The Height of Jack the Ripper: Unveiling the Mysterious Figure

Herma recently learned that the real Jack the Ripper (JTR) was 5′7″ (approximately 170 cm), quite muscular, and bow-legged after watching American Ripper on the History Channel. His real name was Herman Mudgett, who was also known by the alias H.H. Holmes. Now, you can watch American Ripper on demand to learn more about this enigmatic figure.

Describing Jack the Ripper

Most descriptions state that Jack the Ripper was around 5ft 5in to 5ft 8in (approximately 165 to 173 cm), mainly based on unconfirmed reports. The two witnesses who are acknowledged to have seen Jack the Ripper get a good look at the perpetrator were Israel Schwartz and Joseph Lawende. Schwartz reported seeing the Ripper in Berner Street, near the entrance to Duffield's yard, where Elizabeth Stride's body was found. Lawende was seen at the entrance to Mitre Square talking with Catherine Eddowes.

Interestingly, both of these descriptions and most others, along with the one provided by police, suggest a man around 35 years of age and short in stature. This narrows the list of suspects, eliminating theorists like Francis Tumblety, who was over 6ft (183 cm) tall and in his fifties with a large handlebar mustache—distinctive even by that era's standards.

Shady Witnesses and Detail-Driven Descriptions

A man named George Hutchinson, Mary Kelly's former partner, provided a detailed description to Inspector Abberline himself. However, his description was taken seriously to the extent that he was followed by two police officers after the murder to try and identify the Ripper. However, his credibility has been questioned due to the level of detail, the poor lighting at the time, and his previous association with Mary Kelly.

The issue with witness descriptions today, and even in Jack the Ripper's era, is that people often have no frame of reference to compare the person they are describing. Interview techniques were primitive and highly susceptible to police influence, either inadvertently or through suggestion.

The Face of Jack the Ripper

There are some intriguing descriptions and discussions about sightings and height. This has added to the mystery surrounding Jack the Ripper. Various researchers have attempted to recreate the Ripper's face based on the limited information available, providing insights into his appearance but ultimately leaving the mystery of his height and stature unresolved.

As evidence and technology continue to evolve, the quest for the truth about Jack the Ripper's identity and his physical features remains an ongoing and captivating historical mystery. For those interested in the case, watching documentaries and reading accounts such as American Ripper can provide a deeper understanding of this enigmatic figure.