Inquest · 12 November 1888
The inquest into the death of Mary Jane Kelly
Editorial summaryCompiled by the research team from the transcribed press reports.
Kelly's inquest opened and closed in a single day, 12 November, at Shoreditch Town Hall under Dr Roderick Macdonald, coroner for North-East Middlesex. Jurors immediately challenged his jurisdiction, arguing that Spitalfields belonged to Wynne Baxter's district; Macdonald insisted the body lay in his district (the mortuary at Shoreditch) and overruled them. After viewing the body and Miller's Court, the jury heard twelve witnesses. Barnett gave her life story as she had told it to him; Bowyer and McCarthy described the discovery; and neighbours in the court gave the night's chronology. Cox described the blotchy-faced man and Kelly's singing until after 1 a.m., while Prater and Lewis heard a cry of 'murder' at about 3.30-4 a.m. Caroline Maxwell insisted she spoke to Kelly at about 8.30 a.m. despite the coroner's warning. Dr Phillips gave only a short statement on the position of the body and the cause of death (severance of the right carotid artery), with fuller evidence held back, and Abberline explained the delay over bloodhounds and the burnt clothing in the grate. Macdonald told the jury their only task was to establish the cause of death, leaving the rest to the police, and the jury returned wilful murder against some person or persons unknown that afternoon. The brevity of the inquest was criticised at the time and since, and the detailed post-mortem findings of Dr Thomas Bond and the statement George Hutchinson made to police that evening were never put before the jury. Unusually, the original signed depositions survive (London Metropolitan Archives, MJ/SPC, NE1888, Box 3, Case paper 19).
About these reports. No official verbatim transcript is used here. Each testimony comes from a newspaper's report of the hearing, read through a modern transcription. Reporters condensed and paraphrased, and papers sometimes differ. Where a second paper's version exists, it is shown as well. Inside quotations, "[...]" marks text left out by this project. Bracketed words such as "[Coroner]" were added by the transcriber.
Witnesses
Joseph Barnett
fish/fruit porter who had lived with Kelly; identified the body
Gave evidence 12 November 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
Barnett, a fish porter who had lived with Kelly for about a year and eight months, identified her 'by the ear and eyes'. He gave her name as Marie Jeanette Kelly and recounted her life as she told it: born in Limerick, raised in Wales, married to a collier named Davies who died in an explosion, then Cardiff, a West End 'gay house', a trip to France, and men named Morganstone and Joseph Fleming. He had left her on 30 October because she took in another woman, and last saw her, sober, between 7.30 and 7.45 p.m. on Thursday. He said she was afraid of the murderer after he read her the newspaper reports.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888
Historical text, verbatim:
Joseph Barnett deposed : I was a fish-porter, and I work as a labourer and fruit- porter. Until Saturday last I lived at 24, New-street, Bishopsgate, and have since stayed at my sister's, 21, Portpool-lane, Gray's Inn-road. I have lived with the deceased one year and eight months. Her name was Marie Jeanette Kelly with the French spelling as described to me. Kelly was her maiden name. I have seen the body, and I identify it by the ear and eyes, which are all that I can recognise; but I am positive it is the same woman I knew. I lived with her in No. 13 room, at Miller's-court for eight months. I separated from her on Oct. 30.
[Coroner] Why did you leave her ? - Because she had a woman of bad character there, whom she took in out of compassion, and I objected to it. That was the only reason. I left her on the Tuesday between five and six p.m. I last saw her alive between half-past seven and a quarter to eight on Thursday night last, when I called upon her. I stayed there for a quarter of an hour.
[Coroner] Were you on good terms ? - Yes, on friendly terms; but when we parted I told her I had no work, and had nothing to give her, for which I was very sorry.
[Coroner] Did you drink together ? - No, sir. She was quite sober.
[Coroner] Was she, generally speaking, of sober habits ? - When she was with me I found her of sober habits, but she has been drunk several times in my presence.
[Coroner] Was there any one else there on the Thursday evening ? - Yes, a woman who lives in the court. She left first, and I followed shortly afterwards.
[Coroner] Have you had conversation with deceased about her parents ? - Yes, frequently. She said she was born in Limerick, and went when very young to Wales. She did not say how long she lived there, but that she came to London about four years ago. Her father's name was John Kelly, a "gaffer" or foreman in an iron works in Carnarvonshire, or Carmarthen. She said she had one sister, who was respectable, who travelled from market place to market place. This sister was very fond of her. There were six brothers living in London, and one was in the army. One of them was named Henry. I never saw the brothers to my knowledge. She said she was married when very young in Wales to a collier. I think the name was Davis or Davies. She said she had lived with him until he was killed in an explosion, but I cannot say how many years since that was. Her age was, I believe, 16 when she married. After her husband's death deceased went to Cardiff to a cousin.
[Coroner] Did she live there long ? - Yes, she was in an infirmary there for eight or nine months. She was following a bad life with her cousin, who, as I reckon, and as I often told her, was the cause of her downfall.
[Coroner] After she left Cardiff did she come direct to London ? - Yes. She was in a gay house in the West-end, but in what part she did not say. A gentleman came there to her and asked her if she would like to go to France.
[Coroner] Did she go to France ? - Yes; but she did not remain long. She said she did not like the part, but whether it was the part or purpose I cannot say. She was not there more than a fortnight, and she returned to England, and went to Ratcliffe-highway. She must have lived there for some time. Afterwards she lived with a man opposite the Commercial Gas Works, Stepney. The man's name was Morganstone.
[Coroner] Have you seen that man ? - Never. I don't know how long she lived with him.
[Coroner] Was Morganstone the last man she lived with ? - I cannot answer that question, but she described a man named Joseph Fleming, who came to Pennington-street, a bad house, where she stayed. I don't know when this was. She was very fond of him. He was a mason's plasterer, and lodged in the Bethnal-green-road.
[Coroner] Was that all you knew of her history when you lived with her? - Yes. After she lived with Morganstone or Fleming - I don't know which one was the last - she lived with me.
[Coroner] Where did you pick up with her first ? - In Commercial-street. We then had a drink together, and I made arrangements to see her on the following day - a Saturday. On that day we both of us agreed that we should remain together. I took lodgings in George-street, Commercial-street, where I was known. I lived with her, until I left her, on very friendly terms. [...]
Casebook transcription: Mary Jane Kelly inquest, day 1 (12 November 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Inquest day 1 (sitting of 12 November 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Transcription The excerpt is shortened. The full report is longer: follow the source link.
Thomas Bowyer
McCarthy's shop assistant, sent for the rent; discovered the body
Gave evidence 12 November 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
Sent by McCarthy at 10.45 a.m. to collect the rent arrears from Room 13, Bowyer got no answer, reached through the broken window pane, pulled back the curtain and saw 'two pieces of flesh lying on the table' and then the body on the bed. He fetched McCarthy and they went to Commercial Street police station.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888
Content notice: graphic material
This item describes or shows severe injuries in explicit detail. It is part of the historical record and is shown for evidential reasons only.
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John McCarthy
chandler and landlord of Miller's Court
Gave evidence 12 November 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
The chandler and landlord said Bowyer came back saying 'I looked through the window and saw a lot of blood.' McCarthy looked for himself, then went to the police. He said Kelly had been there ten months, owed 29s in rent at 4s 6d a week, and was 'exceptionally quiet' when sober, more talkative in drink.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888
Historical text, verbatim:
John McCarthy, grocer and lodging-house keeper, testified: I live at 27, Dorset- street. On Friday morning, about a quarter to eleven, I sent my man Bowyer to Room 13 to call for rent. He came back in five minutes, saying, "Guv'nor, I knocked at the door, and could not make any one answer; I looked through the window and saw a lot of blood." I accompanied him, and looked through the window myself, saw the blood and the woman. For a moment I could not say anything, and I then said: "You had better fetch the police." I knew the deceased as Mary Jane Kelly, and had no doubt at all about her identity. I followed Bowyer to Commercial-street Police-station, where I saw Inspector Beck. I inquired at first for Inspector Reid. Inspector Beck returned with me at once.
[Coroner] How long had the deceased lived in the room ? - Ten months. She lived with Barnett. I did not know whether they were married or not; they lived comfortably together, but they had a row when the window was broken. The bedstead, bed-clothes, table, and every article of furniture belonged to me.
[Coroner] What rent was paid for this room ? - It was supposed to be 4s 6d a week. Deceased was in arrears 29s. I was to be paid the rent weekly. Arrears are got as best you can. I frequently saw the deceased the worse for drink. When sober she was an exceptionally quiet woman, but when in drink she had more to say. She was able to walk about, and was not helpless.
Casebook transcription: Mary Jane Kelly inquest, day 1 (12 November 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Inquest day 1 (sitting of 12 November 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Transcription Mary Ann Cox
widow living at 5 Miller's Court; saw Kelly with a man at 11.45 p.m.
Gave evidence 12 November 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
A widow 'getting her living on the streets' at 5 Miller's Court, Cox saw Kelly 'very much intoxicated' at 11.45 p.m. going into her room with a short, stout, shabbily dressed man with a blotchy face, full carroty moustache and a billycock hat, carrying a pot of ale. Kelly said 'Good night, I am going to have a song' and sang 'A violet I plucked from my mother's grave'; she was still singing when Cox came back at about 1 a.m., but at 3 a.m. the light was out and all was quiet. Cox heard a man go out of the court at about 6.15 a.m.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888
Historical text, verbatim:
Mary Ann Cox stated: I live at No. 5 Room, Miller's-court. It is the last house on the left-hand side of the court. I am a widow, and get my living on the streets. I have known the deceased for eight or nine months as the occupant of No. 13 Room. She was called Mary Jane. I last saw her alive on Thursday night, at a quarter to twelve, very much intoxicated.
[Coroner] Where was this ? - In Dorset-street. She went up the court, a few steps in front of me.
[Coroner] Was anybody with her ? - A short, stout man, shabbily dressed. He had on a longish coat, very shabby, and carried a pot of ale in his hand.
[Coroner] What was the colour of the coat ? - A dark coat.
[Coroner] What hat had he ? - A round hard billycock.
[Coroner] Long or short hair ? - I did not notice. He had a blotchy face, and full carrotty moustache.
[Coroner] The chin was shaven ? - Yes. A lamp faced the door.
[Coroner] Did you see them go into her room ? - Yes; I said "Good night, Mary," and she turned round and banged the door.
[Coroner] Had he anything in his hands but the can ? - No.
[Coroner] Did she say anything ? - She said "Good night, I am going to have a song." As I went in she sang "A violet I plucked from my mother's grave when a boy." I remained a quarter of an hour in my room and went out. Deceased was still singing at one o'clock when I returned. I remained in the room for a minute to warm my hands as it was raining, and went out again. She was singing still, and I returned to my room at three o'clock. The light was then out and there was no noise.
[Coroner] Did you go to sleep ? - No; I was upset. I did not undress at all. I did not sleep at all. I must have heard what went on in the court. I heard no noise or cry of "Murder," but men went out to work in the market.
[Coroner] How many men live in the court who work in Spitalfields Market ? - One. At a quarter- past six I heard a man go down the court. That was too late for the market.
[Coroner] From what house did he go ? - I don't know.
[Coroner] Did you hear the door bang after him ? - No.
[Coroner] Then he must have walked up the court and back again? - Yes.
[Coroner] It might have been a policeman ? - It might have been.
[Coroner] What would you take the stout man's age to be ? - Six-and-thirty.
[Coroner] Did you notice the colour of his trousers ? - All his clothes were dark.
[Coroner] Did his boots sound as if the heels were heavy ? - There was no sound as he went up the court.
[Coroner] Then you think that his boots were down at heels ? - He made no noise.
[Coroner] What clothes had Mary Jane on ? - She had no hat; a red pelerine and a shabby skirt.
[Coroner] You say she was drunk ? - I did not notice she was drunk until she said good night. The man closed the door. By the Jury: There was a light in the window, but I saw nothing, as the blinds were down. I should know the man again, if I saw him.
By the Coroner: I feel certain if there had been the cry of "Murder" in the place I should have heard it; there was not the least noise. I have often seen the woman the worse for drink.
Casebook transcription: Mary Jane Kelly inquest, day 1 (12 November 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Inquest day 1 (sitting of 12 November 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Transcription Elizabeth Prater
resident of Room 20, above Kelly's room; heard a cry of "Oh, murder!"
Gave evidence 12 November 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
Living in the room above Kelly's, Prater came home at about 1 a.m., stood at the court entrance until 1.20, saw no light through Kelly's partition and heard no singing. Woken by her kitten at about 3.30-4 a.m., she heard a faint cry of 'Oh - murder!', but took no notice as such cries were common. She went to the Ten Bells at 5.45 a.m.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888
Historical text, verbatim:
Elizabeth Prater, a married woman, said: My husband, William Prater, was a boot machinist, and he has deserted me. I live at 20 Room, in Miller's-court, above the shed. Deceased occupied a room below. I left the room on the Thursday at five p.m., and returned to it at about one a.m. on Friday morning. I stood at the corner until about twenty minutes past one. No one spoke to me. McCarthy's shop was open, and I called in, and then went to my room. I should have seen a glimmer of light in going up the stairs if there had been a light in deceased's room, but I noticed none. The partition was so thin I could have heard Kelly walk about in the room. I went to bed at half-past one and barricaded the door with two tables. I fell asleep directly and slept soundly. A kitten disturbed me about half-past three o'clock or a quarter to four. As I was turning round I heard a suppressed cry of "Oh - murder!" in a faint voice. It seemed to proceed from the court.
[Coroner] Do you often hear cries of "Murder?" - It is nothing unusual in the street. I did not take particular notice.
[Coroner] Did you hear it a second time? - No.
[Coroner] Did you hear beds or tables being pulled about? - None whatever. I went asleep, and was awake again at five a.m. I passed down the stairs, and saw some men harnessing horses. At a quarter to six I was in the Ten Bells.
[Coroner] Could the witness, Mary Ann Cox, have come down the entry between one and half-past one o'clock without your knowledge ? - Yes, she could have done so.
[Coroner] Did you see any strangers at the Ten Bells ? - No. I went back to bed and slept until eleven.
[Coroner] You heard no singing downstairs ? - None whatever. I should have heard the singing distinctly. It was quite quiet at half-past one o'clock.
Casebook transcription: Mary Jane Kelly inquest, day 1 (12 November 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Inquest day 1 (sitting of 12 November 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Transcription Caroline Maxwell
wife of a lodging-house deputy, 14 Dorset Street; claimed to see Kelly on the morning of 9 Nov
Gave evidence 12 November 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
The wife of a lodging-house deputy, Maxwell insisted that she saw Kelly at the corner of Miller's Court between 8 and 8.30 a.m. on Friday, hours after the medical estimate of death, and that Kelly said 'Oh, Carrie, I do feel so bad', explaining that she had had a glass of beer and 'brought it up again'. At about 8.45 a.m., she said, she saw her again talking to a stout man who seemed to be wearing a plaid coat. The coroner warned her that her evidence differed from everyone else's.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888
Historical text, verbatim:
Caroline Maxewell, 14, Dorset-street, said: My husband is a lodging-house deputy. I knew the deceased for about four months. I believe she was an unfortunate. On two occasions I spoke to her.
The Coroner: You must be very careful about your evidence, because it is different to other people's. You say you saw her standing at the corner of the entry to the court ? - Yes, on Friday morning, from eight to half-past eight. I fix the time by my husband's finishing work. When I came out of the lodging-house she was opposite.
[Coroner] Did you speak to her ? - Yes; it was an unusual thing to see her up. She was a young woman who never associated with any one. I spoke across the street, "What, Mary, brings you up so early ?" She said, "Oh, Carrie, I do feel so bad."
[Coroner] And yet you say you had only spoken to her twice previously; you knew her name and she knew yours ? - Oh, yes; by being about in the lodging-house.
[Coroner] What did she say ? - She said, "I've had a glass of beer, and I've brought it up again"; and it was in the road. I imagined she had been in the Britannia beer-shop at the corner of the street. I left her, saying that I could pity her feelings. I went to Bishopsgate-street to get my husband's breakfast. Returning I saw her outside the Britannia public-house, talking to a man.
[Coroner] This would be about what time ? - Between eight and nine o'clock. I was absent about half-an-hour. It was about a quarter to nine.
[Coroner] What description can you give of this man ? - I could not give you any, as they were at some distance.
Inspector Abberline: The distance is about sixteen yards.
Witness: I am sure it was the deceased. I am willing to swear it.
The Coroner: You are sworn now. Was he a tall man ? - No; he was a little taller than me and stout.
Inspector Abberline: On consideration I should say the distance was twenty-five yards.
The Coroner; What clothes had the man ? - Witness: Dark clothes; he seemed to have a plaid coat on. I could not say what sort of hat he had.
[Coroner] What sort of dress had the deceased ? - A dark skirt, a velvet body, a maroon shawl, and no hat. [Coroner] Have you ever seen her the worse for drink ? - I have seen her in drink, but she was not a notorious character.
By the Jury: I should have noticed if the man had had a tall silk hat, but we are accustomed to see men of all sorts with women. I should not like to pledge myself to the kind of hat.
Casebook transcription: Mary Jane Kelly inquest, day 1 (12 November 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Inquest day 1 (sitting of 12 November 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Transcription Sarah Lewis
laundress visiting 2 Miller's Court; saw a man watching the court and heard a scream
Gave evidence 12 November 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
A laundress visiting the Keylers at 2 Miller's Court, Lewis passed at about 2.30 a.m. and saw a stout man in a black wideawake hat standing opposite the court, 'looking up the court' as if waiting for someone (often identified with George Hutchinson). Shortly before 4 a.m. she heard a young woman's voice cry 'Murder!' once. She also described being accosted the previous Wednesday by a man carrying a black bag, whom she believed she saw again near the Britannia.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888
Historical text, verbatim:
Sarah Lewis deposed: I live at 24, Great Pearl-street, and am a laundress. I know Mrs. Keyler, in Miller's-court, and went to her house at 2, Miller's-court, at 2.30a.m. on Friday. It is the first house. I noticed the time by the Spitalfields' Church clock. When I went into the court, opposite the lodging-house I saw a man with a wideawake. There was no one talking to him. He was a stout-looking man, and not very tall. The hat was black. I did not take any notice of his clothes. The man was looking up the court; he seemed to be waiting or looking for some one. Further on there was a man and woman - the later being in drink. There was nobody in the court. I dozed in a chair at Mrs. Keyler's, and woke at about half- past three. I heard the clock strike.
[Coroner] What woke you up ? - I could not sleep. I sat awake until nearly four, when I heard a female's voice shouting "Murder" loudly. It seemed like the voice of a young woman. It sounded at our door. There was only one scream.
[Coroner] Were you afraid ? Did you wake anybody up ? - No, I took no notice, as I only heard the one scream.
[Coroner] You stayed at Keyler's house until what time ? - Half-past five p.m. on Friday. The police would not let us out of the court.
[Coroner] Have you seen any suspicious persons in the district ? - On Wednesday night I was going along the Bethnal-green-road, with a woman, about eight o'clock, when a gentleman passed us. He followed us and spoke to us, and wanted us to follow him into an entry. He had a shiny leather bag with him.
[Coroner] Did he want both of you ? - No; only one. I refused. He went away and came back again, saying he would treat us. He put down his bag and picked it up again, saying, "What are you frightened about ? Do you think I've got anything in the bag ?" We then ran away, as we were frightened.
[Coroner] Was he a tall man ? - He was short, pale-faced, with a black moustache, rather small. His age was about forty.
[Coroner] Was it a large bag ? - No, about 6in to 9in long. His hat was a high round hat. He had a brownish overcoat, with a black short coat underneath. His trousers were a dark pepper-and- salt.
[Coroner] After he left you what did you do ? - We ran away.
[Coroner] Have you seen him since ? - On Friday morning, about half-past two a.m., when I was going to Miller's-court, I met the same man with a woman in Commercial-street, near Mr. Ringer's public-house (the Britannia). He had no overcoat on.
[Coroner] Had he the black bag ? - Yes.
[Coroner] Were the man and woman quarrelling ? - No; they were talking. As I passed he looked at me. I don't know whether he recognised me. There was no policeman about.
Casebook transcription: Mary Jane Kelly inquest, day 1 (12 November 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Inquest day 1 (sitting of 12 November 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Transcription Dr George Bagster Phillips
H Division police surgeon
Gave evidence 12 November 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
Phillips arrived at 11.15 a.m. and, seeing through the window that the mutilated woman was beyond help, waited until the door was forced at 1.30 p.m. He testified that the body had been moved after the fatal wound from the side of the bed nearest the partition, where blood had saturated the palliasse and sheet, and that 'the severance of the right carotid artery' was the immediate cause of death. Fuller medical evidence was deferred and never heard, as the inquest closed that day.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888
Content notice: medical evidence
This testimony contains clinical descriptions of injuries and post-mortem findings.
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Also recorded as: George Baxter Phillips (in press); Dr Phillips
Julia Venturney
charwoman, 1 Miller's Court
Gave evidence 12 November 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
A charwoman at 1 Miller's Court, Venturney said Barnett would not let Kelly go on the streets, that Kelly often got drunk, and that she was fond of another man named Joe. She last saw her at about 10 a.m. on Thursday, lay awake that night, and heard no screams or singing.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888
Historical text, verbatim:
Julia Vanturney [Van Turney], 1, Miller's-court, a charwoman, living with Harry Owen, said: I knew the deceased for some time as Kelly, and I knew Joe Barnett, who lived with her. He would not allow her to go on the streets. Deceased often got drunk. She said she was fond of another man, also named Joe. I never saw this man. I believe he was a costermonger.
[Coroner] When did you last see the deceased alive ? - On Thursday morning, at about ten o'clock. I slept in the court on Thursday night, and went to bed about eight. I could not rest at all during the night.
[Coroner] Did you hear any noises in the court ? - I did not. I heard no screams of "Murder," nor any one singing.
[Coroner] You must have heard deceased singing ? - Yes; I knew her songs. They were generally Irish
Casebook transcription: Mary Jane Kelly inquest, day 1 (12 November 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Inquest day 1 (sitting of 12 November 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Transcription Maria Harvey
laundress and friend; had stayed in Kelly's room
Gave evidence 12 November 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
A friend who had slept in Kelly's room on the Monday and Tuesday nights, Harvey spent Thursday afternoon with her and was there when Barnett called; she left clothing in the room, including a black overcoat she later saw in the court. Kelly had never spoken of being afraid of any man.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888
Historical text, verbatim:
Maria Harvey, 3, New-court, Dorset-street, stated: I knew the deceased as Mary Jane Kelly. I slept at her house on Monday night and on Tuesday night. All the afternoon of Thursday we were together.
[Coroner] Were you in the house when Joe Barnett called ? - Yes. I said, "Well, Mary Jane, I shall not see you this evening again," and I left with her two men's dirty shirts, a little boy's shirt, a black overcoat, a black crepe bonnet with black satin strings, a pawn-ticket for a grey shawl, upon which 2s had been lent, and a little girls white petticoat.
[Coroner] Have you seen any of these articles since? - Yes; I saw the black overcoat in a room in the court on Friday afternoon.
[Coroner] Did the deceased ever speak to you about being afraid of any man ? - She did not.
Casebook transcription: Mary Jane Kelly inquest, day 1 (12 November 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Inquest day 1 (sitting of 12 November 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Transcription Inspector Walter Beck (H Division)
first inspector at the scene
Gave evidence 12 November 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
The first inspector on the scene sent for the doctor, ordered that no one leave the court and directed a search. He said he had not known Kelly to be known to the police.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888
Historical text, verbatim:
Inspector Beck, H Division, deposed that, having sent for the doctor, he gave orders to prevent any persons leaving the court, and he directed officers to make a search. He had not been aware that the deceased was known to the police.
Casebook transcription: Mary Jane Kelly inquest, day 1 (12 November 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Inquest day 1 (sitting of 12 November 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Transcription Inspector Frederick George Abberline (CID, Scotland Yard)
inspector in charge of the investigation on the ground
Gave evidence 12 November 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
Abberline arrived at about 11.30 a.m. and explained that the door was not forced until 1.30 p.m. because bloodhounds were expected; the order was then countermanded. In the grate he found the remains of a fierce fire that had melted the spout of a kettle and burned women's clothing, which he believed was to give the killer light to see. He said the key had been missing for some time and the door was opened by reaching through the broken window.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888
Historical text, verbatim:
Inspector Frederick G. Abberline, inspector of police, Criminal Investigation Department, Scotland-yard, stated: I am in charge of this case. I arrived at Miller's-court about 11.30 on Friday morning.
[Coroner] Was it by your orders that the door was forced ? - No; I had an intimation from Inspector Beck that the bloodhounds had been sent for, and the reply had been received that they were on the way. Dr. Phillips was unwilling to force the door, as it would be very much better to test the dogs, if they were coming. We remained until about 1.30 p.m., when Superintendent Arnold arrived, and he informed me that the order in regard to the dogs had been countermanded, and he gave orders for the door to be forced. I agree with the medical evidence as to the condition of the room. I subsequently took an inventory of the contents of the room. There were traces of a large fire having been kept up in the grate, so much so that it had melted the spout of a kettle off. We have since gone through the ashes in the fireplace; there were remnants of clothing, a portion of a brim of a hat, and a skirt, and it appeared as if a large quantity of women's clothing had been burnt.
[Coroner] Can you give any reason why they were burnt ? - I can only imagine that it was to make a light for the man to see what he was doing. There was only one small candle in the room, on the top of a broken wine-glass. An impression has gone abroad that the murderer took away the key of the room. Barnett informs me that it has been missing some time, and since it has been lost they have put their hand through the broken window, and moved back the catch. It is quite easy. There was a man's clay pipe in the room, and Barnett informed me that he smoked it.
[Coroner] Is there anything further the jury ought to know ? - No; if there should be I can communicate with you, sir.
Casebook transcription: Mary Jane Kelly inquest, day 1 (12 November 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Inquest day 1 (sitting of 12 November 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 13 November 1888 · Transcription Also recorded as: Aberline; Insp.
George Hutchinson
unemployed labourer who said he watched Kelly go into Miller's Court with a man at about 2 a.m.; DID NOT TESTIFY (came forward on the evening the inquest closed)
Did not testify at the inquestStatement: 1888-11-12, about 6 p.m., to Sgt Edward Badham at Commercial Street Police Station (MEPO 3/140 ff. 227-9)
Editorial summary of the evidence
Hutchinson came forward after the inquest closed. He said Kelly asked him for sixpence near Flower and Dean Street at about 2 a.m., then met a well-dressed man and went with him to Miller's Court, where Hutchinson watched for about three-quarters of an hour. He gave an unusually detailed description of the man: about 34-35, 5ft 6in, pale, with a slight moustache curled up at each end, an astrakhan-trimmed coat, a thick gold chain, a horseshoe tie pin, and 'Jewish appearance'. Inspector Abberline interrogated him and believed his statement true; his reliability has been much debated since.
Verbatim report: Casebook: Jack the Ripper, witness page "George Hutchinson"
Historical text, verbatim:
About 2 am 9th I was coming by Thrawl Street, Commercial Street, and saw just before I got to Flower and Dean Street I saw the murdered woman Kelly. And she said to me Hutchinson will you lend me sixpence. I said I cant I have spent all my money going down to Romford. She said Good morning I must go and find some money. She went away toward Thrawl Street. A man coming in the opposite direction to Kelly tapped her on the shoulder and said something to her. They both burst out laughing. I heard her say alright to him. And the man said you will be alright for what I have told you. He then placed his right hand around her shoulders. He also had a kind of a small parcel in his left hand with a kind of strap round it. I stood against the lamp of the Queen’s Head Public House and watched him. They both then came past me and the man hid down his head with his hat over his eyes. I stooped down and looked him in the face. He looked at me stern. They both went into Dorset Street I followed them. They both stood at the corner of the Court for about 3 minutes. He said something to her. She said alright my dear come along you will be comfortable He then placed his arm on her shoulder and gave her a kiss. She said she had lost her handkercheif he then pulled his handkercheif a red one out and gave it to her. They both then went up the court together. I then went to the Court to see if I could see them, but could not. I stood there for about three quarters of an hour to see if they came out they did not so I went away.
Description age about 34 or 35. height 5ft6 complexion pale, dark eyes and eye lashes slight moustache, curled up each end, and hair dark, very surley looking dress long dark coat, collar and cuffs trimmed astracan. And a dark jacket under. Light waistcoat dark trousers dark felt hat turned down in the middle. Button boots and gaiters with white buttons. Wore a very thick gold chain white linen collar. Black tie with horse shoe pin. Respectable appearance walked very sharp. Jewish appearance. Can be identified.
[...]
[Abberline:] I have interrogated him this evening and I am of opinion his statement is true. He informed me that he had occasionally given the deceased a few shillings, and that he had known her about 3 years. Also that he was surprised to see a man so well dressed in her company which caused him to watch them.
Casebook: Jack the Ripper, witness page "George Hutchinson" · Statement (MEPO 3/140 ff. 227-9) and Abberline's report (ff. 230-2) · Transcription Dr Thomas Bond
A Division police surgeon who conducted the post-mortem with Phillips; DID NOT TESTIFY (his notes were not put before the jury)
Did not testify at the inquestStatement: 1888-11-10 (post-mortem notes; MEPO 3/3153 ff. 10-18, returned anonymously to Scotland Yard in 1987)
Editorial summary of the evidence
Bond's notes describe the body lying naked in the middle of the bed, with the abdomen emptied, the breasts cut off, the face 'hacked beyond recognition' and the neck severed to the bone, and organs placed around the body and on the table. Blood had splashed the wall beside the bed. The heart was absent, and partly digested fish and potatoes were found. He did not testify; the inquest closed before detailed medical evidence was heard. (His separate 10 November letter to Robert Anderson offering an early offender profile is not included here.)
Verbatim report: Casebook: Jack the Ripper, "Post-mortem report on Mary Kelly"
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The coroner's summing-up (excerpt)
Historical text, verbatim:The Coroner (to the jury): The question is whether you will adjourn for further evidence. My own opinion is that it is very unnecessary for two courts to deal with these cases, and go through the same evidence time after time, which only causes expense and trouble. If the coroner's jury can come to a decision as to the cause of death, then that is all that they have to do. They have nothing to do with prosecuting a man and saying what amount of penalty he is to get. It is quite sufficient if they find out what the cause of death was. It is for the police authorities to deal with the case and satisfy themselves as to any person who may be suspected later on. I do not want to take it out of your hands. It is for you to say whether at an adjournment you will hear minutiae of the evidence, or whether you will think it is a matter to be dealt with in the police-courts later on, and that, this woman having met with her death by the carotid artery having been cut, you will be satisfied to return a verdict to that effect. From what I learn the police are content to take the future conduct of the case. It is for you to say whether you will close the inquiry to-day; if not, we shall adjourn for a week or fortnight, to hear the evidence that you may desire.
The Foreman, having consulted with his colleagues, considered that the jury had had quite sufficient evidence before them upon which to give a verdict.
The Coroner: What is the verdict:
The Foreman: Wilful murder against some person or persons unknown.