The Jack the Ripper Location Photographs: Dutfield's Yard and the Whitby Collection (3 page)

(Courtesy Margaret Whitby-Green)

(Kodak Velox) This view was taken from Royal Mint Street, looking north. Today, the Docklands Light Railway emerges for the first time into the open air in the foreground at this exact spot. This photograph, and those that follow, are intriguing. The murder of Frances Coles at this location on 13 February 1891 is seldom classed as a Ripper killing, although it is generally acknowledged to be the final Whitechapel Murder. Until very recently, the site of Swallow Gardens was incorrectly identified. The sole remaining thoroughfare between Chamber Street and Royal Mint Street is Abel’s Buildings, much closer to the junction with Leman Street. There had been an assumption for many years that this must have previously been known as Swallow Gardens. However, recent research showed beyond doubt that it actually lay close to the Mansell Street end, further west. Subsequent closure of the arch and later arrangements of overhead railway lines had made the spot appear inconspicuous. What is striking here is that Whitby was able to identify the correct location over four decades before the rest of the Ripper historians caught up with him. The tower here visible matches with a view from the
Illustrated Police News
from 1891 (the tower itself having been removed some years ago now, perhaps adding to the confusion). Thus only two conclusions can be reached; either Whitby had access to papers and documents not many people had seen at that time (perhaps possessing original copies of the highly valuable Illustrated Police News himself), or he had spoken to locals whose parents – or even themselves – may have recalled the events and could still correctly identify the location. The discovery of this image was a vindication of the research undertaken in modern times.

A drawing from the
Illustrated Police News
, February 1891, showing the same view with the tower in place
(Courtesy Robert Clack)

Inside Swallow Gardens in 2009, a spot seldom seen

(Courtesy Margaret Whitby-Green)

(Kodak Velox) Chamber Street looking west towards Mansell Street. Taken into the direction of the sun, this shows the photograph was taken in the afternoon. In comparing the Whitby image and the modern shot, it is obvious that the terrace of old cottages on the southern side have been replaced. Curiously, however, the floor lights in the pavement on the right still exist.

(Courtesy Margaret Whitby-Green)

(Kodak Velox) Chamber Street looking east towards Leman Street. Running off to the left is Yeoman’s Yard. A pram is visible further down the street. This view has clearly changed a great deal but the double-gabled building halfway down the street is still in use.

(Courtesy Margaret Whitby-Green)

(Kodak Velox) The entrance to Swallow Gardens from Chamber Street. At the time of Whitby’s visits, the site was even more disguised than today. The archway masonry was completely hidden behind fencing. Today, the supporting iron pillar to the right makes it plain that it is the same spot.

The reverse of the colour photograph of 29 Hanbury Street

(Kodacolor) Backstamped ‘Kodacolor Print made by Kodak Limited London, September 1961’. Whitby has also written ’29, Hanbury St, London. 1961. One of ‘Jack the Ripper’s ports of call.’ in black ballpoint pen. Furthermore, the number ‘21’ is printed on the reverse of the image, showing this is just one image from a roll. This image is currently the only known colour photograph of 29 Hanbury Street, the murder location of Annie Chapman on 8 September 1888, in existence. As time has passed, the original photograph has faded a little and taken on a yellowish tint. Unusually, the original front door is wide open and this would suggest that Whitby had already gained permission to enter the building before the image was taken. The modern photograph is taken on the same spot which would be totally unidentifiable were it not for the fact that the buildings on the southern side of the street still stand and from the use of old maps it is possible to establish the exact location. The northern side of the street from Wilkes Street to Brick Lane was pulled down early in 1970.