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New Docu-Drama Re-examines Jack the Ripper Murders in Victorian London
The enigma surrounding Jack the Ripper’s identity has captivated historians and sparked debate for well over a century since his reign of terror in Victorian London. Now, a compelling new television series, Jack the Ripper: Written in Blood, airing this week on Sky HISTORY, revisits the infamous Whitechapel murders, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the unsolved case that gripped the nation.
Unmasking the Victims’ Stories
This gripping docu-drama employs dramatic reenactments and presents novel insights to explore the lives of individuals inextricably linked to the Ripper’s brutal acts. Written In Blood endeavors to humanize the five canonical victims, bringing their tragic narratives to the forefront:
- Mary Ann Nichols
- Annie Chapman
- Elizabeth Stride
- Catherine Eddowes
- Mary Jane Kelly
These five women tragically perished between August 31st and November 9th, 1888. While these are the confirmed victims, some theories suggest the Ripper’s victim count may extend to eleven, citing similar unsolved deaths occurring as late as 1891, although conclusive police links remain absent.
Police Investigations and Tabloid Journalism
The series scrutinizes the efforts of law enforcement officials tasked with apprehending the elusive killer, examining their investigative approaches and prevailing theories about the perpetrator’s identity and motives. Furthermore, Jack the Ripper: Written in Blood delves into the burgeoning era of tabloid journalism at the time, analyzing the media frenzy surrounding what became the most sensational news story of the Victorian age.
Frederick Abberline: Leading the Ripper Investigation
The three-part documentary meticulously examines the role of Chief Inspector Frederick Abberline of the London Metropolitan Police. Abberline spearheaded the on-the-ground investigation into the Jack the Ripper case throughout the autumn and winter of 1888, developing his own hypotheses regarding the identity of the perpetrator.
Despite his unassuming “bank manager” appearance, Abberline’s extensive familiarity with the Whitechapel district rendered him an invaluable asset to the investigation.
Tasked with overseeing numerous detectives assigned to the case, Abberline formulated several theories concerning the serial killer’s profile.
Unconventional Theories: A Female Suspect
Notably, Abberline entertained the then-unconventional theory that the Ripper could have been a woman. This perspective was shared by other contemporary figures, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the celebrated author of Sherlock Holmes.
Doyle posited that a female assailant, potentially posing as a midwife, could navigate public spaces while bearing bloodied garments without attracting undue suspicion.
This theory gained additional traction due to eyewitness accounts claiming to have “seen” Mary Kelly, the fifth victim, alive hours after her estimated time of death. Abberline speculated that this sighting could have been the murderer fleeing the scene disguised in Kelly’s clothing.
Given that all victims were prostitutes, targeted and brutally mutilated in the dimly lit alleyways of Whitechapel, and considering the surgical precision of the wounds, investigators at the time surmised that the killer possessed some degree of anatomical or surgical expertise, further lending credence to the midwife theory.
Severin Antoniovich Klosowski: Abberline’s Prime Suspect
Ultimately, Chief Inspector Abberline’s primary suspect emerged as Severin Antoniovich Klosowski, a Polish serial killer operating under the alias George Chapman.
The Chapman theory has persisted and gained traction over time. Chapman was documented to have resided in the Whitechapel area during the period of the murders and was subsequently convicted of fatally poisoning three women.
By the time of his retirement from law enforcement in 1892, Inspector Abberline had amassed 84 commendations and accolades. In Written In Blood, Abberline is portrayed by Alan McKenna, recognized for his roles in television dramas such as Doctors, EastEnders, and Emmerdale.
Sir Charles Warren: The Commissioner Under Scrutiny
Conversely, Sir Charles Warren, Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis – the head of the London Metropolitan Police during the Jack the Ripper era – experienced a less favorable career trajectory in the aftermath of the unresolved murders.
Appointed in 1886, Warren was initially lauded as the ideal candidate for the position. However, his tenure became increasingly controversial, with his inability to apprehend Jack the Ripper casting a long shadow over his legacy.
As the murders escalated, Warren faced mounting criticism from both the public and the press. He was condemned for failing to identify and capture the killer, accused of neglecting to offer a reward for pertinent information, and reproached for allocating insufficient investigative resources to the case.
Perceiving the censure as unwarranted, Warren resigned from his position shortly before the murder of Mary Jane Kelly, the fifth and final canonical victim, on November 9th, 1888. He remained in his role until his successor was appointed before returning to a military career.
Although frequently depicted unfavorably in television and film adaptations, Commissioner Warren was reportedly held in high esteem by his colleagues. It is documented that virtually every superintendent within the Metropolitan Police force visited Warren’s residence to convey their regret regarding his resignation.
Andrew Tiernan embodies the role of Commissioner Warren in Written In Blood.
Insights and Perspectives in Sky HISTORY Series
Hayley Reynolds, Director of Documentaries and Factual at Sky, commented: “This series presents audiences with a strikingly contemporary viewpoint through which to examine the Jack the Ripper narrative. The perspectives offered by contributors with firsthand experience of this subject matter provide unprecedented insights, reframing the established story for Sky HISTORY’s viewership.”
Ben Goold at Nutopia added: “We are delighted to collaborate once again with Hearst Networks and Sky HISTORY to deliver a novel perspective on this iconic enigma. This time, we are unveiling a fresh narrative concerning the Victorian journalists who played a crucial part in shaping the story as it unfolded, and the enduring legend we recognize today.”
Premiere Details
Jack the Ripper: Written In Blood premieres on Sky HISTORY starting Tuesday, April 8th, and will be accessible on Sky HISTORY and available for streaming on NOW.