Annie Chapman

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Book excerpt

INTRODUCTION

Over 7 years ago I started seriously researching and writing about “Jack the Ripper.”  It has been seven years of long hours spent at microfilm readers, computer screens, in local studies libraries, archives, and museums, studying, researching, writing, reading, travelling and trying to sort out the wheat from the chaff. 

Initially I started researching my home city’s connection to the case, where I discovered that no fewer than 14 suspects had links, I then started looking at the Hull press and how they covered the case.  Eventually I was to go off on tangents and research and write about specific scares, suspects, and victims. 

One such victim was Annie Chapman. 

What can be said or written about Annie Chapman that has not already appeared previously?  That was the question I was asked recently, and my reply was, quite a lot actually.  We know of only a handful of reports and primary sources regarding her life and untimely death at the hands of a serial killer known only as “Jack the Ripper,” but there is always new material being discovered. 

Whilst there are hundreds of books that feature Annie Chapman, with some concentrating on the victims in detail, there has never been a full length standalone Annie Chapman book.  Mary Kelly, said to be the fifth and final victim of “Jack the Ripper” has had numerous books written about her, Elizabeth Stride received a very lovely treatment about her life and death, and even non canonical victims, such as Frances Coles, have received feature length books, but to date Annie Chapman has not. 

My aim was to feature as many primary sources, genealogical details, press reports, and official files on Annie and her life together in one place. 

So why Annie?  My interest in Annie Chapman began some years ago whilst setting up for a Rippercast podcast.  Back then it was not uncommon for Ripperologists to call each other before the shows to discuss future shows, potential guests and suitable topics.  That day was hot and sunny, and I was sitting at the computer typing up newspaper reports from the Hull press for Jack the Ripper – Newspapers From Hull volumes one and two, and had been scouring through reports on Annie Chapman. 

I had been discussing the case with host Jonathan Menges, and as I sat chatting I was transcribing reports from the Hull press that featured Annie Chapman and the woman and her murder seized my imagination.

The press reports, which are included in this volume, were very vivid in describing her life, death, and the area where she was discovered.  Reading these press reports gave me a new found respect for not just her but the other victims.  These were women, sisters, mothers, daughters; wives who were taken from their families so suddenly and so tragically.  Whilst the victims were espoused from their families, as can be seen from the inquest reports and press reports, the families were all affected.

Annie Chapman’s life was filled with such tragedy, from the death of a child, to the separation from her husband, to his death, and subsequently her own untimely death.  It was a life filled with tragedy before the Whitechapel murders began, and one that needed further investigation.  I hope this volume does her justice.