Does the Knife Reveal Jack the Ripper?

The nature of the murders that took place in Whitechapel lead many to believe that Jack the Ripper had a medical background, so does the answer to his identity lie in the weapon?

In 2011, it was claimed by a distant relative of one of the main Jack The Ripper suspects, Sir John Williams, that a six-inch knife thought to belong to the killer was found. This only strengthens the links of Williams to the canonical five murders. So does the knife hold all the answers to Scotland Yard’s questions?

Williams’ Knife

Tony Williams found the blade hidden in a stash of his great-great-great-great uncle’s belongings that he left behind after leaving London for Aberystwyth in Wales after the murders had taken place.

Along with the knife, three glass slides were also found which fit easily into the murders. Sir John Williams was based on Harley Street in London at the time the murders took place and was also known to perform abortions in the capital.

Can it be Proved?

Proving that the knife found was Jack the Ripper’s go-to weapon is difficult, but not entirely impossible considering how far technology and science have advanced since the killings took place. However, the chances of any useable substances remaining on the blade are slim.

Studies have already been carried out on a shawl, found by the body of Catherine Eddowes, which are shown to carry both the DNA of the victim and another suspect, Aaron Kosminski. Despite the study, questions still remain about the validity of the evidence relating Kosminski to the murders. The theories continue to plough on as to the identity of one of the most notorious serial killers in history.

Walk in Jack the Ripper’s Shoes

Although the killer’s identity remains a hotly contested mystery, one thing that we do know for certain is the locations and methods used to kill the victims in Whitechapel.

The Jack the Ripper tour retraces the footsteps of the murderer, examining the scenes of the killings of Emma Smith, Martha Tabram, Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Catherine Eddowes and Mary Kelly. The tour will also look through the famous letters and other important artefacts, as well as potentially unmask Jack the Ripper himself using modern criminal profiling and our cutting-edge Ripper-Vision technology.

Think you can crack the case? Book your place on the Jack the Ripper Tour online or call 078 0306 7544.