Jack The Ripper Theory (Press, 3 November 1970)

On 3 November 1970, it was reported that the notorious identity of Jack the Ripper, the infamous killer who terrorised London in 1888, may have links to a respected Victorian nobleman, potentially even of Royal lineage. This intriguing claim was made by Thomas Stowell, an eminent surgeon in his eighties, in an article published in the journal "Criminologist." Stowell revealed that he has held back the name of the murderer for nearly 50 years out of concern for the safety and reputation of acquaintances still living. While Stowell stops short of disclosing the killer's identity, he offers significant hints that suggest he belonged to a highly esteemed family, potentially with Royal connections. He described the suspect as "the heir to power and wealth," whose family had earned great public admiration due to their service across social classes. Stowell characterised the suspect's grandmother as a formidable matriarch and noted that his father was a cosmopolitan who enhanced England’s international standing. Stowell portrayed the suspect as a young gay bachelor who embarked on a world tour at sixteen and contracted syphilis. He noted that the suspect resigned from military service at twenty-four, shortly after a raid on a homosexual brothel. Stowell further claimed that this individual, referred to only as "S," was treated by Sir William Gull, the Royal physician. In response to inquiries about the potential Royal connection to Jack the Ripper, Stowell maintained a position of discretion: "I am not confirming or denying anything. I will never reveal the name because I don’t want to harm anyone." The article also referenced a re-published book titled "The Identity of Jack the Ripper" by Donald McCormick, which posits a Russian doctor named Konolov as the killer but also mentions Edward, Duke of Clarence, as a potential suspect. The "Sunday Times" suggested that Stowell's account aligns notably with the profile of the Duke, who was the grandson of Queen Victoria and the brother of King George V. This revelation has sparked a renewed interest in the identity of Jack the Ripper and the historical context surrounding the gruesome murders of at least five women, prompting discussions about the implications of such a distinguished background for the notorious figure.

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