Rippercast- Your Podcast on the Jack the Ripper murders

We are pleased to be able to bring to you the guest speaker for the February meeting of the Whitechapel Society 1888-Chris Jones with 'Bruce & Florence: Busting the Conspiracy', in which Chris gives us his take of the Bruce Robinson book 'They All Love Jack' and takes questions from the audience. Chris Jones is the author of the Maybrick A-Z and manages the website jamesmaybrick.org. <p>www.whitechapelsociety.com

Listen in to the guest speaker at the Whitechapel Society 1888's December 2015 meeting: Neil Storey with 'East End Tales of Ghosts, Grim times and Dark Deeds'. <p>www.whitechapelsociety.com</p> <p>Podcast artwork photograph courtesy of Andrew Firth<p/>

Listen in to the final speaker to appear at the Casebook:Classic Crime Symposium that took place at the Chamberlin Hotel in London on Saturday, December 5th, 2015. This event was organized by Frogg Moody and Time Zone Publishing's Casebook: Classic Crime, in conjunction with the Whitechapel Society. We are pleased to present Adam Wood-Donald Swanson and the Seaside Home. The slide show from Adam's talk <a href="http://www.rippercast.com/mp3/DSS-2.pdf">can be downloaded here</a>.

Neil Bell's ' Bluebottles & Tecs: Life as a policeman in H Division' was the third talk at the Casebook: Classic Crime Symposium that took place at the Chamberlin Hotel in London on Saturday, December 5th 2015. This event was organized by Frogg Moody and Time Zone Publishing's Casebook: Classic Crime in conjunction with the Whitechapel Society. All four talks will be presented in their entirety and uncut, and the accompanying slide presentations will be made available for download on the individual presentation's podcast page at Casebook.org. Download the slide presentation that accompanied this talk <a href="http://www.rippercast.com/mp3/Bluebottles%20%26%20Tecs.pdf">here</a>

Listen in to Trevor Bond's 'A Terrible Tale of 1888'- the second talk at the Casebook: Classic Crime Symposium that took place at the Chamberlin Hotel in London on Saturday, December 5th 2015. This event was organized by Frogg Moody and Time Zone Publishing's Casebook: Classic Crime in conjunction with the Whitechapel Society with Philip Hutchinson as the emcee. The slideshow that accompanied Trevor's talk <a href=http://www.rippercast.com/mp3/A Terrible Tale of 1888.pdf>can be downloaded here</a>.

We are very pleased to be able to bring to you the audio recordings of the Casebook: Classic Crime Symposium that took place at the Chamberlin Hotel in London on Saturday, December 5th 2015. This event was organized by Frogg Moody and Time Zone Publishing's Casebook: Classic Crime in conjunction with the Whitechapel Society with Philip Hutchinson as the emcee. <p> The first speaker at the event was Jon Lee Rees, whose talk 'In a Nutshell' A Close Look at the Life's Work of Frances Glessner Lee' examines the crime scene dioramas of this groundbreaking criminal investigator. <p> Jon's slide presentation <a href=http://www.rippercast.com/mp3/In_a_Nutshell.pdf>can be downloaded here</A>.

Episode 68 is a one-on-one conversation with author Richard Patterson about the Jack the Ripper suspect candidacy of the late 19th century poet Francis Thompson. Thompson lived in the rough in the East End of London during the Autumn of Terror on a quest to find the prostitute who had left him, and carried with him a surgeon's knife. Hosted by Jonathan Menges

Episode 67 of Rippercast welcomes Dr. Mark Curbishley taking part in a discussion of the possibility that the murderer of any one of the "Canonical" five victims may have had some type of surgical skill or training. In the later part of the show we address the worthiness of, and moral and ethical issues surrounding the human organ experiments conducted by author Trevor Marriott while researching his 2008 book 'The Evil Within'. With Jon Lee Rees, Jonathan Menges, Iain Wilson, Gareth Williams, Ally Ryder and Mark Ripper. Hosted by Trevor Bond.

On this 'Oh, Dear Boss' mini-podcast, listen in as Iain Wilson, Trevor Bond and Jon Rees join host Jonathan Menges in a discussion of the Kray's movie 'Legend'; upcoming book releases, Jon Rees' play 'The Murders and Mystery of Jack the Ripper' and the 'Jack the Ripper' addition to the video game 'Assassin's Creed: Syndicate'.

Rippercast is pleased to bring you author Sarah Wise's talk from the Whitechapel Society 1888 Conference in Salisbury from November of 2014- Gaslight Stories - Tales from the Victorian Lunatic Asylum. www.sarahwise.co.uk www.whitechapelsociety.com

Listen in as Rippercast's intrepid correspondents Jon Rees and Trevor Bond venture into the East End of London to provide us with on location reportage concerning the redevelopment of several Jack the Ripper related murder sites.

Episode 64 welcomes Wynne Weston-Davies to the podcast to discuss in detail his new book 'The Real Mary Kelly' in which he presents his theory that Mary Jane Kelly was in fact his Great-Aunt Elizabeth Weston-Davies and her murderer could have been her estranged husband Francis Spurzheim Craig. Joining Wynne in this discussion are authors Paul Begg and Robert McLaughlin. Hosted by Jonathan Menges http://www.blinkpublishing.co.uk/index.php/the-real-mary-kelly/

Oh, Dear Boss... Topics discussed on the maiden voyage of 'Oh, Dear Boss...', Ripper cast's mini-podcast news and views series: The Jack the Ripper Museum in Cable Street; Launch of the independent publisher Mango Books; Ripperologist Magazine/Rippercast book contest. Recorded 31 July, 2015 With Ally Ryder and Jonathan Menges

Episode 63 welcomes Friends of Joseph Carey Merrick Chairperson and founder Jeanette Sitton to the show, along with historical researchers Philip Hutchinson and Neil Bell, to discuss the life and times of an individual that was perhaps the most famous resident of the East End of London during the time frame of the Whitechapel Murders: Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man. Jeanette Sitton is also the co-author with Mae Stroshane of the essential Merrick biography 'Measured By The Soul'. Philip Hutchinson is the playwright and co-star of the Lucky Dog Theatre Production's play 'Mr. Merrick, The Elephant Man'. Neil R. A. Bell is the author of 'Capturing Jack the Ripper: In the Boots of a Bobby in Victorian London' as well as being responsible, along with Adam Wood, for the reissue of 'Howard Vincent's Police Code 1889'. This interview was conducted by Jonathan Menges.

Join Ally Ryder, Robert McLaughlin, Mark Ripper and Neil Bell as they discuss Neil's new book: <I>Capturing Jack the Ripper: In the Boots of a Bobby in Victorian London.</i>

This special episode of Rippercast brings to you researcher Robert Anderson's talk given at the Whitechapel Society 1888's 2014 conference in Salisbury. His chosen topic was tertiary syphilis and its widespread presence amongst the prostitutes and their clients in the East End of London in the late Victorian Period. He discussed its symptoms, treatments, and how it may have affected victims and suspects in the Autumn of Terror. <p> Robert's slide presentation, referred to in the podcast, <a href=http://www.rippercast.com/mp3/WhitechapelSyphilis.pdf>can be downloaded here</a>.

Ally Ryder, Jonathan Menges, Jon Rees, Trevor Bond, Neil Bell and Mark Ripper chat about the Russell Edwards DNA controversy and the conference in Salisbury.

Rippercast welcomes researcher and author Tom Wescott to the show for an in depth discussion of his book 'The Bank Holiday Murders-The True Story of the First Whitechapel Murders'. He details his over-decade long history in researching the Whitechapel Murders; the books, authors and researchers who have most influenced him in his study of the case; and addresses what he believes is the current state of Ripperology and what we can look forward to from him as he continues to write about the personages who populated East London in 1888.

This Primer episode of the Rippercast focuses on the lives of the Victims. Neal and Jennifer Shelden provide us with brief biographies on the lives of the Canonical victims of Jack the Ripper.

This is a special episode of the Rippercast that is meant to serve as a primer for those new to the case in order to familiarize them with the practices and people who made up the police force of London during the "Autumn of Terror"

This podcast is a roundtable discussion of the various lectures and events that took place at the 2012 Jack the Ripper conference in York. Hosted by Ally Ryder with special guests including Neil Bell, Melanie Clegg, Rob House, Neil Storey, Trevor Bond, and Mark Ripper.

This episode of Rippercast welcomes Martin Fido, Chris George, Robert McLaughlin, Mike Covell, Ally Ryder and special guest David Lindblad-host of the podcast Fist Full of Podcast and author of the book Found Manuscript. Panel discussions include the Aberconway version of the Macnaghten Memoranda, the Goulston Street Graffito, the behavior of serial killers when it comes to lapses between murders, suspects such as Kosminski, Kaminski, Cohen, Joseph Lis (Silver). and so much more.

Episode 50 of Rippercast welcomes Trevor Bond to the show to discuss the February 1891 murder of Frances Coles in Swallow Gardens. As well as hearing in detail the events surrounding her murder and the acquittal of Thomas Sadler, Trevor gives a brief review of the Keefe book 'Carroty Nell' as well as informs us about the upcoming Cardiff Job mini-conference to be held in the summer of 2011. With Robert McLaughlin and Howard Brown

This episode welcomes author and researcher Simon Wood for a special one-on-one interview. We discuss his background in Ripper studies that stretches back to the mid-1970s, his examination and critique of the Stephen Knight 'Final Solution', publishing 'The Bloodhound' true crime magazine in the 1980s, and hear his unique and always interesting opinions on the murder victims, police officials, and political circumstances of the Whitechapel murders.

This Episode welcomes author and researcher Sarah Beth Hopton for a discussion of the 1890 murder of Phoebe Hogg and her infant child; a crime comitted by Mary Eleanor Wheeler Pearcey, who has often been suggested as "Jill the Ripper". Listen in as we discuss the Pearcey murder case, her life, trial and execution, as well as talk about the widely disregarded theory that she somehow could have been involved in the Whitechapel murders. Also covered are the roles of police and medical men who were involved in both the Ripper and Pearcey investigations. Special guests joining Sarah Beth Hopton on this episode are Martin Fido and Robert McLaughlin. www.sarahbethhopton.com

This Episode of Rippercast recaps the year of 2009 in East End and Jack the Ripper Studies. Listen in as we discuss the books, movies, television shows and documentaries of the past year, as well as chat about the 2009 UK Jack the Ripper conference held in London in October. Featuring the voices of John Bennett, Mike Covell and Robert McLaughlin.

This episode is part two of our two part look at the possible non-canonical victims of Jack the Ripper. Listen in as the first half-hour of the show finds our guests commenting on the statements made by the participants on part one, as well as discussing how Jack the Ripper may fit in with the behavior patterns of more modern day serial killers. Then we examine the assaults and murders that occurred outside of the Magnaghten Five. Featuring the voices of Chris Scott, John Bennett, Ben Holme and Jonathan Menges.

This episode of Rippercast welcomes Ripper author, researcher and collector Stewart P. Evans for a one-on-one podcast with Jonathan Menges. Listen in as Mr. Evans shares his insight on Jack the Ripper suspect theory, contemporary police officials, collecting true-crime ephemera, , Ripper documents, and his opinions on other non-Ripper criminal cases that are of interest to this distinguished author.

This episode of Rippercast is part one of a two part discussion focusing on East End murders popularly excluded from the official tally of Ripper victims- The 'Non-Canonicals'. Among some of the topics in this first part: we speculate on what Jack the Ripper's early crimes and attacks might have been, what type of weapons were used in the early non-C5 assaults, and whether any of these reported attacks and murders prior to the death of Mary Ann Nichols could be attributed to the 'Jack the Ripper'. With AP Wolf, John Bennett, Gareth Williams and Ally Ryder.

Episode #45 of Rippercast welcomes authors, historians and tour guides John Bennett and Philip Hutchinson back to the podcast to discuss the urban landscape surrounding Whitechapel murder sites. We cover all of the canonical victims murder site locales, most of the non-canonical victims sites and a few other locations related to the Jack the Ripper murders.

This special One-on-One episode is a conversation with author Andrew Cook. Mr. Cook is the author of biographies of Sidney Reilly, Rasputin, William Melville and Prince Eddy whose newest book 'Jack the Ripper' was published in May of 2009 and has an associated television documentary airing in June.

Episode #44 of Rippercast welcomes author R. Michael Gordon to the podcast to discuss the 'Jack the Ripper'suspect candidacy of Severino Klosowski aka George Chapman, the Borough Poisoner. Amongst the many topics we cover are questions concerning the date of Klosowski's arrival in the UK, where he resided in London at various times, as well as the chances that he is responsible for not only the Whitechapel murders, but also the Thames Torso murders and a string of American murders including that of Carrie Brown. With Steve Mateski, David Gates, Gareth Willaims and Ben Holme. www.mcrfarlandpub.com

Episode #43 of Rippercast is an in-depth examination of the Royal Masonic Conspiracy theory. Listen in as we trace this most popular, and most questionable of suspect theories back to its origins in the decades immediately following the Whitechapel murders. The panel goes on to discuss many of its additions and mutations over the last century by such writers as Thomas Stowell, Michael Harrison, Stephen Knight, Jean Overton Fuller and Melvyn Fairclough. We also ponder the reasons why the Royal Conspiracy theory holds such a sensational place in popluar culture, and discuss the general role conspiracy theories play in the public's imagination. With Simon Wood, Willaim Ellis, Chris Scott, John Bennett, Gareth Williams, Ben Holme and Ally Ryder.

Author and researcher Chris Scott joins the show as the special guest to discuss his latest book 'The Ripper in Ramsgate: The Whitechapel Murderer and a Seaside Town'. Chris Scott describes Ramsgate, Kent and its connections to the Whitechapel Murders through a Lodger tale, Joseph Fleming, Aaron Kosminski and Walter Sickert. As well as covering these aspects of his book, Chris gives advice to researchers, and explains his approach to non-suspect based Ripperology. With Gareth Williams, Mike Covell, Ben Holme and Howard Brown. Thanet Books www.michaelsbookshop.com

Episode #41 covers the life and death of Annie Chapman, who is considered the second canonical victim of 'Jack the Ripper'. Listen in as the panelists discuss the discrepancies between the witness testimonies and the attending doctor's estimated time of death, and also hear their opinions on the medical knowledge of the murderer, and how long it would have taken him to commit this crime. We also contrast the Chapman murder with others in this series, as well as discuss the effect this murder had on Chapman's family, both immediately after the murder and through subsequent generations. With Chris Scott, John Bennett, Gareth Williams, Ben Holme and Ally Ryder.

Episode #40 of Rippercast welcomes author and founder of Discovery Tours Richard Jones. Joining Richard to discuss the Ripper Walks industry are two of his tour guides- Philip Hutchinson and John Bennett. Listen in as Richard, Philip and John talk about their experiences conducting tours of the Whitechapel murder sites in the East End of London. We also find out from Richard some of what is involved in hiring guides and planning and booking tour groups. Plus, we hear from the tour guides themselves their review of the Ripper guide portrayed in the ITV show Whitechapel. With co-host Ally Ryder. www.rippertour.com www.discovery-walks.com

Rippercast welcomes author and researcher A.P. Wolf to the show to discuss Whitechapel Murder suspect Thomas Cutbush. First named as the Ripper in a series of articles that appeared in The Sun in 1894 which prompted Melville Macnaughten to compose his Memoranda, Cutbush is an often overlooked and under-studied near contemporary suspect. We discuss his possible relationship to Superintendent Charles Cutbush, the facts behind the Sun articles, his committal to Broadmoor, and the Broadmoor case files on Cutbush which have recently been made public. With Paul Begg, Howard Brown and Ally Ryder.

This episode of Rippercast is a survey of suspects named as the Whitechapel murderer with a view towards their elimination. Our panel tackles the pop-suspects of the Royal Conspiracy, Walter Sickert and James Maybrick, the more absurd suspects like Charles Dodgson aka Lewis Carrol, as well as the contemporary police suspects and other individuals accused of being 'Jack the Ripper'. We also give our choices of who should not be cleared of the crime and share our philosophies on whether or not people accused of an "unsolvable" crime should be rehabilitated. With Chris Scott, Howard Brown, Gareth Williams, Ben Holme, Ally Ryder and Jonathan Menges

This episode reviews the literature, photographic finds and other happenings that made 2008 an exciting year in Ripperology. Listen in as Howard Brown from www.jtrforums.com, Mike Covell, Ben Holme and Gareth Williams join Jonathan Menges for this special 'Year in Review' episode of the Jack the Ripper podcast.

Rippercast welcomes to the podcast Trevor Marriott, author of the books Jack the Ripper- The 21st Century Investigation and The Evil Within- The World's Worst Serial Kilers. Listen in as we discuss with Mr. Marriott the possibility that the Ripper was a merchant seaman, and he provides details about his suspect for the Whitechapel Murders, Carl Feigenbaum. We also discuss with Trevor some of the more controversial aspects of his theories that claim to correct misconceptions that have surround the case.

This Episode of Rippercast welcomes back author and researcher Andy Spallek to discuss Ripper suspect Montague John Druitt. Mr. Spallek details his trip to England where he was able to search the archives of Winchester College, uncovering new photographs and information on Monty's younger years as a student at Winchester. We also discuss Monty's fellow student debator who later helped found the People's Palace in the East End. With Ally Ryder, Robert McLaughlin and Jonathan Menges

This episode of Rippercast is a discussion about the man who was said to have witnessed Mary Jane Kelly a short time before her death in the company of a well-dressed Jewish man. George Hutchinson is a controversial figure in the events surrounding the murder of Mary Kelly. Some believe this man, who provided the police a detailed description of the last man seen with Kelly, was himself 'Jack the Ripper'. With Ben Holme, Gareth Williams, Chris Scott, Howard Brown, Robert McLaughlin, Ally Ryder and Jonathan Menges

Episode 33 is the second of a two part series examining the life and death of Mary Jane Kelly. Part 2 focuses on the myths and legends surrounding her life and murder. Simon Wood joins the podcast to discuss such topics as Mary Kelly's survival, Mary Kelly's pregnancy, the missing key and her missing heart. Also featuring Paul Begg, Robert McLaughlin, Chris Scott, John Bennett, Ben Holme, Gareth Williams and Jonathan Menges

This episode of Rippercast commemorates the 120th anniversary of the death of Mary Jane Kelly. Part one of a two part podcast. Listen in as Paul Begg, Chris Scott, Robert McLaughlin, Gareth Williams and Ben Holme join Jonathan Menges in a discussion of this most famous, and most elusive, of 'Jack the Ripper's' victims. Topics include researching Mary Jane Kelly in the census records in both England and Wales, and scrutinizing the biography of Mary Kelly as it was told by Joseph Barnett and others.

Author, researcher and tour guide Philip Hutchinson joins the show to discuss his acquisition of the first photograph to surface of Dutfields Yard, Berner Street, Whitechapel. The scene of the 30 Sept. murder of Elizabeth Stride. Three of the many individuals who consulted Mr. Hutchinson on the identification of the photograph- Robert Clack, John Bennett and Robert McLaughlin, also appear to talk about the purchase, verification and relevance of this photo, as well as the mystery behind who took the picture of what is the final crime scene photograph from the Ripper murders to emerge. Also featuring Chris Scott, Mike Covell, Ally Ryder and Jonathan Menges

This episode is a discussion of the obscure message left in chalk at the Wentworth Model Dwellings, Goulston Street, near a piece of Catherine Eddowes' blood soaked apron. What is the meaning of this message? Which is the most reliable version of the phrase and its spelling? Was it really chalked by 'Jack the Ripper' on his flight from Mitre Square? With Paul Begg, Howard Brown, Chris Scott, Gareth Williams, Robert McLaughlin, Ally Ryder and Jonathan Menges

This episode tackles the events that occurred on the night of 29 September, 1888. The "double event", the murder of Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes, holds a legendary place in Ripper lore. But were they really victims of the same killer? Listen in as Paul Begg, Gareth Williams, Chris Scott, and Ally Ryder join host Jonathan Menges to discuss the 'Double Event' and decide for yourself if both of these women were felled by the blade of 'Jack the Ripper'.

This episode is a discussion of contemporary police suspect 'Kosminski;. Listen in as special guest researcher and author Rob House joins the podcast for a detailed look into the Polish Jew's candidacy for the title of Jack the Ripper and the events of Aaron Kosminski's life. Also featuring Paul Begg, Chris Scott, Robert McLaughlin, Ally Ryder and Jonathan Menges

This episode is a discussion of the multitude of letters received by the press and the police claiming to be from 'Jack the Ripper' during the Autumn of Terror. Listen in as Jonathan Menges, Mike Covell, Ally Ryder, Chris Scott and Gareth Williams talk about this most notorious aspect of the Whitechapel murders.

This episode welcomes special guest, author Fiona Rule to discuss her book 'The Worst Street In London', a history of Dorset Street in Spitalfields. It was on this street where the Ripper's final victim, Mary Jane Kelly, lived and died. Rich in history, but poor for hundreds of years, Dorset Street is a unique, notorious, and now lost part of London's history. Joining the podcast as guest co-host is Coral Kelly from the Whitechapel Society. Robert McLaughlin and Jonathan Menges also appear.