In the late 19th Century the English guzzled down an average of one gallon of spirits, 40 gallons of wine and 30 gallons of beer every year (and it had actually decreased since the 1870s). One of those enjoying alcohol on 28 May 1888 was John Shorting, a 42 year-old… You must be a paid …
Category archives: 1888
Year of the Ripper: Michael Rumbold
On Thursday 24 May 1888, two young couples set off for a walk to Regent’s Park. There was Joseph Rumbold, a 21 year-old printer, and his date Elizabeth Lee, her cousin Emily Lee and a colleague of Joseph’s called Alonzo Burns. The entered the park by York Gate, just down… You must be a paid …
Year of the Ripper: Lucy Clark
The home of Lucy Clark was decorated with all the trappings of an illustrious career – Dresden china, antiques, fine clothing and jewellery. Pride of place on the mantelpiece was a signed portrait of Lady Lonsdale, Gladys Lowther, the daughter of Sidney Herbert, the late Conservative MP and supporter of… You must be a paid …
Year of the Ripper: Mabel Spickernell
Just as the late 20th century was revolutionised by the emergence of the internet, the Victorian era benefited from advances in long-distance communication using telegraphy. At the forefront of this technology was the Submarine Telegraph Company, who in 1850 had laid the first copper cable across the English Channel. Over… You must be a paid …
Year of the Ripper: Thomas Hare
At the age of 71, Major Thomas Hare must have thought he would be able to spend the rest of his days in peaceful retirement at his home in Surbiton. The former soldier, who served in the Irish 27th ‘Inniskillings’ foot regiment and the Cape Mounted Rifles in South Africa,… You must be a paid …