The shadow of Jack the Ripper, Victorian London's most elusive and terrifying serial killer, continues to loom large over the city's history. The gruesome Whitechapel murders of 1888 remain one of the world's most infamous unsolved mysteries, spawning a multitude of theories about the killer's true identity.
Over the decades, a shocking and often bizarre roster of individuals has been accused of the horrific crimes. The suspects range from members of the royal family to respected artists and obscure locals, each theory more controversial than the last.
From Palace to Slum: The Royal Suspect
One of the most persistent and sensational theories involves a direct link to the British monarchy. Some researchers have pointed the finger at Prince Albert Victor, the grandson of Queen Victoria himself. The theory suggests the murders were part of a elaborate cover-up to conceal a scandalous marriage or an heir born out of wedlock, though most mainstream historians dismiss this due to a lack of concrete evidence.
The Artist's Dark Side
Another famous name entangled in the mystery is that of Walter Sickert, a renowned British impressionist painter. Author Patricia Cornwell famously championed this theory, investing millions in her investigation and even claiming to have matched DNA from Sickert's letters to evidence on a Ripper victim's shawl. However, her methods and conclusions have been heavily criticised by many Ripperologists and forensic experts.
A Doctor's Callous Hand?
The figure of the educated, travelling gentleman was a common feature in early suspect profiles. Several doctors were named at the time, including Sir William Gull, physician to Queen Victoria. The theory often suggests he was employed in a cover-up for the monarchy, performing the gruesome surgeries to silence women who possessed dangerous knowledge. Like the royal conspiracy, this theory is largely based on speculation rather than hard proof.
The Enduring Mystery of Leather Apron
Some suspects were closer to home in the impoverished East End. One early key suspect was John Pizer, a Polish immigrant and bootmaker known by the nickname 'Leather Apron'. He was arrested but provided a solid alibi for the nights of the murders and was subsequently released without charge, his name cleared by police.
Despite over a century of investigation, countless books, and modern forensic review, the true identity of Jack the Ripper is likely lost to history. The endless speculation and naming of new suspects, from the plausible to the outlandish, only serve to deepen the dark legend of the man who terrorised London and vanished into the fog.
