For decades, tales of a "jumping man" who could leap metres into the air became legendary in cities including Liverpool. The first sightings of the mysterious figure - known as Spring-Heeled Jack - can be traced back to 1817 in the London area, but the reports were believed to be far-fetched. That was until women were attacked.
The Legend of Spring-Heeled Jack
The ECHO previously reported how the figure was known by different names - Spring-Heeled Jack, the Galosher Man, the Leaping Terror, Jack Nimble, and Jumping Jack - but his true identity has never been discovered.
He was given the nickname "Spring-Heeled Jack" because many thought that he had put springs in the heels of his boots which allowed him to jump 25 feet or more into the air.
Sightings and Attacks
According to Sky History, Mary Stevens was walking home from Clapham Common in 1837, when a strange figure attacked her and tore her clothing with claws. The next day the cloaked man jumped in front of a carriage and caused injury to the driver, then leapt over a 9ft wall with a high-pitched cackle.
The fiery-eyed attacker was said to have bounded over the rooftops and backyard walls of London for years, before taking his terror around the country.
Liverpool Encounters
Claims were made that the terrifying figure had visited Liverpool in 1888 when he allegedly appeared on the rooftop of Saint Francis Xavier's Church in Salisbury Street.
Another tale dates back to 1904 when the ghostly man was said to have taunted people in Everton. The ECHO published an article on the incident, with the headline 'An Everton Ghost Story.'
The 1904 article reads: "Considerable commotion was caused yesterday in William Henry Street, Everton, on a rumour that a sort of 'Spring-heel Jack' was pursuing his antics in that neighbourhood. The story, as it was passed from mouth to mouth, reached sensational dimensions."
It referred chiefly to the annoyance of the inmates of a certain house by means of various missiles being thrown about in a mysterious manner and without any visible agency. The annoyance is said to have been so great that the tenants left the house today, but the police have been unable to find any ground for the suggestion that a 'ghost' was at work and believe some foolish person has been playing pranks.
Mystery Unsolved
There haven't been any other sightings of the mysterious figure in recent years, however researchers and historians have shared several accounts from the 20th century. However, no one seems to have solved the mystery of Spring Heeled Jack.
This article is part of the ECHO's ghost story of the week series.
