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** This is an archived, static copy of the Casebook messages boards dating from 1998 to 2003. These threads cannot be replied to here. If you want to participate in our current forums please go to https://forum.casebook.org **
Springheeled Jack
Casebook Message Boards: Ripper Suspects: General Discussion :
Springheeled Jack
Author: NickDanger
Friday, 17 December 1999 - 09:15 pm |        | Can anybody provide or direct me to information about Springheeled Jack? I seem to remember reading somewhere that 'appearances' of this character went on for decades. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Nick |
Author: ChrisGeorge
Saturday, 18 December 1999 - 08:15 am | | Hi, Nick:
There is a good article on "Spring-Heeled Jack" in the new (December 1999) issue of "Ripperologist." Andrew Holloway in "The Two Legendary 'Jacks' of Crime in London during Queen Victoria's Reign" makes the point, as the title of the article implies, that Victoria's reign was characterized by these two legendary or mythical "Jacks." Holloway thinks that the name "Jack the Ripper" may be derived from Spring-Heeled Jack.
The (supposedly) mythical Spring-Heeled Jack, less famous today than his namesake, Jack the Ripper, first made his appearance in 1837, the year the young queen assended the throne. The creature who was given the name first appeared in the outskirts of London in the autumn of that year, and, as Holloway writes, "by 1838 had the whole of London in a grip of fear and terror with his bizarre and frightening antics."
Who or what "Spring-Heeled Jack"--whether man, beast, or spirit was never determined. All that was known was that the entity was able to leap distances of 25 yards or more at one bound. The entity was always described the same way--a long black cloak and a helmet, long black boots, a strange looking mask or helmet, eyes that resembled red hot coals, and a mouth that spewed blue and white coals.
Although the Holloway article concentrates on a discussion of the appearances of Spring-Heeled Jack in the London area, the being was seen throughout Britain, and enough reports occurred over several decades for Holloway to be convinced that they had some veracity. A number of murders and assaults were credited to Spring-Heeled Jack, so this made him a figure who inspired fear and terror much as Jack the Ripper would in the autumn of 1888.
Best regards
Chris George |
Author: ChrisGeorge
Saturday, 18 December 1999 - 01:04 pm | | Hi, Nick:
That should have read that Spring-Heeled Jack's mouth spewed blue and white flames. Richard Whittington-Egan's "Murder, Madness, and Mayhem" pamphlet covers appearances of Spring-Heeled Jack in Liverpool, and when I can put my hands on the pamphlet, I will post more.
Best regards
Chris |
Author: Jon
Saturday, 18 December 1999 - 02:36 pm | | Nick.
Go to this http://dogbert.abebooks.com/abe/IList
At ABE Books, there's a book by Philip Pullman, Spring-heeled Jack.
Regards, Jon |
Author: ChrisGeorge
Saturday, 18 December 1999 - 08:57 pm | | Hi, Nick and Jon:
Here's another text on Spring-Heeled Jack: Peter Haining, "Spring Heeled Jack Legendary and Bizarre Crimes," London 1977.
Chris |
Author: NickDanger
Saturday, 18 December 1999 - 10:28 pm | | Chris and Jon,
Thanks very much for your responses! It is genuinely appreciated. This 'entity' sounds like quite an interesting 'phenomenon'.
Best wishes,
Nick |
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