Jack the Ripper was the name popularly given to a London murderer who killed at least five prostitutes in the East End between Aug. 7 and Nov. 10, 1888. Queen Victoria's eldest grandson, the duke of Clarence, has been advanced as a suspect although his guilt is generally discounted today. The name Jack the Ripper reportedly came from letters received by the police, but there is some question whether they were actually written by the killer. He struck at night while his victims were walking the street, cutting their throat and then mutilating their bodies.
Recent research suggests that an American doctor - Dr Tumblety, a known misogynist and quack - could well have been The Ripper.
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