The Rise & Fall of Spring Heeled Jack

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Victorian England, an age of great industry, enlightenment, of learning and of advancement. Equally, it was the age of spiritualism, parapsychology, and restrictive social practices. In the chaotic streets of the suburbs of London, the first Victorian Urban Legend was waiting to be born, beating out Sweeney Todd by a full 9 years, Spring Heeled Jack brewed in the fears of an uncertain populace and burst onto the scene, metal claw and all, stirring a sensation that was far too ripe for anyone to ignore. His was a legend that was overshadowed by only one other when in 1888, Jack the Ripper scribbled his name in blood on the back of a postcard.
Thanks for watching! Contact me and feel free to drop comments, episode suggestions or anything else in the comments.

[@Justificus]

Around 1929, my mother's parents moved to Needles CA. My grandfather opened a garage to assist motorists traveling to Las Vegas and parts east of So. California. Needles was just a small town and not much more than a stop over for gas and food. My aunt was a young teenager and my uncle was about twelve years old. She was visiting a friend and it grew dark, so my uncle was sent to walk her home. On the way, they both heard occasional rustling noises coming from the yards of houses that they passed. My aunt thought that she saw something that was making the sounds, but because there were only two street lights on the road it was difficult to see what this thing was. My uncle took out his pocket knife just in case, and they continued to walk. Just under the street light in the distance, they both saw a dark figure jump across the two lane street in two leaps. They abruptly stopped, from shock and disbelief. Because no human could have done what they just saw. They moved to the center of the street and almost running, they rapidly walked towards home. When they passed the street light and the place where the figure had appeared there was nothing there. A little further on, they started hearing the rustling sounds in the bushes again. A muffled gargling sound came from behind them, and as they looked back, the same dark figure (much closer) jumped once again, across the street again in two leaps. At this point they started to run, but something reached over the top of my uncle and a hand came under his chin lifting him off the ground. My uncle attempted to stab at the figure with his pocket knife, but his wrist was grabbed and pulled upward. My aunt started screaming and this tall dark figure of a man slowly put my uncle back on his feet. He pulled my uncle's head backwards and a gargling laugh came out of him before he kissed my uncle on the mouth. The figure jumped directly over the top of both my aunt and uncle, and constantly began leaping down the street - until it jumped into a yard and disappeared. When they got home my grandfather and some neighbors went hunting for the jumping man. He was never seen again. As crazy and fantastic as all of this sounds, both my aunt and uncle swore it was true until their last days. My uncle served in the Navy during WW2 and was afraid of no one. My aunt was one of the most even tempered persons or relatives I ever knew. My aunt and uncle, even in old age, hated going outside alone at night time, even for mundane things like taking out the trash or watering the lawn. This thing had scared them that badly. They said the face was overly long and thin, the body covered in a dark coat and slouch hat, the hands were large with long fingers, and that gargling laugh sounded more animal than human. So, it was reported in some newspapers that Jack (or something like him) was also seen on the east coast of the U.S. - far from England. In 1929, I think, Jack had traveled all the way to Needles, California. My family just didn't know his name for all these years, but we do now!

[@chrisnizer1885]

I love going to sleep with an episode of "Dark Histories" on the headphones. Not because it's boring though, it's definitely one of the best podcast's currently on KZbin.

[@DarkHistories]

Thanks so much! I do the same with others podcats, so I'm actually quite chuffed that Dark Histories can fill the same role for others!

[@chrisnizer1885]

Dark Histories Your channel is awesome! It's become one of my "go-to" sites whenever I use KZbin. And I'm glad you're not offended by my comment that I often listen when I go to sleep. It's meant as a compliment because I find the subjects so interesting and compelling. Thanks for all you do and the time and effort you put into each and every podcast my friend, Semper Fi!

[@tarajh]

@@chrisnizer1885 - Same! I love falling asleep to Ben's voice, so at night, I replay the podcasts I've already listened to (so I don't miss anything) 😉 "Semper Fi" - were/are you a Marine? If so, thanks for your service!

[@chrisnizer1885]

@@tarajh Hello and thank you! Yes, I was a T.O.W. missile gunner in the Marine Corps. And I'm definitely a big fan of the Bedtime Stories podcast too. Thanks again and Semper Fidelis to you my friend!

[@rileywilliams9799]

This is the most complete narrative of Spring-Heeled Jack I've heard. I was intrigued by the story when I was younger but I've never been able to find an account as detailed as this one.

[@Nyctophora]

The most comprehensive telling of the story I've ever heard, thank you!

[@mrcemetery]

I've been waiting for Spring-Heeled Jack! Thank you for this!

[@DarkHistories]

Welcome, I hope it lives up to it! It was a lot of fun to dig into, I'd never really read deeply about it before, so a lot of new stuff for me!

[@darkshadows6328]

Just came here after doing a mission in assassins creed syndicate about spring heel Jack I absolutely love Victorian era

[@benconway9010]

Came across your channel mate because of the flannans light house and that was from watching the radio interviews with David paulidies? Think thats how you spell his last name don't know if you've heard of him whos done books on missing people the missing 411 pretty good channel You got I'm watching all your other vids now have you done a vid on picnic at hanging rock? And the new Jersey devil?

[@jperez8194]

Seems like this guy was ahead of his time and made a kick ass costume to scare folks and be an all around jerk. The metal helmet, the claws....I bet he was a bored dude with access to metal and some simple chemicals. Just my opinion. Still a compelling story and strange. 🤔

[@DarkHistories]

Hahaha yeah I kinda agree. It's basically awesome that he was steampunk WAY before that was even a thing...

[@JohnSmith-kz8yo]

Perhaps he is the inspiration for Batman...

[@summertime9629]

It’s odd that an almost identical creature was abusing Province Town USA (💭🤔 believe 1930’s? ) But was named the Black Flash? That’s SO ODD!! I’ve often wondered when a shared mythology has been shared across the 🌏, especially- in ancient writings, that didn’t or seemed couldn’t have been a shared odd pre history version of the current “CreepyPastas” - has made me ponder, there had to be some truth to some of it? What if since forever... some humans had the ability to ‘see’ what usually stays hidden, still there, still active, but nonetheless seems to me a fairly logical question? (Obviously & unfortunately, this is IMO, No need to Troll or attack me for just simply sharing an ideas). In this unprecedented Dis-Eased culture, I know people are scared to ask questions or allow their minds to roam, due to the temperament of this Orwellian/ Black Mirror Nightmare we’ve been shoved into- ESPECIALLY- in America. I had never known the feeling of being embarrassed of my country, because, I’m an American, so it’s bred into us, to at to,es be ignorantly proud, but I believe - the arrogance that we’ve shown to the rest of the world for it seems at least for a solid 100-150 years, has had a boomerang effect, reflecting how we actually are & perceived. I apologize for my diatribe. I am very happy to have found your channel! Thank you for your quality content! It’s become more rare- I’ve found to come across. ☮️👏🏼

[@jackspring7709]

In his book 'The Legend & Bizarre Crimes of Spring-Heeled Jack', Peter Haining claimed that the young Earl of Waterford was the miscreant. Certainly his day to day activities seemed very similar to Jack's behaviour.

[@danaberg6354]

Eventually Spring Heeled Jack would become a vampire with magical boots. Anyone who has played the Thieves Guild quest line (Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion) on Xbox, PlayStation or PC will recognize the reference.

[@joshuarobinson4572]

Those boots were awesome, I wish they didn't break!

[@danaberg6354]

@@joshuarobinson4572 There's a way to keep them. If you have high enough Agility and Health you can survive the fall without the boots. Then you get to keep them forever.

[@laurenhealand2904]

I just discovered your channel tonight and I am so happy that I did 😍 you have a new fan and a new subscriber.

[@derp195]

I can’t believe I’ve never come across this before. A voice like Neil Gaiman telling spooky stories. Can’t have too much of that.

[@jenniferbrewer5370]

Thank YOU for this channel.

[@glowmar]

Another great and thorough telling of a mystery. Thanks for all your hard work and have a Great Christmas!

[@DarkHistories]

Thanks so much, Merry Christmas to you too, have a good one!

[@thewasatch208]

Hello from Idaho.I love your channel! Please keep up the good work!!

[@DarkHistories]

Cheers! Thanks for listening :D

[@thewasatch208]

@@DarkHistories Hey man, I know you mainly do paranormal stories and the like, however I have an intense Sasquatch story that happened to me and 2 other coworkers that lasted over two days if you're interested. Thanks again for ALL your hard work! Makes my day!

[@johnnicholas1488]

I have enjoyed very much. Thank you.

[@turboturtle3871]

good job on 0 dislikes and 3k subs!

[@DarkHistories]

Thanks man!

[@turboturtle3871]

@@DarkHistories No problem! I hope your channel flourishes and gets more popular than chills. keep up the good work 😊

[@champsgamings2245]

Excellent and informative vid really enjoyed and same polished work that I’ve come to expect from you well done

[@peejurtica7341]

Welcome back, Sir!

[@heatherweir8839]

Oh my goodness, I just love your voice xoxo xoxo xoxo

[@raygefdz4423]

Sounds like the first vampire to me

[@Jo.885]

I just found your channel and I am positively enthralled. New subscriber. 😁

[@peteuk8688]

So cool mate, really enjoy your channel and hope you have a great Xmas and New year mate.

[@DarkHistories]

Cheers, same to you, have a good one!

[@johnalucard7860]

Thank you so much!!!! You provide a concise entertaining brilliant channel.

[@patriciagarrett4126]

Absolutely love love love your stories. Wish you could a 2hrs one, but I guess no one can do anything 2020. Hopefully lots next year ❤😎😎😎❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@saydvoncripps]

I have been fascinated by Spring Heeled Jack for all my life. I was a 'late in life baby' to my parents, so my grandmother was very old when i was born. She would tell me, dont wander off or Spring Heeled Jack will get you! Years later, I heard myself say the same to my children and started to wonder about him. Someone, a few years back claimed to have solved the mystery by naming a man (sorry, cant recall his name) who was so fit he could run up walls, like Gene Kelly , the dancer. He was, i think i remember, a circus acrobat. Its revisionist history if there ever was. It ignored the sexual nature of the attacks, which primarily targeted young, working class women. Clever move by a pervert, making himself easily dismissed as a silly, or exaggerated, figment of their imaginations. I noted that Jack wore a long cloak, and a weird costume under it...was it just a sex pervert who had found a way to attack women and leave them with such a bizarre tale that they wouldnt be believed? The Peckham writer to the Mayor makes a claim that would be leveled at Jack the Ripper, that the perpetrator is upper class. That is in itself revealing. You mention Spring Heeled Jack as being like a nastier Batman, Ive always thought he was more like the Joker, who would use violence rather than run, or 'spring,' when challenged. He is a later day El Chupacabra in how the idea of Spring Heeled Jack spread. I havent found, but often wondered, if there were any claims he had attacked some women in the US. Thanks for that. Any other ideas...hmmm, how about The Angel of Mons; another story by my Grandmother as my grandfather, who had died by the time i was born, had been in the trenches of WW1.

[@DarkHistories]

Thanks for listening! I'll have to look that one up, I've not heard of it before! I read a little that some guy turned up briefly in New England called "Black Flash" that seems to have had many traits similar to SHJ, it was about 1939 iirc and he did the same jumping over walls to get away etc. all the usual suspects of a SHJ report! I didn't go much further into it than that, but you might try searching about for that guy :) Also, I def agree with the Joker angle, the Batman was just an angle some stage play took of him, but it was totally revisionist for the stage imo, as you say, joker fits way better, what with the chaos vibe and everything

[@johelenfugate1288]

And access to the costumes... at least the bear and the cloak.

[@kalishakta]

Arthur Machen.

[@benconway9010]

Oh yeah and I've subscribed 😃👍

[@richardmorgan1624]

As a kid I was told spring heeled Jack was Lord Waterford.

[@AStravjam]

This is the first time I’ve ever heard of this. Fascinating.

[@Tom_Bee_]

What a fantastically written narrative.

[@mikewhipkey6863]

I don't know but this Spring Heeled Jack Character sounds like a fun guy!

[@gamerinsociety1450]

Damon Albarn does narration now???

[@carlfurness6394]

Get on kid

[@jamelljones5639]

Could be a lunatic 😓😓😓😓😓😓😩😩😩😩😩😩🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤨🧐🧐🧐

[@kalishakta]

With great financial resources and elusive ability.

[@Ruby321123]

@@kalishakta It's Batman!

[@billhenry7213]

Skip the first 4:30 minutes

[@aaronbranson900]

No

[@tarajh]

"...their neighbors' daughter's friend's..." Yup. This is how fake news happens!

[@bolshevikproductions]

Batman

[@mandymoore5774]

Are these facts tho? They don’t sound as tho they are. In which case if their make believe their quite a waste of time listening to. Their not teaching history if their fake tales.

[@DarkHistories]

I quite disagree, folklore and oral traditions are an established and important part of cultural history. All of the information in this episode comes from real, historical newspaper reports, if that is your question.