The five "canonical" victims of Jack the Ripper are Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly.

Everyone posts about the deaths of these ladies, but today I'm going to focus on their lives, or what we know of them. No focus on the suspect himself.

Mary Ann Nichols

Mary Ann Nichols was born Mary Ann Walker on August 26th 1845 in London to Edward and Caroline Walker (nee Webb). Her early years were spent around the Shoe Lane area of London.

She was affectionately named Polly by her friends. In 1864 she married William Nichols. Although their marriage unfortunately wouldn't last, the couple birthed 5 children; Edward, Percy, Alice, Eliza, and Henry. She tragically passed away on August 31st, 1888. She was just 43 years old. 

Annie Chapman

The second victim was Annie Chapman. Annie Eliza Smith was born September 25th, 1840 to George and Ruth Smith (also born Chapman). She had 5 siblings, Emily, Georgina, Mirium, and Fountain (lots of fancy names back then... bring 'em back!).

Aside from her career, Annie enjoyed crochet and selling flowers. She married John Chapman in 1869 in Knightsbridge and the pair later went on to have 3 children; Emily (b. 1870), Abbie (b.1873), and John (b. 1880). Emily Ruth died of meningitis in 1882. Her son John was born with health issues and was raised in a charitable institution.

Elizabeth Stride

Born Elizabeth Gustafsdotter in Stora Tumlehed, Sweden, on November 27th 1843 to Gustaf Ericsson and Beata Ericsson (nee Carlsdotter). In 1866, unmarried, Elizabeth moved to England, though the exact reason is unknown. It is said at the time that she was employed as a Coffee Shop Owner, Cleaning Lady, and Seamstress. 

Whilst in England, she adopted the nickname, Long Liz. I'm not an expert in height regulations back then, but sources say she was quite tall for her time. Although, she was only 5 foot 5 (no offence to anyone of that height).

On March 7th of 1869, she married John Stride. 4 years before her marriage to John, Elizabeth experienced a stillbirth whilst she was still in Sweden. The marriage lasted over 10 years and in 1881, they called it quits. Sadly, Elizabeth would only live 3 years more before her untimely and awful death. Though, in her final years, she enjoyed the company of her partner, Michael Kidney.

Catherine Eddowes

Catherine "Cattie" Eddowes wasn't from London, or Sweden. She was in fact born in Graiseley Green, Wolverhampton, on April 14th 1842 to George and Catherine Eddowes (nee Evans). As a child, she attended Dowgate Charity School and St. Johns Charity School. She was described by her friends as intelligent but also had a short temper. 

As years went by, Catherine later moved to 35 West Street, Surrey (in 1851). Some jobs she encountered during her time were Tinplate Stamper, Tray Polisher, Scourer, Laundress and Charwoman. 

Some records suggest Catherine was known as other names, such as; Kate Conway, and Kate Kelly. These were probably taken from her partners throughout her life, Thomas Conway and John Kelly, though no marriage confirmations were recorded/found.

Catherine had 4 children to Thomas; Catherine, Thomas, Alfred and George.

Mary Jane Kelly

Mary, or Marie was born in County Limerick on August 25th 1863 to John Kelly and Elizabeth 'Eliza' Davies (nee Shaw). She had 3 brothers; Richard, Michael, and Henry. 

Her first husband was John Davies, whom she married in 1879 and lived with in Wales, until his death in 1881. Following this, sour family affairs forced Mary to seek another life in London. It was here that she met Joseph Barnett. Their relationship was also short lived; being just 20 months, when the couple separated just 10 days before Mary's death. They were living at 24 New Street, Bishopsgate prior to this and Joseph went to live with his sister at 21 Portpool Lane.

Mary carried various occupations during her time, such as; Tobacconist Shop Assistant, Domestic Servant, Sex Worker.

Others:

The above victims were the only confirmed to have met their demise as the result of Jack the Ripper's actions. The following ladies are rumoured to have met the same fate.

Martha Tabram

Martha White was born on May 10th 1849 to Charles and Elizabeth White (nee Dowsett). Her first home was 17 Marshall Street in Southwark. This street is now no longer standing, but according to a participant in a 'rootschat' forum, it may have been located between London Street and St. George's Street.  

On Christmas Day of 1869, Martha married Henry Samuel Tabram, a Foreman Furniture Packer. The pair went on to have 2 sons, Fredrick and Charles. It was said that Martha's marriage to Henry was quite turbulent, and this was fuelled by Martha's struggle with alcoholism. The partnership eventually ended, but they never got divorced. In 1876 Martha met Henry Turner and pursued a relationship with him. This relationship eventually ended up being rocky and they called it quits around 3 weeks before Martha's tragic death. Martha passed away on the 7th August, and is the first unconfirmed victim of the Whitechapel murders in 1888.

Emma Smith

Some believe Emma was a victim of Jack the Ripper, though many believe her death wasn't connected. However, there is enough to justify her listing on this page. 

Emma Elizabeth Binmore was born on Christmas Day of 1843 to Thomas and Emma Binmore (nee. Walters) in Stoke Damerel, Devon. Her early years were spent in Portsmouth. In 1851 she was recorded living at 74 Queen Street, and in 1861 10 Sidney Street. The following June she married Butcher, Frederick Augustus Churcher Wells. Their marriage wouldn't last, and there isn't much recorded of that.

Years later, in 1868 she married John Smith (not the brewer, he was from Leeds). He was in the 35th Regiment. John died in 1878, and that was all she told of her life to her future friends. Emma then moved on to work on the streets of London, though at some point in her life she sold hats. She passed away on April 4th of 1888.

Annie Farmer

Little is known about this survivor of Jack the Ripper - only that she was believed to be an elderly lady, and some forums suggested that her name may have actually been Amelia Farmer, or Annie Palmer.

Rose Mylett

Lots of evidence suggests that Rose wasn't a victim of Jack the Ripper, specifically due to her death being typically categorised as 'not suspicious'.

Catherine Rose Mylett was born 5th December 1859 with her first home being situated at 13 Thomas Street, Whitechapel. She was the second daughter to Henry Mylett and Margaret Haley, her sister was Mary. She also had 2 brothers, William and John.

Rose sadly struggled with her mental health and was admitted on occasion to Bromley Sick Asylum. This was confirmed when a nurse, Elizabeth Usher recognised her body. Rose was the wife of Thomas Davis, and the pair had 2 children, Florence and Henry. 

Alice MacKenzie

Alice's death was different; she met her demise in July 1889, not in 1888, like the others. Little is known about Alice, though the person who identified her, identified himself as John McCormack, the person she lived with on and off, and at one point would describe her as his wife. However, he also described her as 'around the age of 40', so I don't think they were that close.

Pinchin Street Mystery & Whitehall Mystery

These cases refer to the discoveries of the remain of 2 torsos, they were unfortunately never identified.

Frances Coles

Frances Coles passed away February 13th 1891. This was well out of the time frame of the ripper murders - but nobody caught him, so what was stopping him?

Also known as Frances Coleman, or Frances Hawkins, she was born to James Coles and Mary Carney on September 17th 1859 and her first known address was 18 Crucifix Lane (my kinda street - and it still exists!), Bermonsey, Southwark. She was employed as a Chemist Label Applicator, and a Sex Worker. She had 2 sisters, Mary and Selina, and a brother called James.

Sailor, John Thomas Saddler was initially questioned over her murder, and was mobbed upon his release after his alibi was confirmed. He claimed to be in some kind of relationship with her at the time, and their landlord notified the police when he returned home covered in blood and learnt of her murder the next day.

Carrie Brown

There was speculation on whether or not Carrie Brown's death was connected to Jack the Ripper, as this one happened in New York, quite a distance away from Whitechapel. It also happened April 24th of 1891.

Carrie adopted the nickname 'Shakespeare', as she liked to quote his works when she'd had a couple of drinks. 

Ellen Caroline Montgomery was born in Liverpool, England in 1834. I couldn't find her parents, but in 1860 she was recorded living in Salem, Massachusetts, which is where she met her husband, Copenhagen-born Charles E. Brown. The couple went on to have 2 children; Mary and Charles. Charles Jr. sadly only lived 2 years. Charles, the father passed away in 1878 in Africa. 

Elizabeth Jackson

When I saw Elizabeth's name, I thought she was the first person to be interred into Highgate Cemetery, but that was Elizabeth Jackson who died in 1839. 

This Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Jackson was born on March 18th 1865 to Stonemason, John Jackson, and Catherine, her mother. Both her parents came from Ireland. At the time of her death she was living at 14 Turks Row, Chelsea (the street still exists today). 

Did you know?: The coroner of this case was Athelstan Braxton Hicks, who was the son of John Braxton Hicks; the person who the term Braxton Hicks is named after! Sorry, I know it's not relevant, but I thought I'd just throw that one in there.

Annie Millwood

Annie Perry was born around 1844 in St Giles, London. In 1872 she married Richard Millwood (Soldier), though their surnames were sometimes spelt Milward. In 1880 Annie had a son, George. Annie later became a widow when in 1879 Richard passed away. At the time of her death she was living at Spitalfields Chambers, 8 White Row. 

The reason she wasn't confirmed as a ripper victim was because she recovered from her injuries then passed 10 days later of natural causes. In the hospital she told doctors that she had been attacked by a man who was a stranger to her.

Where did I find this information?

All my sources come from various MyHeritage listings, and some information is filtered from Google. If you are looking at something specific, please contact me here.

Alternatively, if you feel like I have missed someone, please let me know by either contacting me directly or commenting below.

Note: These images are AI-generated artistic recreations for illustrative purposes. They are not authentic historical photographs of the individuals mentioned.

Image by ArtTower on Pixabay

Wild West

Billy the Kidd

Contrary to what I believed, Billy the Kid was not named after a goat (I'm sure others think the same... right?). Billy, or William... or Henry, was born in 1859 in New York City to Irish Catholics, Catherine and Patrick McCarty. 

Billy's crimes came to life at the age of 14, just after his mother died of Tuberculosis. He had various little jobs at this time in his life, during which he would participate in petty thefts. The 'petty' part of that would shortly deteriorate as the value of his choices grew to firearms. He adopted the 'kid' nickname when he met John R. Mackie, with whom he would often steal horses. From there, things escalated, and Billy the Kid was soon believed to have killed around 9 people.

He died aged just 22 in Fort Sumner, New Mexico when he was shot by the Sheriff, Pat Garrett. You can find his grave and visit it at the Old Fort Sumner Cemetery. The site of his death is just 0.3 miles west.

Belle Starr

I don't know about you, but when I think 'outlaws', or any criminal from the 'wild western era', I never think of the ladies. However, when I heard of Belle Starr, I knew I had to include her.

Myra Maybelle Shirley was born February 5th of 1848. Her childhood was quite a timid one, even though she was referred to as a 'wild child' by her teacher. She was classically trained musically, and as a family travelled around a lot. Her introduction to the criminal world was in 1866, when she married James C. Reed, a known outlaw of the time. Shortly after their marriage the couple birthed a daughter, Rosie Lee; Pearl for short in 1868, and a son, James Edwin, or Eddie in 1871.

Belle met and married Sam Starr in 1880, 6 years after the death of her first husband. It was her married to Sam that truly sparked the criminal life within her. Belle would often plan and administer for various thieves. In 1882, Sam and Belle stole a horse. She was jailed for 9 months. Belle's life came to an end on February 3rd of 1889 when she was shot dead. 

Eddie followed in his parents footsteps and also became an outlaw. His older sister, Belle, on the other hand, turned to sex work in order to fund her little brother's bail.

Burial Locations:

Belle Starr: The Cabin where she lived and died.
James C. Reed: Rocky Point Cemetery, Crossroad Missouri
Pearl Starr (Reed): Calgary Cemetery, Douglas, Arizona
Eddie Reed: Cochran Cemetery, Olklahoma
Sam Starr: Starr Cemetery, Olklahoma

Jesse James

Butch Cassidy

Butch Cassidy, born Robert LeRoy Parker in 1866 in Beaver, Utah Territory, grew up in a large Mormon farming family. As a young man, he drifted into petty crime, adopted the alias “Butch Cassidy,” and began associating with outlaws. His nickname “Butch” came from a brief apprenticeship at a butcher shop in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and he later adopted the surname “Cassidy” in honour of his friend and mentor, Mike Cassidy.

By the 1890s, he led the Wild Bunch gang, committing bank and train robberies across the West with partners like the Sundance Kid. Known for his charm and strategic planning, he stayed ahead of lawmen and the Pinkerton detectives for years.

In 1901, Cassidy fled to South America with Sundance and Etta Place. Most accounts say he died in a 1908 shootout with Bolivian soldiers in San Vicente, where he was buried in an unmarked grave, although rumours began to persist that he returned to the U.S. under a new name.

British Outlaws

Dick Turpin

Born Richard Turpin in 1705 in Essex, England, grew up in a working-class family. He began his criminal career as a butcher’s apprentice and later turned to poaching and burglary. Early on, he became part of a gang of highwaymen and thieves, honing the skills that would later make him infamous.

By the 1730s, Turpin had gained notoriety as a highwayman, robbing travellers along the roads of southern England. Legends portray him as daring and romantic; riding long distances on his horse Black Bess. However, many of these stories were exaggerated in newspapers and later books. In reality, he was also involved in violent crimes, including burglary and murder.

Turpin was captured and hanged in 1739 at York for horse theft, a surprisingly minor crime compared to his other offenses. He was buried in the grounds of St George’s Church, and you can visit his grave today.

Mary Frith

Mary Frith, also known as Moll Cutpurse, was born around 1584 in the Barbican area of London. She grew up in a modest household and little is known about her early years, but she later became notorious for flouting societal norms, particularly for women, by dressing in men’s clothing and adopting unconventional behaviours.

Her criminal career began as a pickpocket and fence, and she eventually formed her own gang. She became a well-known figure in London’s underworld, involved in theft, fencing stolen goods, and other illicit activities. Frith’s defiance of gender norms, combined with her criminal exploits, brought her multiple arrests and public punishments, including standing in a white sheet at St. Paul’s Cross as penance.

Mary Frith died on July 26, 1659, in Fleet Street, London. Her life left a lasting legacy through literature and drama, most notably the play The Roaring Girl, which celebrated her as a rebellious and pioneering figure challenging societal and gender expectations.

Mary was buried under a marble tomb in the grounds of St Brides Churchyard. The tomb was destroyed during the Great Fire of London.

Claude Duval

Rob Roy

Outlaws Down Under

Ned Kelly

During my visit to Australia, I was lucky enough to not only visit the trail of Ned Kelly, but also visit the site of his resting place to.

Kelly became infamous as leader of the Kelly Gang, who robbed banks and fought police across rural Victoria. He saw himself as standing up for the poor against corruption, and even wrote a fiery manifesto titled, the “Jerilderie Letter” to explain his actions. His most famous moment came in 1880 at Glenrowan, where he faced police in a homemade suit of armour.

Captured after that final battle, Kelly was tried and sentenced to death. He was hanged in Melbourne in November 1880, said to have gone to the gallows with the last words: “Such is life.” To some he was a murderous outlaw, to others a folk hero who stood against injustice. His story, like that of Rob Roy or Claude Duval, lingers in legend as much as in history.

Moondyne Joe

My trip also saw a connection with Moondyne Joe. Although, it wasn't to his grave or anything like that. In fact, I'm not quite sure where the connection lies. My first encounter with Moondyne Joe was when I stayed at a hotel in Fremantle, and they simply had an obituary to him on the wall. I was instantly fascinated and wanted to find out who this guy was!

Moondyne Joe was born Joseph Bolitho Johns in Cornwall, England around 1826. He was transported to Western Australia for stealing food and iron. Life as a convict was harsh, and he soon became known for his stubborn independence and skill at slipping away from the authorities. His nickname came not from Whisky, like I thought, but from the Avon Valley’s “Moondyne Hills,” where he often hid after escaping.

Joe’s real claim to fame was his repeated breakouts. He slipped chains, broke locks, and once even escaped a specially built “escape-proof” cell in Fremantle Prison, leaving the governor humiliated. Each time he vanished into the bush, living off the land until he was caught again. These exploits won him a kind of rough admiration, especially from settlers who disliked the colony’s strict penal system.

Eventually, Joe’s health declined, and he was granted a conditional pardon. He lived quietly until his death in 1900. In Western Australia he’s remembered not as a villain but as a folk hero.

I'm still not entirely sure on the connection between Joe and The Wray Hotel, and when I asked the staff... they didn't know either!

Here is his grave. Although, I'm quite disappointed as I visited the site 3 times and didn't know he was buried there... and now I'm back in England!

Captain Thunderbolt

As we pulled up to the town of Uralla, I said "who's that?!", and pointed at a statue of a man on a horse. As I got closer, I soon found his name, Captain Thunderbolt. A swift bit of research told me that he was buried in the local graveyard. Of course, I had to go.

Born Frederick Ward in 1835 in New South Wales, Captain Thunderbolt was an Australian bushranger with a long run compared to most outlaws of his time. Originally a horse-breaker, he was sentenced to prison for horse theft in 1856, but escaped in 1863, turning to life on the roads. Horse theft at the time could land you a prison term from 7 to 14 years. His nickname came from the speed with which he struck and vanished from authorities.

Thunderbolt roamed across New South Wales, robbing inns, mail coaches, and travellers. Yet he was often described as polite and even generous, taking only what he needed and sparing poorer folk. This gentlemanly image, along with his partnership with Mary Ann Bugg (an Aboriginal woman who is sometimes credited with aiding his escapes), added to his legend.

His career ended in 1870 when police cornered and shot him in Kentucky near Uralla. We also paid a visit to this place and I was very excited by the town name! Thunderbolt’s six years on the run made him the longest-surviving bushranger in Australian history! He was buried near where he died, in the local Uralla Cemetery.

I recently took two separate trips to London. Over the course of many years, I have done the traditional sightseeing spots that the capital has to offer. However, in more recent years I found that I've embraced the dark side. If you've read my about me, you'll know that this isn't new. I've simply hidden it up until now.

London has a huge history with a legacy dating back to just short of 2,000 years. Many of this is seeped within the walls, and that gives local historians plenty of stories to tell. On this trip, I decided to indulge into that stories that really made London. Here's what I got up to.

The Huntarian Museum

Named after renowned surgeon, John Hunter. This museum uncovers many of his works. On display you can find lots of surgical phenomenon's, from humans (of all ages) to animals (of all ages) and everything in-between (aka apparatus). 

The museum is run by the Royal College of Surgeons, and it is in a very ornate old building - kind of like Buckingham Palace, but also not. The buildings that surround are also very medical. It is also adjacent to the Charles Dickens Museum - sadly we didn't visit here, but it's on the list for next time.

Old Operating Theatre

London is home to many wonderful things - one of them being the Oldest Operating Theatre in the UK. It is located in the attic of a building, with the access point being a very narrow winding staircase. Looking back - they never told you of another entrance, and it does make you wonder how the patients made their way up. I can't imagine they had an equally wonderful hoisting contraption back in the day... but I could be wrong.

If this place was free to visit, I would definitely go back, and if I lived in London, I'd be open to getting a job here... if it has another access point.

Whitechapel 

On the evening of Saturday the 5th April, myself and my mum were lead around London by a gentleman called Mick Priestley who took us on a very insightful tour of Whitechapel, and the surrounding areas, as he took us in Jack the Ripper's footprints. 

If you've followed my Instagram for a while, you'll know that a few years ago I did a heavy bit of research on the Yorkshire Ripper. This case was very close to home, with my friend's mum being their neighbour and former friend. However, as much as I've tried, this case is far too complex to wrap my head around. So, it was a fantastic experience to simply let someone else tell the story for me!

The Grave of Joseph Grimaldi

We all know that I've visited Highgate before, so it hasn't made it onto this list. Although, you could add it as a bonus spot if you like!

Located in Islington is a quaint little graveyard located in the surrounding the grounds of The Royal National Institute of Blind People.

Joseph Grimaldi is known for being the founding father of the clown industry. Truth be told, this isn't an industry that I know very well at all!

Despite the gloomy sound of his surname, 'Grim'aldi, Joseph Grimaldi became the most beloved comic performer of Georgian England. Born in London in 1778 to an Italian theatrical family, he made his stage debut as a child and went on to revolutionise pantomime at Sadler’s Wells and Covent Garden. 

Joseph died at the age of 59 in 1837 after many years of ill health, likely caused by the intense physical demands of his performances. 

Clink Prison Museum

In the museum, you'll find lots of educational sources - it's also a great place for curious children!

Cross Bones Graveyard

London's 'Cross Bones' Graveyard is located in Southwark and is the burial site of the local Sex Workers and the poor people of London. Although, I don't believe it is an active burial ground anymore. 

This one is still on my bucket list. I'll be visiting London next month, but I'll be arriving on a Friday, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to pay my respects. The reason I say this is because it's open Wednesday to Friday, from 12 - 2pm!

Do you know any other dark tourism hot spots? Let us know in the comments!

1 - Old Ingham Cemetery

2 - Walhalla Cemetery

3 - Leonora Cemetery

4 - McLeod Street Pioneer Cemetery

5 - Fremantle Cemetery

6 - St Mary's Busselton

7 - West Terrace Cemetery Adelaide

8 - Bendigo Cemetery

9 - Pinnaroo Cemetery

• A section for natural burials
• A beautiful pond
• Lots of beautiful gardens
• A memorial space for murder victims
• ...and most importantly, at least 100 kangaroos.

10 - Shalom Cemetery

I couldn't put this list together without mentioning Shalom Cemetery. This was the first pet burial ground I have ever visited. I initially thought I would just find dogs here, but to my surprise there was also cats, ferrets, lizards, just to name a few! 

11 - Karrakatta Cemetery

Regretfully, I never had the chance to visit Karrakatta Cemetery, but it is on my list for when I return. I think this cemetery popped up when I had left the country. I noticed just how incredible it was, and the most heart-breaking of all is that it was only a 30 minute walk from Kings Park in Perth!

Do you have any graveyards to add to the list? Leave a comment below!

Don't forget to include a notable grave!

Today, I'm going to go through some of the graves that you must visit; some that I visited myself, and some that I missed on my just-short-of-one-hour trip.

1. The most visited tomb in Highgate

I was honest on my Instagram post, so I'll be honest here. When I visited Highgate, I'd heard about his grave, being the most visited one at this cemetery, but I didn't have a clue who he was. 

The Grave of Karl Marx

Marx's original grave is a short distance away. There was a new tomb created that was much larger, you could tell it a mile off. I'll be honest, I had a little giggle to myself when I saw it as I was struggling to find it!

2. The quiet resting place of George Michael

I didn't picture George Michael's grave. However, it was very easy to find. George is located in a peaceful spot next to his mother. His gravesite requests no photographs. Unlike others who rudely disrespect his final wishes, I honored this and simply said hello to him.

The beautiful grave of the Uzielli Family

3. Uzielli Family Tomb

I had no idea who this is. Esther wasn't a movie icon or famous singer. Her grave, however, was so beautiful that I had to screenshot my video just to share it on my page! There are lots of little intricate statues dedicated to this beautiful Italian family.

4. The Dog of Highgate

Unfortunately, I couldn't find this grave. I don't believe it was listed on the map that we had, and we only had an hour so I couldn't find it on my speedwalk around the cemetery. I will return one day though, and I'll make sure this one is on the top of my list...

5. The First Grave in Highgate!

...as well as this one too! Elizabeth Jackson was the first person to be interred into Highgate Cemetery. I did have a little look for her grave but I believe it may be nestled beyond the many 'no entry' zones due to unsteady ground. Elizabeth passed away due to consumption aged 36 on May 20th 1839.

6. You're pretty much DEAD

This grave is by far one of the most interesting graves at Highgate Cemetery. It is a simple, but grave reminder that death comes to us all. I didn't know of the artist Patrick Caulfield, or of the works that he created, apart from his final one, but I had to get a picture.

7. The Resting Place of Jeremy Beadle

Jeremy was one of the only people I knew of, of all the graves I visited. He also has a simple but lovely grave, not quite as striking as the above but a nice sentement to a much loved tv presenter.

8. ... Not the McLaren Cars (like I thought)

In highgate cemetery, you too can visit the grave of The Sex Pistols manager, Malcolm McLaren. As I mentioned in my Instagram post, McClaren once dated Vivienne Westwood. It was recently announced on the news that she passed away on December 29th 2022. I suspect she may be buried in Highgate but details have not been raised yet. Keep an eye out on Find a Grave!

9. Nero The Great Lion

This grave took my breath away. George Wombwell isn't a name we hear very often today, but back in the 1800's, it was very well known. Originally, George was a shoemaker who later progressed into collecting exotic animals, later exhibiting a travelling menagerie. Presented above his grave is George's pet lion, Nero.

10. To Infinity and Beyond!

Unfortunately, I couldn't find the grave of Douglas Adams on my visit to Highgate. If you haven't heard his name before, chances are you will have definitely heard of his work. Adams was known for his best selling piece, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. On his graveside you will find a collection of pens donated by devoted fans.

Have you visited Highgate Cemetery before? Let me know which graves you visited below!

If you're a regular visitor to my Instagram, you'll know that a visit to the graveyard is quite common for me, so when I visited the final resting place of Robert Tennant Stowe Wolfe, it was just a normal day. However, my visit to Kenwick Pioneer Cemetery was very spontaneous. I think I'd gone two weeks without a visit to the graveyard. I'm from Yorkshire and Australia was a new country, I just wanted to visit the closest cemetery and this one was it!

A Sparse Cemetery with Few Graves

Robert Tennant Stowe Wolfe: A Back Story

The Move Down Under

The Naming of Wolfe Creek Crater

Robert Wolfe: Life Behind the Bar

Robert Wolfe Settles Down... or tries to

Did Robert have any children?

Fun Facts About Robert Tennant Stowe Wolfe:

London's Highgate Cemetery is known for being the resting place for many famous people, but it also has some infamous names, one being John Atcheler. Have you ever heard of him before? I can't say I had before this trip!

John was born in the village of Hockliffe in 1791. During his first job he was employed as a Professional Fighter, one that I believe his peers at the time wish he'd kept. 

John Atcheler's Family Tree

If you would like to see a full scale picture of this grave, please visit my Instagram where I share more about the lives of people buried at Highgate, and the rest of the world!

The Dark Side of John Atcheler

It is no secret that this grave here commemorates a very infamous name of Victorian Britain. When John retired in his career as a Professional Fighter, he sought out a new and very different career; a Horse Slaughterer. 

John soon started his training, and within a few weeks, the Atcheler name was soon to be banished from any conversation from locals in the area. He was like the Victorian Voldemort, if you think of it. Soon after graduating from his Slaughter School, John decided to pick up and move his office nearer to the Cattle Market at Kings Cross. It was here that people started to notice John's claims, and specifically his plaque above his office door, reading 'Horse Slaughterer for Her Majesty Queen Victoria'.

... but was he really?

Fortunately for John, making false claims to Royal Warrants would only be made illegal in 1883, this was 16 years after his death. However, there are no official claims of this status and many people in those days did not believe him at all. Although, in his will, this statement was accepted. 

The Horse Monument

Sadly, the resting place of Sarah, John (jr), and Henry has become the victim of hate crime over the years. The horses legs have had to be repaired. This is quite sad since John himself isn't actually buried here. He is, however, buried within this cemetery, and on this side (the west). Unfortunately since I only had an hour in the cemetery, I wasn't able to plan very well, but I'm going to save his actual grave for another day and update this page!

This Grade II listed monument is also very weathered. I found it impossible to read, but the power of the internet has provided me with the original listing. Thank you Pet Histories!

“She’s gone; whose nerve could rein the swiftest steed,

whose heart and hand to all in time of need

we’re ready, and with a cheering hope she gave

to soothe the suffering and weak to save”

 

There are many graves in Haworth that have caught my eye, but nothing stands out quite like Lily Cove, who’s tie to the village is quite a tragic one.

Lily’s parents, Thomas and Annie were never married. However, on November 7th 1885, in Poplar, London, they welcomed their baby girl, Elizabeth Mary Cove into the world.

Sadly, Annie’s life was short lived, and for most of her childhood she was brought up by various relatives due to her father’s prison sentences. Lily flew the nest aged 15, 2 years later than her peers. She served as a nursemaid and servant at a psychiatric hospital for girls for her first job. 

Lily Cove's Introduction To The Skies

At the age of 16 she begun her training to become an aeronaut. At the age of 19 she was under the employment of a gentleman named Captain Fred Bidmead. 

In a nutshell, an Aeronaut is a person who floats up in a balloon then parachutes to the ground. Lily enjoyed exposing her bloomers and knickers by removing her skirt before her act. This was a move that she became famous for.

On June 8th 1906, Fred and Lily checked into the Old White Lion Hotel. I’m not sure which room Fred had but Lily was in room 7; which adds to the story later. 

Her Tragic Death

It was the day of the Haworth Gala in 1906. Following a mishap with the previous balloon, and to a mere 6000 peoples disappointment, the event was postponed. On the Sunday Captain Bidmead took to repairing the balloon and on the Monday, claimed the apparatus was safe to ascend with. Cove took off from a playing field with confidence on West Lane. 

After some time Lily was nowhere to be seen, except from one witness who saw her ‘cartwheeling’ to her death from the skies of Scar Top over Ponden Reservoir. Some believe that Lily had unhooked herself midair due to her fear of water when floating over the reservoir. We will never know.

Lily’s body remained in room 7 until her burial, and her spirit it said to haunt the room to this day. Other sources say that the Kings Arms across the road also served as a mortuary. I prefer the first story since I like to attend weekly quiz nights at The Kings Arms.

Resources:

https://danseastendportraits.wordpress.com/2017/01/29/9th-june-1906-lily-cove/

https://wessyman137.wordpress.com/2014/09/21/the-tragic-demise-of-miss-lily-cove/

https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=426231.0

http://elizabethdollyshepherd.blogspot.com/2018/06/dolly-shepherd-miss-lily-cove-haworth.html

https://theyorkshirejournal.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/2019-5-pages-48-61-the-tragic-story-of-a-lady-aeronaut.pdf

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/99977259/elizabeth-mary-cove