Mary Ann (Polly) Nichols, who many believe was the first victim of Jack the Ripper, was born on 26 August 1845. She died in 1888. I looked for a meme, but they all propagate the myth that he was a 'toff' in a top hat. In reality, several witnesses saw a man with the victims shortly before they were killed. They all described a similar individual, and he wore ordinary working clothes. He was completely nondescript and probably lived and worked in the area.
A blog about history and true crime. Historical trivia and stories about true crime.
Tuesday, 26 August 2025
Monday, 25 August 2025
Sunday, 24 August 2025
Nazi Euthanasia
In 1939, Hitler began a euthanasia programme for the disabled. It was called Aktion T4. Victims were gassed using carbon monoxide gas. The bodies were then cremated. The family were informed that the victim had died of some natural cause. But the news leaked out. On 24 August 1941, Hitler ordered an end to the gassings, partly because of the opposition from the churches. However, euthanasia of the disabled continued ad hoc using drug overdoses, until the German surrender in 1945. About 250,000 people were murdered. Aktion T4 provided a blueprint for the Jewish Holocaust.
Friday, 22 August 2025
Here Come The Tudors!
For all you lovers of Tudor history, I wrote a book in three parts. The first part is a description of life in Tudor England. The second part is a brief history of Tudor England. The third part is a description of Tudor Portsmouth and Tudor Southampton.
Thursday, 21 August 2025
Myths About Women's Clothes
I found an interesting video that debunks myths about 19th century women's clothes
Tuesday, 19 August 2025
USS Constitution
On 19 August 1812 the frigate USS Constitution defeated a British ship in battle. It earned the nickname Old Ironsides. It's now a museum in Boston. https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/
Sunday, 17 August 2025
The Last Teenager Hanged in Britain
On 22 December 1960 19-year-old Anthony Miller was hanged for murder in Glasgow. He was the last teenager to be hanged in Britain.