by J. P. Sperati (Author)
To many the only crimes of note in East London are those committed by Jack the Ripper in the 19th century, and the Kray twins in the 20th century. Whereas both of these are indeed horrific, and hold a morbid fascination for some, there is very much more to be discovered over the 250 year period covering 1718 to 1967.
The survey of murder presented here starts with Jack Ketch, a hangman, who was himself hanged for murder, and continues with the infamous highwayman, Dick Turpin, who was anything but the romantic figure so often portrayed in literature. There are 2 cases of murder associated with the practice of 'Burking', and then there are the most repulsive Ratcliffe Highway murders which in many ways exceed those of Jack the Ripper for sheer brutality, especially so since one of the victims was a 14-week old baby. In total 20 cases are examined in this book, many of them multiple killings, and each illustrating a different aspect of murder be it the motive, means, or opportunity. Special attention is paid to the activities of the Kray twins including a walking tour.
With 20 cases to investigate and explore East London has never seemed so bloody!