation. it brings to life the victim as a person. Well researched and comprehensive details of her associates , locations , life, death, inquest etc. It builds a picture of the environment in which the working class as well as the underclass lived in the Whitechapel area. The then and now images, take the viewer to modern locations that would other wise be overlooked , and the significance of such places, that reflected on the squalor and deprivation for the population. I am looking forward to the other Jack the Ripper Tour video`s. Although not relevant to 1888 , my second great grandfather lived at 44 Wentworth Street, employed as a street Hawker, in 1841, he died in 1885.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you, Robert.

[@garybarnett583]

My family were living at 22, George Yard Buildings at the time. Tabram’s murder is one that particularly intrigued me.

[@davidhallett8783]

Did they do it

[@Agathanagatha]

I’ve always said Martha was a victim of Jack

[@091053JG]

A frenzied attack which included possible strangulation and 39 stab loons does not seem to have been a spontaneous thing. It speaks of premeditation. Also since this very well might have been the first Jack the Ripper murder he was just starting to figure out what excited and what worked for him.

[@JeansDolls]

RIP Martha.

[@jackiebayliss]

💙🙏🏼💙

[@jbos5107]

Life was so hard in the past. So many of us have no idea what suffering is.

[@markgreenhow7953]

Yes I think people from this period would be amazed that we describe some people in the UK today as living in poverty!

[@jonathanstempleton7864]

Some people now would claim poverty if you took away their iPhone 🙄

[@colmmeade1824]

@@jonathanstempleton7864 yes - very true of your comment

[@RadagastBrown420]

Especially if you were a woman.

[@RadagastBrown420]

​@@jonathanstempleton7864And some claim poverty when asked to pay their bills, while simultaneously claiming to be a billionaire.😂

[@brianbommarito3376]

Excellently written and narrated. The conclusion was a gem of storytelling. Most films have a beginning, a middle and an end. You conclude Martha Tabram’s tragic life with the start of the Autumn of Terror. Very eerie and suspenseful.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you, Brian, very kind of you.

[@sarahmillard6401]

I love your videos. Measured, well-researched and non-judgmental of these victims of both poverty and a murderer (or murderers). I particularly like the old photographs and the contrast with contemporary locations as they appear today. Thank you!

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you Sarah.

[@drbigmdftnu]

I think it's highly likely she is indeed an early victim, probably his first. Just way too similar and so soon.

[@daneilflipper1248]

Excellent objective presentation and discussion of this murder, The possibility of connection with the Jack the Ripper murders was sensibly explored. I wish similar documentaries were so level-headed and objective in their presentaion of the facts.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you. Very kind of you to say so.

[@DeidreL9]

This was so well done!!! Omg SO well done. With respect and care and just....excellence. Subbed!

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you Deidre. Very kind of you to say so.

[@davesmith7432]

Absolutely my favorite channel on the subject. Thank you Rich!

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Wow, thanks!

[@biggiejohn6669]

Great narration and brining the locations in real time was welcomed. Whoever “Jack” was, the sudden turnaround in MO in a short time makes me doubtful as the culprit. Nevertheless Martha was murdered in awful circumstances and thank you for making her a person who’s life we should recognise. She sounds like one who’s life was one of personal torment. RIP Martha 🙏

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you for your kind and moving words, John.

[@JohnHamer-j4w]

@@JackTheRipperTours I think she was a victim of Charles Lechmere

[@kentuckylady2990]

Jack may have disguised himself as a soldier

[@zeddeka]

It would be very interesting to see what kind of records there are to indicate whether there may be any earlier attacks that may be attributed to the Ripper. It seems likely that his violence would have started some time before the autumn of 1888. I suppose it would be very difficult - Whitechapel was such a violent place.

[@kevenrdavenport108]

Stabbing and mutilating with the small non lethal knife first, just so she would suffer. Only a sadistic, twisted monster could do such things.

[@tjhta]

I believe she was, Jack was just learning his "trade."

[@si.6859]

Brilliant, bringing history to life. Hope to see and hear more.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you Simon. Yes, there will be more in the coming weeks.

[@louisemerriman1079]

Brilliant 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@JackTheRipperTours]

@@louisemerriman1079 Thank you.

[@ROY-COLLEY]

After reading about Martha ,I have always believed she was a Victim of JTR . She has been dismissed as a Victim because her Genitals had not been interfered with. This could be for a couple of reasons. The perpetrator of this crime, could have been disturbed in some way. Or if this was his first Victim he was satisfied by his first Victim. But after this crime he has time to reflect on it and wanted more satisfaction therefore he would for fill his lustfull desire on his next Victim. There had been talk also of two knifes , ( one being a pocket knife ) being use on another JTR Victim. It seems to me there are more clues pointing to it being JTR ,than it not being.

[@georgerobartes2008]

There was another similar attack in Canal St to the rear of Mile End Station who may also been the first attack by the same killer on the door step . This was probably the first attack as the killer was establishing his modus operandi . The numerous cabs and railway offered easy transport in the Whitechapel Mile End roads .

[@sheilagravely5621]

Did no one consider that the policeman could have been the killer?? Practically invisible to everyone, walking his beat in darkness. Someone should have thought about it. J.s

[@DirtySanchez943]

Uhmmm how would he hide all the blood...

[@margaretdrew2844]

This is so well told really e joyed listening to the way it was spoken. Lovely gentle voice.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you, Margaret, that is very kind of you to say so.

[@filmbuff2777]

I think she quite possibly was.

[@natechenry]

Who’s to say the 5 victims were the only victims of Jack the Ripper? Martha isn’t out of the question. And there possibly could have been more we don’t know about sadly.

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Thank you. Great video. I was gripped from start to finish. Never tire of hearing stories and theories about Jack the Ripper and his unfortunate victims/suspected victims. Endlessy fascinating. A lot of videos about Jack the Ripper can be rather gory and sensationalised but this video was very tastefully done and respectful to it's subject. Always sad to think how dismal and heartbreaking the lives those poor woman were never mind what Ripper did to them. BTW the narrator has the perfect voice for narration. So soothing.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you for your kind words, Shane.

[@theresamacarty5507]

Very interesting. It appears Martha had a sister who is a relative of mine so I was really intrigued to see the contemporary photos.

[@wendybond2848]

To commit such a murder and disappear without a sound, or leaving a trace, or being observed hurrying from the scene each time also lends credence to it being the same killer. Poor woman.

[@mickmcguire4571]

Are you going to do one of each victim would be great

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Hi Mick. Yes, that will be happening. Will also be doing other aspects of the case.

[@mickmcguire4571]

@@JackTheRipperTours thats great cant wait and good luck

[@theantilifeequation8150]

I think the problem with this being a ripper case is the police couldn't track down the soldier to question him. He may well have been moved on from the area to save any embarrassment to the army or maybe he was related to someone high up in the army who moved him on. I come to this conclusion because neither the soldier or his friend could be identified despite police visiting the base, it's obvious the army would have known who these men were but chose not to cooperate with local police.

[@jessicasarahliddell8883]

Yes if the army closes ranks the police cannot do much about it

[@rijkemans5114]

I might've misunderstood you, but I think it may have been a ripper case anyway. Just the mentioning in the murder investigation, possibility of being a subject, or mentioning Soldier X visited women of easy virtue, might've been enough risk of scandal and reason to transfer him if he had high aquaintances. Doesn't have to mean anything about him actually being the murderer (though it remains a possibility of course).

[@scallopohare9431]

How would it have been "...obvious the army would have known who these men were..."?

[@DirtySanchez943]

Dk why but whenever I watch something about the ripper I get such a strong feeling of Unfairness of life...:(

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Very much so.

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Agreed 💯 Those poor Ripper victims lived such dismal lives, let down by the system.

[@somniumisdreaming]

@@Shane-Flanagan Sadly she had it fairly good compared to the real destitute, the ones even the workhouses wouldnt take, some paid to sit on crowded benches indoors for a small fee but no falling asleep, others dossed when they could during the day and walked the nights away. Have you seen the roped benches ppl paid for to sit and lean on a piece of rope to sleep? Horrible times for the poor.

[@CrazyEnglishman]

I'd say she was more likely a Ripper victim then Liz Stride.

[@fatchicken3139]

Stride's murderer was interrupted and therefore proceeded to commit another to fulfill his urge

[@SilentHillMyHome]

Stride was a victim. Slashed throat.

[@defaultroute]

I can’t imagine walking out of my flat today. and finding a bobby, even if I walked for hours and hours.

[@DejaVuJT]

If folks believe Liz Stride to be a Ripper victim then how can they not believe Tabram was? This baffles me. I believe she was and I think it is even much more likely she was than Stride.

[@damianhamill1168]

Excellent presentation, detail and pace. Interesting to hear a thorough life history of the victims rather than just the events of their last few hours or days.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you for your kind words, Damian.

[@pjs62ux]

This may have been the Ripper's first victim, and so he hasn't perfected his handiwork, I wouldn't rule that out IMO

[@andydbedford]

This video had me gripped from start to finish. To the author, do you beleive Martha Tabram was the first victim of JTR and the Whitechapel Murders of 1888?

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Hi Andrew. Pleased that you were gripped by it. I think there is a very good chance that Martha was the first victim.

[@andydbedford]

@@JackTheRipperTours yes I have agree.

[@tonydoherty2190]

I think she was the first victim i thought that for years there were no mutilations because she was the first victim

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Yes, I tend to agree that she was, Tony.

[@joelmahan]

I think it’s very unlikely that the canonical 5 were the first or the last victims😎

[@michaelharrington7656]

Excellent. Thank you. I think Polly Nichols was orginally seen as victim no 3 coming after Martha Tabram and Emma Smith. It is for this reason that the murder of Polly Nichols provoked so much attention.

[@chd1694]

It had to be the soldier!!! London was never a civilized city, quite the opposite.

[@PtolemyJones]

Sure would like to know how 'cast iron' those two soldiers alibi's were.

[@mirandagoldstine8548]

Same here.

[@lawrencehomer5682]

Absolutely superb video. Very informative and interesting.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Hi Lawrence. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the video. Thanks for your kind words.

[@sabine4759]

Thank you for uploading this.I´m very interested in history , especially in London´s town history. This old photograps and still existing pathways are so fascinating. It´s a pity that the middle agd houses are so rare in London. But WW2 destroyed many precious buildings. I´m looking forward to other episodes! Very well done, thank you!

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you for your kind words, Sabine.

[@lesberkley3821]

I think Martha Tabram was a Ripper victim, and Liz Stride wasn't. Could definitely be wrong, of course.

[@ianclarke3627]

Have to say I'd vote that she was the first

[@ghostcityshelton9378]

I think she was the 1st victim that we know of cause who knows just how many victims there were of JTR. ( JTR=Jack The Ripper) Yes we know of the cases in England, but also in England how do we know if other women were killed and maybe dumped off Lodon Bridge or the like. Was JTR killed some time after the murders in England and that's why things seemed to just stop or did he go to another country? Ireland, Scottland, France, U.S. & so on...It might be interesting if the murders that might be listed around that period of time, if compaired might show more handy work of JTR. Just a prob. crazy thought. Dang ! What kind of up bringing did Jackie boy have to hate women so much?! Do you think as a boy, or young man JTR may have been put in a boy's home, maybe mom gave him up and he hated her for abandoning him? Maybe she was very unkind to him as a boy so he grew up hateing all women? Sorry about all the questions. Your videos are always FANTASTIC and I felt I was back in time and living there, that's how one can get lost in your videos. Made sure my door was locked😁 I'm on the 5th floor of an apt. building that's right on the Chesapeake and down the street from me is a haunted lighthouse and Keeper's house. Before the Keeper's house was fixed up a man was found shot to death inside by the back door who oddly was wearing 3 sets of clothes. The lady working at the gift shop in the Keeper's house gave me the paper of the police report with the man's picture from when he was alive. I brought the lady into the room by the back door and on the wall was a picture of a man from the 1800's and the lady went pale. The dead man and the man in the picture on the wall looked like they were twins. What do you make of that? How about a ghost story of one of the victims or all of them came back as sprites and paid Jackie boy a call. Just a thought. 🤘👻💖

[@didibellini]

More to the point, exactly what evidence is there that Elizabeth Stride was a Ripper victim?

[@mathewlawton8944]

They isn't, she the only 1 killed South of Whitechapel Road. Marks on the neck was not the same as NICHOLS/CHAPMAN/EDDOWS and KELLY. The cuts 2 the throat was different. It is very unlikely Stride was Ripper

[@aimeew6880]

The grand majority of historians say that Stride was a Ripper victim, but he was interrupted by the pub owner returning home.

[@didibellini]

@@aimeew6880 And what proof or even indication do they have? None.

[@Teofane]

What strikes me is just how many people were coming and going at all hours in Whitechapel.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

It was busy all hours.

[@tommyhemlock7915]

When London was the busiest port in the world and people worked excruciatingly long hours is what accounted for it.

[@lordsummerisle87]

A lot of trades required odd hours too. If it takes a baker several hours to mix, knead, prove and bake his loaves he's going to be abroad in the small hours so they're ready to sell at 7 or 8. The Thames has a wide tidal range, so anyone who worked around or on the water (boatmen, bargees, customs agents, stevedores) would have to work around that ever-changing timetable. Wholesale markets would (and still do) work very early in order to collect the fresh produce off the boats and trains, in order to sell it for more daylight-hours trades like costermongers, shops and restaurants. Then there's the associated or supporting jobs to these trades -- the baker's boys, the barrowmen who fed and slaked the thirst of the dockers, the market porters.

[@DirtySanchez943]

So many butchers as well ...Seems any1 immigrating 2 us was a butch-er.

[@khaleelmohammed9924]

She was most certainly a victim of Jack the Ripper, Serial killers like jtr typically follow an escalation path, she may or may not be his first victim but she was definitely was a victim

[@londonbeyondtimeandplace2489]

Brilliant as always Richard!

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thanks, Philipp.

[@jelkel25]

Yes, this case had the waters muddied to the point it was unlikely to be solved unless there was an informant or confession with the detection methods available at the time. Pearly Poll was unreliable at best, an attention seeking liar at worse. No one seems to have seen them with said soldiers including a pub full of people, in fact no one saw Poll with Martha that night. There was probably a Victorian version of "snitches get stitches" in the East End but I'm sure it didn't extend to bloody murder of a woman.

[@trevorbyron9448]

Two different knives were used. Could it be two people?

[@JackTheRipperTours]

That has been suggested, Trevor.

[@DirtySanchez943]

In general ''JTR'' could have been 2 ppl working in unison...I often thought one person wasnt capable of doing the horrible deeds alone!

[@eadweard.]

Why not three?

[@russellnixon9981]

As soon as I herd the use of two knives I thought the same, two attacker's.

[@toddbonin6926]

Fascinating and so well done! More please.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you Todd. More are on the way.

[@Jonathanbegg]

There is now a very strong consensus that Martha Tabram was not a Ripper victim. But out of the dozens of other women brutally murdered in Whitechapel at the time, only Martha is taken seriously as a possible sixth member of the club.

[@MORCOPOLO0817]

In Randy Williams theory of the 4 accomplices, he states that they were in the hat making business. I wonder if part of their depravity was a result of having "Mad Hatter's disease" which is mercury poisoning.

[@christinamcilwaine350]

Such an excellent and well informative video when watching anything on Jack The Ripper I always go to your channel because you explain it so well great work

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you Christina. Pleased you are enjoying the channel. Your kind and encouraging words are appreciated.

[@mickmcguire4571]

Very interesting and well done 👍👍

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@FlamespeedyAMV]

Hot fuzz springs to mind when I think of the 5 different murders committed, maybe it wasn't done by one person.

[@kattegatcitychamberofcomme311]

I don't think they were for the Greater Good though.

[@DirtySanchez943]

Some sadness comes over me...:(

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Indeed.

[@chatita9527]

It was a real treat to be able to listen to you! Thank you from Berlin Germany 👍🤗🇩🇪

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thanks for listening

[@lawrencelancaster6525]

A First Kill, I would say!!

[@leemartin2990]

Fascinating. It's not unusual for a serial killer's first victim to be dispatched in a slightly different manner than subsequent victims. Jack the Ripper's MO evolved with almost each case, culminating in his fifth (or sixth, if you include Martha), murder. No doubt in my mind Martha was #1. On a side note, London was hauntingly beautiful in the 1880s. What a shame they bulldozed those poetic buildings in favor of post-modern bland.

[@markcoyle2986]

Brilliant and beautifully done.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you so much 😀

[@yeyeyey]

Very interesting! Thank you

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Glad you liked it!

[@christinespaulding485]

What I find interesting is that a lot if not every time there was a murder there’s only one witness for example the policeman and the soldier. So what if there wasn’t actually a soldier hanging around and the policeman made that up to cover himself and he actually was the killer

[@freddyfurrah3789]

When I stub my toe...omg. I don't want to even imagine the pain a stabbing victim feels.

[@trevorbyron9448]

Fine narration. Really enjoyed

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thanks for listening

[@keithdavies1395]

@@JackTheRipperTours Perhaps the killer used chloroform to subdue his victim, no screaming.

[@carywest9256]

Reading the comments here before watching the video, serial killers do get bolder and more fiendish in their crimes.

[@Eric-the-Bold]

Speculation, but have a read anyway. Was Jack the Ripper local? Or as he progressed in the attacks , from stabbing, gaining in confidence to mutilation. Did he rent a room close by, for which had no resident landlord, only other tenants but in a middleclass safe environment. Having removed organs, he could return to his room nearby? A much better opportunity presented its self. regarding Mary Kelly,13 Millers Court, all the time in the world. Did he ask Mary? Do you live alone, we wont be disturbed by a husband will we? The Whitechapel lodging, in the morning leave and blend in with the working crowds, on his way to his safe house, to study his trophies. Was his real rented daily accommodation towards the West End? But then there is the problem of decomposing flesh? Or could he preserve in a solution etc for later sexual gratification. Whitechapel murders, get to know your environment, but that would be difficult during the day as he would stand out to locals and dressed as he was, a respectable man in the eyes of Police, would not be stopped, just roaming about. Like thieves, burglars , Rapist etc they choose their targets/areas and have control before and after their actions. They hope to make a quick escape or to a bolt hole, they wont hang about. The killer worked even with all those Uniform/ Plain clothes Police about during the time period of the murders. There is the question, of all the names put forward who would fit such a profile, and why did the murders stop?

[@jobes4525]

Brilliant, well researched with excellent presentation. TY

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Iain1983]

Enjoyed that, thank you Richard.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sovereignroyalty1675]

Fascinating!

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you.

[@davidclaycomb4287]

Any of these pubs still open? Have a pint in the same building ole Saucy Jack might of had a few..?

[@JackTheRipperTours]

The Ten Bells and the White Hart are still open, David.

[@jessicasarahliddell8883]

@@JackTheRipperTours that’s incredible the pubs are still standing wow

[@garybarnett583]

I was able to make contact with a member of Dr Killeen’s family who provided me with a photograph of him. He was very young and experienced in 1888.

[@madsdahlc]

Great video. I belive that she was victim of jack the ripper

[@raddimusmcchoyber3362]

I think too many people place too much emphasis on the “change of MO” when it comes to discounting Tabram as a possible victim. The idea that “serial killers never change their method” is a myth anyway. Some don’t. But Richard Ramirez, Carl Eugene Watts and Dennis Rader are just three examples of serial killers who used multiple different weapons and different methods of murder across their many awful crimes. Whereas with Tabram the murder weapon was still a knife, just employed in a different way than with the “Canonicals”. And so many aspects of the Tabram crime are consistent with the Five. An author named Tom Wescott makes an interesting case linking the murder of Tabram to that of Polly Nichols in his well-worth-reading ‘Ripper Confidential’.

[@stevenrabson937]

Thank you for this excellent peice of work. As a Narrator, you are first class. As a suggestion, I hope you continue to produce many more investigative pieces that cover a wider topic. You are obviously a Ripper expert, but your audience would be delighted to watch and listen to any of the many vicorian London macabre stories told with the ambience you have mastered with the ripper stories.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you for your kind words, Steven and for your encouragement. Yes, I am currently planning a wide variety of different tales which will hopefully start appearing shortly.

[@stevenrabson937]

@@JackTheRipperTours That's Great to hear sir. I wish you all the very best and look forward to watching your new work.

[@Pmacneill019]

I love these videos. Keep them coming! Have you seen Murder Maps? Perhaps you could cover other murders and killers during the 19th century that were less known.

[@jennasanders4211]

This was brilliant cheif's kiss from me 👌

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Thank you, Jenna.

[@moonloversheila8238]

Another fascinating and detailed video. Thank you.

[@JackTheRipperTours]

Glad you enjoyed it!