Wednesday 26th Sep 1888 - Liz Stride & Dr. Barnardo
Good evening on Wednesday 26th Sept 1888. It's been 18 days since the murder of Annie Chapman, whose inquest concluded today.
It was said: "we are confronted with a murder of no ordinary character, committed not from jealousy, revenge, or robbery but from motives less adequate than the many which still disgrace our civilisation, mar our progress." The horrific murder in a yard in Hanbury Street was: "verdict - that of wilful murder against some person or persons unknown."
With arrests made and suspects released, the poor unfortunates of Whitechapel are as vulnerable as they've ever been.
Meet Elizabeth Stride, or "Long Liz." She was born Elisabeth Gustafsdotter on November 27, 1843 on a farm called Stora Tumlehed.
She's 5' 5", pale complexion, light gray eyes and has curly dark brown hair. All the teeth in her lower left jaw are missing. Acquaintances describe her as a quiet woman who would do a good turn for anyone but she's often drunk and disorderly. Liz makes money by sewing and charring, and she receives money from Michael Kidney and is an occasional prostitute. Tonight she is at her lodgings at 32 Flower and Dean Street. She had not been there for three months.
7.50pm
She meets Catherine Lane at the lodgings, and explains that she's fallen out with her old man who she'd been living with. In the kitchen of the lodgings, the women and girls huddle together, discussing their lives and their awful situations. There is a knock at the door and someone goes to answer it.
8.00pm
At the door is a local man who is working to better the community. His name is Dr Barnardo who has a scheme to save local children from lodging houses. He has opened a home for destitute boys. Dr Barnardos goes into the kitchen of the lodgings and there observes the unfortunate women, thoroughly frightened.
The women included Elizabeth Stride, and the conversation had turned to the recent murders in Whitechapel. Barnardo listens. One of the girls cries, "We're all up to no good, no one cares what becomes of us! Perhaps some of us will be killed next! Elizabeth Stride, in the presence of the well-known Dr Barnardo, contemplates the killer who is stalking the east-end.
That's all for tonight. Whatever you do, don't miss tomorrow night from 9pm. A letter is being delivered ....