GHOST OF THE RIPPER

One of Britain’s most notorious murderers was unquestionably Jack the Ripper, although, to this day, no one is sure who he really was. There have been many books and essays written about the gruesome Whitechapel murders and the mutilations of five women that took place between August and November 1888 that would fill several bookcases; and the writings still continue.

Much has been surmised as to the Ripper’s true identity. It has even been suggested that he could have been a member of the royal family or even the English painter, Walter Sickert. Nevertheless, no one, as yet, has provided any conclusive evidence, and so the mystery persists with ever-increasing speculation.

However, one man whose name frequently appears in books and writings about the Ripper is Robert D’Onston Stephenson, a former army surgeon, journalist and black magic practitioner.

Stephenson was unquestionably a shady character with a chequered past and also something of a deluded fantasist. Whether or not he had worked as a surgeon in Garibaldi’s army, during the unification of Italy, as he claimed, is in doubt. As a journalist though, he certainly took delight in presenting theories to the press as to the Ripper’s motivation.

Many remain convinced that Stephenson was the murderer who, following his brutal crimes, took a morbid delight in writing misleading articles. Such behaviour would have been consistent with a manipulative, psychopathic personality.

One recurring theory as to the Ripper’s identity is that, prior to the murders; Stephenson was living at the Cricketers Tavern in Black Lion Street, Brighton. In 1888 the pub had been a rather lowly drinking establishment with cheap accommodation. By all accounts, D’Onston, as he liked to be known, was very fond of the place. He then spent time in the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel from 26th July until 7th December, during which time the murders took place.

There is speculation that Stephenson used his stay in hospital as a perfect alibi. It is thought he could have crept out in the night and carried out the murders before sneaking back after the gruesome deeds had been carried out. In fact the murder of the first victim, Mary Ann Nichols, occurred only 150 yards from the hospital.

Many ripperologists, as they have come to be known, remain convinced Stephenson was indeed Jack the Ripper.
Curiously, subsequent landlords and landladies at the Cricketers believe the pub is haunted by his ghost. Could it be that his spirit has formed a sentimental attachment to his former home and refuses to leave? What is most disturbing about the paranormal goings-on at the pub is that the phantom only seems to appear to the womenfolk.

A former landlady awoke one night to the sound of barrels being rolled about in the cellar. Very nervously she made her way down the staircase. On reaching the cellar door the sounds ceased. As she entered the cellar she found not a single barrel was out of place

Very warily she started to ascend the staircase. On entering the bar she was suddenly startled to see the figure of a man in a long cape and wide-brimmed hat, disappear into the staircase. From that moment on she began to have the unnerving feeling of being watched while alone cleaning the bar at night. Then, one night, the feeling became particularly intense. On looking up she found herself face to face with the man in the long cape and wide-brimmed hat. She claimed his face was deathly pale, like a blur, but for two glaring eyes. Within a matter of seconds the spectre faded and was gone.

More recently, as the pub was closing, a young woman went to use the toilet facilities, only to run screaming from the place. She spoke of feeling a presence, although she knew herself to have been alone. She had then felt an extreme drop in temperature enter the toilet cubicle and the cold chill of ghostly hands begin clawing at her face.

Whoever Jack the Ripper might have been, he is certainly now beyond the reach of mortal law and harassment. However, a warning to all ladies entering the Cricketers, should you need to use the facilities it is perhaps wiser to visit the pub next door.