Ever Heard Of The London Monster, The Precursor To Jack The Ripper?

By Londonist Last edited 85 months ago

Last Updated 06 November 2017

Ever Heard Of The London Monster, The Precursor To Jack The Ripper?
The London Monster, as portrayed by James Gillray. Image: Wellcome Collection

Ever heard of the London Monster?

A precursor to Jack the Ripper, the 'Monster' stalked the streets of London, attacking more than 30 women between 1788 and 1790. So scared were some of London's womenfolk, they put pots and pans in their voluminous skirts to act as armour against stabbing or puncturing.

In the end, the Bow Street Runners played a pivotal role in hunting down the suspect and bringing him to trial. But did they get the real Monster... and was there actually any Monster at all?

Get your ears round this terrifying Fierce City podcast... if you dare.

Check out the Fierce City website, and follow them on Twitter.