Inquest · 1 October 1888, 2 October 1888, 3 October 1888, 5 October 1888, 23 October 1888
The inquest into the death of Elizabeth Stride
Editorial summaryCompiled by the research team from the transcribed press reports.
Baxter opened the Stride inquest at St George's Vestry Hall on 1 October, the day after the 'double event'. Members of the International Working Men's Educational Club (Wess, Eagle, Diemschutz, later Krantz) described the dark yard and the discovery at 1 a.m., and PC Lamb, Dr Blackwell, his assistant Johnston and Dr Phillips gave the scene and medical evidence: a single clean cut on the left side of the throat, no mutilation, a packet of cachous still in her hand, and death within about half an hour of 1.16 a.m. Identification caused prolonged confusion. Mary Malcolm swore repeatedly that the dead woman was her sister Elizabeth Watts until, on the final day, Watts (now Mrs Stokes) appeared alive. Lodging-house witnesses, Michael Kidney and the Swedish Church clerk Sven Olsson established her as Elizabeth Stride, née Gustafsdotter. Several witnesses (Marshall at 11.45 p.m., PC Smith at about 12.35 a.m., James Brown at 12.45 a.m.) described her with a man, though their descriptions differ. Israel Schwartz, who told police he saw her attacked at the gateway at 12.45 a.m., does not appear in any inquest report. Phillips's recalled evidence of 5 October (no damage to the palate, no grapes swallowed, the victim placed on the ground before her throat was cut) disposed of several press stories. In his summing-up on 23 October, Baxter accepted the identification as Stride, noted the absence of mutilation and the probability that the killer was a stranger to her, and the jury returned wilful murder against some person or persons unknown.
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
William Wess (West)
overseer of the printing office at the International Working Men's Educational Club, 40 Berner Street
Gave evidence 1 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
Overseer of the printing office at the International Working Men's Educational Club, Wess described the premises and Dutfield's Yard, its double gates usually closed at night. He finally left at about a quarter past twelve, after going into the yard (which had no lamp) and noticing nothing on the ground, and estimated 20-30 people were in the club after the evening's discussion; he had heard no cry.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 2 October 1888, p. 3
Historical text, verbatim:
William Wess [West], who affirmed instead of being sworn, was the first witness examined, and, in reply to the coroner, he said: I reside at No. 2, William-street, Cannon-street-road, and am overseer in the printing office attached to No. 40, Berner-street, Commercial-road, which premises are in the occupation of the International Working Men's Education Society, whose club is carried on there. On the ground floor of the club is a room, the door and window of which face the street. At the rear of this is the kitchen, whilst the first floor consists of a large room which is used for our meetings and entertainments, I being a member of the club. At the south side of the premises is a courtyard, to which entrance can be obtained through a double door, in one section of which is a smaller one, which is used when the larger barriers are closed. The large doors are generally closed at night, but sometimes remain open. On the left side of the yard is a house, which is divided into three tenements, and occupied, I believe, by that number of families. At the end is a store or workshop belonging to Messrs. Hindley and Co., sack manufacturers. I do not know that a way out exists there. The club premises and the printing-office occupy the entire length of the yard on the right side. Returning to the club-house, the front room on the ground floor is used for meals. In the kitchen is a window which faces the door opening into the yard. The intervening passage is illuminated by means of a fanlight over the door. The printing-office, which does not communicate with the club, consists of two rooms, one for compositors and the other for the editor. On Saturday the compositors finished their labours at two o'clock in the afternoon. The editor concluded earlier, but remained at the place until the discovery of the murder.
[Coroner] How many members are there in the club? - From seventy-five to eighty. Working men of any nationality can join.
[Coroner] Is any political qualification required of members? - It is a political - a Socialist - club.
[Coroner] Do the members have to agree with any particular principles? - A candidate is proposed by one member and seconded by another, and a member would not nominate a candidate unless he knew that he was a supporter of Socialist principles. On Saturday last I was in the printing-office during the day and in the club during the evening. From nine to half-past ten at night I was away seeing an English friend home, but I was in the club again till a quarter-past midnight. A discussion was proceeding in the lecture-room, which has three windows overlooking the courtyard. From ninety to 100 persons attended the discussion, which terminated soon after half-past eleven, when the bulk of the members left, using the street door, the most convenient exit. From twenty to thirty members remained, some staying in the lecture-room and the others going downstairs. Of those upstairs a few continued the discussion, while the rest were singing. The windows of the lecture-room were partly open.
[Coroner] How do you know that you finally left at a quarter-past twelve o'clock? - Because of the time when I reached my lodgings. Before leaving I went into the yard, and thence to the printing-office, in order to leave some literature there, and on returning to the yard I observed that the double door at the entrance was open. There is no lamp in the yard, and none of the street lamps light it, so that the yard is only lit by the lights through the windows at the side of the club and of the tenements opposite. As to the tenements, I only observed lights in two first-floor windows. There was also a light in the printing- office, the editor being in his room reading.
[Coroner] Was there much noise in the club? - Not exactly much noise; but I could hear the singing when I was in the yard.
[Coroner] Did you look towards the yard gates? - Not so much to the gates as to the ground, but nothing unusual attracted my attention.
[Coroner] Can you say that there was no object on the ground? - I could not say that.
[Coroner] Do you think it possible that anything can have been there without your observing it? - It was dark, and I am a little shortsighted, so that it is possible. The distance from the gates to the kitchen door is 18 ft.
[Coroner] What made you look towards the gates at all? - Simply because they were open. I went into the club, and called my brother, and we left together by the front door.
[Coroner] On leaving did you see anybody as you passed the yard? - No.
[Coroner] Or did you meet any one in the street? - Not that I recollect. I generally go home between twelve and one o'clock. [...]
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 1 (1 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 2 October 1888, p. 3 · Inquest day 1 (sitting of 1 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 2 October 1888, p. 3 · Transcription The excerpt is shortened. The full report is longer: follow the source link.
Also recorded as: West
Morris Eagle
club member; passed through the yard at about 12.40 a.m.
Gave evidence 1 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
A jewellery traveller and club member who had chaired the evening discussion, Eagle returned at about 12.40 a.m. and walked through the gateway into the club without noticing anything on the ground, though it was dark. On seeing the blood by match-light he ran for the police, and a constable then sent him to the station for the inspector. He said a woman's cry of 'Murder' would have been heard in the club.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 2 October 1888, p. 3
Historical text, verbatim:
Morris Eagle, who also affirmed, said: I live at No. 4, New-road, Commercial-road, and travel in jewellery. I am a member of the International Workmen's Club, which meets at 40, Berner-street. I was there on Saturday, several times during the day, and was in the chair during the discussion in the evening. After the discussion, between half-past eleven and a quarter to twelve o'clock, I left the club to take my young lady home, going out through the front door. I returned about twenty minutes to one. I tried the front door, but, finding it closed, I went through the gateway into the yard, reaching the club in that way.
[Coroner] Did you notice anything lying on the ground near the gates? - I did not.
[Coroner] Did you pass in the middle of the gateway? - I think so. The gateway is 9 ft. 2 in. wide. I naturally walked on the right side, that being the side on which the club door was.
[Coroner] Do you think you are able to say that the deceased was not lying there then? - I do not know, I am sure, because it was rather dark. There was a light from the upper part of the club, but that would not throw any illumination upon the ground. It was dark near the gates.
[Coroner] You have formed no opinion, I take it, then, as to whether there was anything there? - No.
[Coroner] Did you see anyone about in Berner-street? - I dare say I did, but I do not remember them.
[Coroner] Did you observe any one in the yard? - I do not remember that I did.
[Coroner] If there had been a man and woman there you would have remembered the circumstance? - Yes; I am sure of that.
[Coroner] Did you notice whether there were any lights in the tenements opposite the club? - I do not recollect.
[Coroner] Are you often at the club late at night? - Yes, very often.
[Coroner] In the yard, too? - No, not in the yard.
[Coroner] And you have never seen a man and woman there? - No, not in the yard; but I have close by, outside the beershop, at the corner of Fairclough-street. As soon as I entered the gateway on Saturday night I could hear a friend of mine singing in the upstair room of the club. I went up to him. He was singing in the Russian language, and we sang together. I had been there twenty minutes when a member named Gidleman came upstairs, and said "there is a woman dead in the yard." I went down in a second and struck a match, when I saw a woman lying on the ground in a pool of blood, near the gates. Her feet were towards the gates, about six or seven feet from them. She was lying by the side of and facing the club wall. When I reached the body and struck the match another member was present.
[Coroner] Did you touch the body? - No. As soon as I struck the match I perceived a lot of blood, and I ran away and called the police.
[Coroner] Were the clothes of the deceased disturbed? - I cannot say. I ran towards the Commercial-road, Dienishitz, the club steward, and another member going in the opposite direction down Fairclough- street. In Commercial-road I found two constables at the corner of Grove-street. I told them that a woman had been murdered in Berner-street, and they returned with me.
[Coroner] Was any one in the yard then? - Yes, a few persons - some members of the club and some strangers. One of the policemen turned his lamp on the deceased and sent me to the station for the inspector, at the same time telling his comrade to fetch a doctor. The onlookers seemed afraid to go near and touch the body. The constable, however, felt it.
[Coroner] Can you fix the time when the discovery was first made? - It must have been about one o'clock. On Saturday nights there is free discussion at the club, and among those present last Saturday were about half a dozen women, but they were those we knew - not strangers. It was not a dancing night, but a few members may have danced after the discussion.
[Coroner] If there was dancing and singing in the club you would not hear the cry of a woman in the yard? - It would depend upon the cry.
[Coroner] The cry of a woman in great distress - a cry of "Murder"? - Yes, I should have heard that.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 1 (1 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 2 October 1888, p. 3 · Inquest day 1 (sitting of 1 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 2 October 1888, p. 3 · Transcription Louis Diemschutz
steward of the International Working Men's Club who found the body
Gave evidence 1 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
The club steward drove his pony and barrow into the yard at 'exactly' 1 a.m.; the pony shied at a dark object on the right, which he prodded with his whip. He fetched a candle and saw blood before reaching the body, ran out shouting 'Police!', and a man who returned with him lifted the head to reveal the throat wound. He said the clothes were 'in perfect order' and a doctor arrived about twenty minutes after the police.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 2 October 1888, p. 3
Historical text, verbatim:
Lewis Dienishitz [Diemschutz], having affirmed, deposed: I reside at No. 40 Berner-street, and am steward of the International Workmen's Club. I am married, and my wife lives at the club too, and assists in the management. On Saturday I left home about half-past eleven in the morning, and returned exactly at one o'clock on Sunday morning. I noticed the time at the baker's shop at the corner of Berner-street. I had been to the market near the Crystal Palace, and had a barrow like a costermonger's, drawn by a pony, which I keep in George-yard Cable-street. I drove home to leave my goods. I drove into the yard, both gates being wide open. It was rather dark there. All at once my pony shied at some object on the right. I looked to see what the object was, and observed that there was something unusual, but could not tell what. It was a dark object. I put my whip handle to it, and tried to lift it up, but as I did not succeed I jumped down from my barrow and struck a match. It was rather windy, and I could only get sufficient light to see that there was some figure there. I could tell from the dress that it was the figure of a woman.
[Coroner] You did not disturb it? - No. I went into the club and asked where my wife was. I found her in the front room on the ground floor.
[Coroner] What did you do with the pony? - I left it in the yard by itself, just outside the club door. There were several members in the front room of the club, and I told them all that there was a woman lying in the yard, though I could not say whether she was drunk or dead. I then got a candle and went into the yard, where I could see blood before I reached the body.
[Coroner] Did you touch the body? - No, I ran off at once for the police. I could not find a constable in the direction which I took, so I shouted out "Police!" as loudly as I could. A man whom I met in Grove- street returned with me, and when we reached the yard he took hold of the head of the deceased. As he lifted it up I saw the wound in the throat.
[Coroner] Had the constables arrived then? - At the very same moment Eagle and the constables arrived.
[Coroner] Did you notice anything unusual when you were approaching the club? - No.
[Coroner] You saw nothing suspicious? - Not at all.
[Coroner] How soon afterwards did a doctor arrive? - About twenty minutes after the constables came up. No one was allowed by the police to leave the club until they were searched, and then they had to give their names and addresses.
[Coroner] Did you notice whether the clothes of the deceased were in order? - They were in perfect order.
[Coroner] How was she lying? - On her left side, with her face towards the club wall.
[Coroner] Was the whole of the body resting on the side? - No, I should say only her face. I cannot say how much of the body was sideways. I did not notice what position her hands were in, but when the police came I observed that her bodice was unbuttoned near the neck. The doctor said the body was quite warm.
[Coroner] What quantity of blood should you think had flowed from the body? - I should say quite two quarts. [Coroner] In what direction had it run? - Up the yard from the street. The body was about one foot from the club wall. The gutter of the yard is paved with large stones, and the centre with smaller irregular stones.
[Coroner] Have you ever seen men and women together in the yard? - Never.
[Coroner] Nor heard of such a thing? - No.
A Juror: Could you in going up the yard have passed the body without touching it? - Oh, yes.
[Coroner] Any person going up the centre of the yard might have passed without noticing it? - I, perhaps, should not have noticed it if my pony had not shied. I had passed it when I got down from my barrow.
[Coroner] How far did the blood run? - As far as the kitchen door of the club.
[Coroner] Was any person left with the body while you ran for the police? - Some members of the club remained; at all events, when I came back they were there. I cannot say whether any of them touched the body.
Inspector Reid (interposing): When the murder was discovered the members of the club were detained on the premises, and I searched them, whilst Dr. Phillips examined them.
A Juror; Was it possible for anybody to leave the yard between the discovery of the body and the arrival of the police? [...]
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 1 (1 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 2 October 1888, p. 3 · Inquest day 1 (sitting of 1 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 2 October 1888, p. 3 · Transcription The excerpt is shortened. The full report is longer: follow the source link.
PC Henry Lamb (252H)
first police constable at the scene
Gave evidence 2 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
Shortly before 1 a.m. two men ran to Lamb in Commercial Road crying 'there has been another murder'. He found the woman with her throat cut, face slightly warm, no pulse, lying on her left side; he sent for a doctor and the inspector, had the gates shut, and examined the hands and clothes of everyone in the yard and club. He found no blood on any of them.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 3 October 1888, p. 3
Historical text, verbatim:
Constable Henry Lamb, 252 H division, examined by the coroner, said: Last Sunday morning, shortly before one o'clock, I was on duty in Commercial-road, between Christian-street and Batty-street, when two men came running towards me and shouting. I went to meet them, and they called out, "Come on, there has been another murder." I asked where, and as they got to the corner of Berner-street they pointed down and said, "There." I saw people moving some distance down the street. I ran, followed by another constable - 426 H. Arriving at the gateway of No. 40 I observed something dark lying on the ground on the right-hand side. I turned my light on, when I found that the object was a woman, with her throat cut and apparently dead. I sent the other constable for the nearest doctor, and a young man who was standing by I despatched to the police station to inform the inspector what had occurred. On my arrival there were about thirty people in the yard, and others followed me in. No one was nearer than a yard to the body. As I was examining the deceased the crowd gathered round, but I begged them to keep back, otherwise they might have their clothes soiled with blood, and thus get into trouble.
[Coroner] Up to this time had you touched the body? - I had put my hand on the face.
[Coroner] Was it warm? - Slightly. I felt the wrist, but could not discern any movement of the pulse. I then blew my whistle for assistance.
[Coroner] Did you observe how the deceased was lying? - She was lying on her left side, with her left hand on the ground.
[Coroner] Was there anything in that hand? - I did not notice anything. The right arm was across the breast. Her face was not more than five or six inches away from the club wall.
[Coroner] Were her clothes disturbed? - No.
[Coroner] Only her boots visible? - Yes, and only the soles of them. There were no signs of a struggle. Some of the blood was in a liquid state, and had run towards the kitchen door of the club. A little - that nearest to her on the ground - was slightly congealed. I can hardly say whether any was still flowing from the throat. Dr. Blackwell was the first doctor to arrive; he came ten or twelve minutes after myself, but I had no watch with me.
[Coroner] Did any one of the crowd say whether the body had been touched before your arrival? - No. Dr. Blackwell examined the body and its surroundings. Dr. Phillips came ten minutes later. Inspector Pinhorn arrived directly after Dr. Blackwell. When I blew my whistle other constables came, and I had the entrance of the yard closed. This was while Dr. Blackwell was looking at the body. Before that the doors were wide open. The feet of the deceased extended just to the swing of the gate, so that the barrier could be closed without disturbing the body. I entered the club and left a constable at the gate to prevent any one passing in or out. I examined the hands and clothes of all the members of the club. There were from fifteen to twenty present, and they were on the ground floor.
[Coroner] Did you discover traces of blood anywhere in the club? - No.
[Coroner] Was the steward present? - Yes.
[Coroner] Did you ask him to lock the front door? - I did not. There was a great deal of commotion. That was done afterwards.
The Coroner: But time is the essence of the thing.
Witness: I did not see any person leave. I did not try the front door of the club to see if it was locked. I afterwards went over the cottages, the occupants of which were in bed. I was admitted by men, who came down partly dressed; all the other people were undressed. As to the waterclosets in the yard, one was locked and the other unlocked, but no one was there. There is a recess near the dust-bin.
[Coroner] Did you go there? - Yes, afterwards, with Dr. Phillips.
The Coroner: But I am speaking of at the time.
Witness: I did it subsequently. I do not recollect looking over the wooden partition. I, however, examined the store belonging to Messrs. Hindley, sack manufacturers, but I saw nothing there.
[Coroner] How long were the cottagers in opening their doors? - Only a few minutes, and they seemed frightened. When I returned Dr. Phillips and Chief Inspector West had arrived.
[Coroner] Was there anything to prevent a man escaping while you were examining the body? - Several people were inside and outside the gates, and I should think that they would be sure to observe a man who had marks of blood. [...]
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 2 (2 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 3 October 1888, p. 3 · Inquest day 2 (sitting of 2 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 3 October 1888, p. 3 · Transcription The excerpt is shortened. The full report is longer: follow the source link.
Edward Spooner
horse-keeper who went to the yard on hearing cries of "Murder"
Gave evidence 2 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
A horse-keeper standing with his young woman outside the Beehive pub, Spooner was alerted by two men shouting 'Murder' and 'Police', went to the yard and, by the light of a match, put his hand under the woman's chin, which was slightly warm; blood was still flowing from the throat. He noticed red and white flowers pinned on her breast and a piece of paper in her right hand, and helped Lamb close the gates.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 3 October 1888, p. 3
Historical text, verbatim:
Edward Spooner, in reply to the coroner, said: I live at No. 26, Fairclough-street, and am a horse-keeper with Messrs. Meredith, biscuit bakers. On Sunday morning, between half-past twelve and one o'clock, I was standing outside the Beehive Public- house, at the corner of Christian-street, with my young woman. We had left a public- house in Commercial-road at closing time, midnight, and walked quietly to the point named. We stood outside the Beehive about twenty-five minutes, when two Jews came running along, calling out "Murder" and "Police." They ran as far as Grove- street, and then turned back. I stopped them and asked what was the matter, and they replied that a woman had been murdered. I thereupon proceeded down Berner-street and into Dutfield's-yard, adjoining the International Workmen's Club-house, and there saw a woman lying just inside the gate.
[Coroner] Was any one with her? - There were about fifteen people in the yard.
[Coroner] Was any one near her? - They were all standing round.
[Coroner] Were they touching her? - No. One man struck a match, but I could see the woman before the match was struck. I put my hand under her chin when the match was alight.
[Coroner] Was the chin warm? - Slightly.
[Coroner] Was any blood coming from the throat? - Yes; it was still flowing. I noticed that she had a piece of paper doubled up in her right hand, and some red and white flowers pinned on her breast. I did not feel the body, nor did I alter the position of the head. I am sure of that. Her face was turned towards the club wall.
[Coroner] Did you notice whether the blood was still moving on the ground? - It was running down the gutter. I stood by the side of the body for four or five minutes, until the last witness arrived.
[Coroner] Did you notice any one leave the yard while you were there? - No.
[Coroner] Could any one have left without your observing it? - I cannot say, but I think there were too many people about. I believe it was twenty-five minutes to one o'clock when I arrived in the yard.
[Coroner] Have you formed any opinion as to whether the people had moved the body before you came? - No.
The Foreman: As a rule, Jews do not care to touch dead bodies.
Witness: The legs of the deceased were drawn up, but her clothes were not disturbed. When Police-constable Lamb came I helped him to close the gates of the yard, and I left through the club.
Inspector Reid: I believe that was after you had given your name and address to the police? - Yes. And had been searched? - Yes. And examined by Dr. Phillips? - Yes.
The Coroner: Was there no blood on your hands? - No.
[Coroner] Then there was no blood on the chin of the deceased? - No.
By the Jury: I did not meet any one as I was hastening through Berner-street.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 2 (2 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 3 October 1888, p. 3 · Inquest day 2 (sitting of 2 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 3 October 1888, p. 3 · Transcription Mary Malcolm
woman who wrongly identified the body as her sister, Elizabeth Watts
Gave evidence 2 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
Malcolm swore at length, with growing certainty, that the body was her sister, Elizabeth Watts, who visited her for money every Saturday, and described her sister's drinking and troubled history. On 23 October Elizabeth Stokes (formerly Watts) appeared alive and denounced the evidence as 'all false'; the coroner described the misidentification as the inquiry's first difficulty.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 3 October 1888, p. 3
Historical text, verbatim:
Mary Malcolm was the next witness, and she was deeply affected while giving her evidence. In answer to the coroner she said: I live at No. 50, Eagle-street, Red Lion- square, Holborn, and am married. My husband, Andrew Malcolm, is a tailor. I have seen the body at the mortuary. I saw it once on Sunday and twice yesterday.
[Coroner] Who is it? - It is the body of my sister, Elizabeth Watts.
[Coroner] You have no doubt about that? - Not the slightest.
[Coroner] You did have some doubts about it at one time? - I had at first.
[Coroner] When did you last see your sister alive? - Last Thursday, about a quarter to seven in the evening.
[Coroner] Where? - She came to see me at No. 59, Red Lion-street, where I work as a trousermaker.
[Coroner] What did she come to you for? - To ask me for a little assistance. I have been in the habit of assisting her for five years.
[Coroner] Did you give her anything? - I gave her a shilling and a short jacket - not the jacket which is now on the body.
[Coroner] How long was she with you? - Only a few moments.
[Coroner] Did she say where she was going? - No.
[Coroner] Where was she living? - I do not know. I know it was somewhere in the neighbourhood of the tailoring Jews - Commercial-road or Commercial-street, or somewhere at the East-end.
[Coroner] Did you understand that she was living in lodging-houses? - Yes.
[Coroner] Did you know what she was doing for a livelihood? - I had my doubts.
[Coroner] Was she the worse for drink when she came to you on Thursday? - No, sober.
[Coroner] But she was sometimes the worse for drink, was she not? - That was, unfortunately, a failing with her. She was thirty-seven years of age last March.
[Coroner] Had she ever been married? - Yes.
[Coroner] Is her husband alive? - Yes, so far as I know. She married the son of Mr. Watts, wine and spirit merchant, of Walcot-street, Bath. I think her husband's Christian name was Edward. I believe he is now in America.
[Coroner] Did he get into trouble? - No.
[Coroner] Why did he go away? - Because my sister brought trouble upon him.
[Coroner] When did she leave him? - About eight years ago, but I cannot be quite certain as to the time. She had two children. Her husband caught her with a porter, and there was a quarrel.
[Coroner] Did the husband turn her out of doors? - No, he sent her to my poor mother, with the two children.
[Coroner] Where does your mother live? - She is dead. She died in the year 1883.
[Coroner] Where are the children now? - The girl is dead, but the boy is at a boarding school kept by his aunt.
[Coroner] Was the deceased subject to epileptic fits? - Witness (sobbing bitterly): No, she only had drunken fits.
[Coroner] Was she ever before the Thames police magistrate? - I believe so.
[Coroner] Charged with drunkenness? - Yes.
[Coroner] Are you aware that she has been let off on the supposition that she was subject to epileptic fits? - I believe that is so, but she was not subject to epileptic fits.
[Coroner] Has she ever told you of troubles she was in with any man? - Oh yes; she lived with a man. [...]
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 2 (2 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 3 October 1888, p. 3 · Inquest day 2 (sitting of 2 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 3 October 1888, p. 3 · Transcription The excerpt is shortened. The full report is longer: follow the source link.
Dr Frederick William Blackwell
physician and surgeon, first doctor at the scene
Gave evidence 2 October 1888 and 5 October 1888 (recalled)
Editorial summary of the evidence
Called at about 1.10 a.m., Blackwell arrived at 1.16 by his watch and found the body on its left side, the neck and chest warm, hands cold, and a packet of cachous in the left hand. He estimated death had occurred 'from twenty minutes to half an hour' before his arrival; only the vessels on the left side were cut, so death would have been comparatively slow, and she could not have cried out. He thought the murderer had probably caught hold of her tight, knotted silk scarf and pulled her backwards. Recalled on 5 October, he said he had removed the cachous himself and that the hand had gradually relaxed as she died.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 3 October 1888, p. 3
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.
Your choice applies to this kind of material for the rest of this browser session.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3
Content notice: medical evidence
This testimony contains clinical descriptions of injuries and post-mortem findings.
Your choice applies to this kind of material for the rest of this browser session.
Also recorded as: Dr
Elizabeth Tanner
deputy of the lodging house at 32 Flower and Dean Street
Gave evidence 3 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
The deputy of the lodging house at 32 Flower and Dean Street knew the deceased as 'Long Liz', who said she was Swedish and that her husband and children had drowned in the Princess Alice disaster. She last saw her at about 6.30 p.m. on Saturday in the Queen's Head pub in Commercial Street; Stride had cleaned two rooms that day and been paid 6d.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5
Historical text, verbatim:
Elizabeth Tanner, examined by the Coroner, said: I am deputy of the common lodging-house, No. 32, Flower and Dean-street, and am a widow. I have seen the body of the deceased at St. George's Mortuary, and recognise it as that of a woman who has lodged in our house, on and off, for the last six years.
[Coroner] Who is she? - She was known by the nick-name of "Long Liz."
[Coroner] Do you know her right name? - No.
[Coroner] Was she an English woman? - She used to say that she was a Swedish woman. She never told me where she was born. She said that she was married, and that her husband and children were drowned in the Princess Alice.
[Coroner] When did you last see her alive? - Last Saturday evening, at half-past six o'clock.
[Coroner] Where was she then? - With me in a public-house, called the Queen's Head, in Commercial-street.
[Coroner] Did she leave you there? - She went back with me to the lodging-house. At that time she had no bonnet or cloak on. She never told me what her husband was.
[Coroner] Where did you actually leave her? - She went into the kitchen, and I went to another part of the building.
[Coroner] Did you see her again? - No, until I saw the body in the mortuary to-day.
[Coroner] You are quite certain it is the body of the same woman? - Quite sure. I recognise, beside the features, that the roof of her mouth is missing. Deceased accounted for this by stating that she was in the Princess Alice when it went down, and that her mouth was injured.
[Coroner] How long had she been staying at the lodging-house? - She was there last week only on Thursday and Friday nights.
[Coroner] Had she paid for her bed on Saturday night? - No.
[Coroner] Do you know any of her male acquaintances? - Only of one.
[Coroner] Who is he? - She was living with him. She left him on Thursday to come and stay at our house, so she told me.
[Coroner] Have you seen this man? - I saw him last Sunday.
Detective-Inspector Reid: He is present to-day.
Witness: I do not know that she was ever up at the Thames Police-court, or that she suffered from epileptic fits. I am aware that she lived in Fashion-street, but not that she has ever resided at Poplar. I never heard of a sister at Red Lion-square. I never heard of any relative except her late husband and children.
[Coroner] What sort of a woman was she? - Very quiet.
[Coroner] A sober woman? - Yes.
[Coroner] Did she use to stop out late at night? - Sometimes.
[Coroner] Do you know if she had any money? - She cleaned two rooms for me on Saturday, and I paid her 6d for doing it. I do not know whether she had any other money.
[Coroner] Are you able to say whether the two handkerchiefs now at the mortuary belonged to the deceased? - No.
[Coroner] Do you recognise her clothes? - Yes. I recognise the long cloak which is hanging up in the mortuary. The other clothes she had on last Saturday.
[Coroner] Did she ever tell you that she was afraid of any one? - No.
[Coroner] Or that any one had ever threatened to injure her? - No.
[Coroner] The fact of her not coming back on Saturday did not surprise you, I suppose? - We took no notice of it.
[Coroner] What made you go to the mortuary, then? - Because I was sent for. I do not recollect at what hour she came to the lodging-house last Thursday. She was wearing the long cloak then. She did not bring any parcel with her.
By the jury: I do not know of any one else of the name of Long Liz. I never heard of her sister allowing her any money, nor have I heard the name of Stride mentioned in connection with her. Before last Thursday she had been away from my house about three months.
The Coroner: Did you see her during that three months? - Yes, frequently; sometimes once a week, and at other times almost every other day.
[Coroner] Did you understand what she was doing? - She told me that she was at work among the Jews, and was living with a man in Fashion-street.
[Coroner] Could she speak English well? - Yes, but she spoke Swedish also.
[Coroner] When she spoke English could you detect that she was a foreigner? - She spoke English as well as an English woman. She did not associate much with Swedish people. I never heard of her having hurt her foot, nor of her having broken a limb in childhood. I had no doubt that she was what she represented herself to be - a Swede.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 3 (3 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5 · Inquest day 3 (sitting of 3 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5 · Transcription Catherine Lane
charwoman, fellow lodger at 32 Flower and Dean Street
Gave evidence 3 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
A charwoman at the same lodging house, Lane had known Stride six or seven months; Stride said she had had words with the man she lived with. Between 7 and 8 p.m. on Saturday Stride left, giving Lane a piece of velvet to keep, and showed her sixpence. Lane said Stride had told her that her husband was dead.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5
Historical text, verbatim:
Catherine Lane: I live in Flower and Dean-street, and am a charwoman and married. My husband is a dock labourer, and is living with me at the lodging house of which the last witness is deputy. I have been there since last February. I have seen the body of the deceased at the mortuary.
The Coroner: Did you recognise it? - Yes, as the body of Long Liz, who lived occasionally in the lodging-house. She came there last Thursday.
[Coroner] Had you ever seen her before? - I have known her for six or seven months. I used to see her frequently in Fashion-street, where she lived, and I have seen her at our lodging-house.
[Coroner] Did you speak to her last week? - On Thursday and Saturday.
[Coroner] At what time did you see her first on Thursday? - Between ten and eleven o'clock.
[Coroner] Did she explain why she was coming back? - She said she had had a few words with the man she was living with.
[Coroner] When did you see her on Saturday? - When she was cleaning the deputy's room.
[Coroner] And after that? - I last saw her in the kitchen, between six and seven in the evening. She then had on a long cloak and a black bonnet.
[Coroner] Did she say where she was going? - No. I first saw the body in the mortuary on Sunday afternoon, and I recognised it then.
[Coroner] Did you see her leave the lodging-house? - Yes; she gave me a piece of velvet as she left, and asked me to mind it until she came back. (The velvet was produced, and proved to be a large piece, green in colour.)
[Coroner] Had she no place to leave it? - I do not know why she asked me, as the deputy would take charge of anything. I know deceased had sixpence when she left; she showed it to me, stating that the deputy had given it to her.
[Coroner] Had she been drinking then? - Not that I am aware of.
[Coroner] Do you know of any one who was likely to have injured her? - No one.
[Coroner] Have you heard her mention any person but this man she was living with? - No. I have heard her say she was a Swede, and that at one time she lived in Devonshire-street, Commercial-road - never in Poplar.
[Coroner] Did you ever hear her speak of her husband? - She said he was dead. She never said that she was afraid, or that any one had threatened her life. I am satisfied the deceased is the same woman.
By the jury: I could tell by her accent that she was a foreigner. She did not bring all her words out plainly.
[Coroner] Have you ever heard of her speaking to any one in her own language? - Yes; with women for whom she worked. I never heard of her having a sister, or of her having left a child at her sister's door.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 3 (3 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5 · Inquest day 3 (sitting of 3 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5 · Transcription Charles Preston
barber, fellow lodger at 32 Flower and Dean Street
Gave evidence 3 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
A barber lodging at No. 32, Preston identified 'Long Liz' and said she asked him for a clothes brush before going out, wearing the jacket seen at the mortuary but without flowers. She told him she had been born in Sweden, her husband and children had drowned in the Princess Alice, and that she had once been taken into custody for being drunk and disorderly at the Ten Bells.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5
Historical text, verbatim:
Charles Preston deposed: I live at No. 32, Flower and Dean-street, and I am a barber. I have been lodging at my present address for eighteen months, and have seen the deceased there. I saw the body on Sunday last, and am quite sure it is that of Long Liz.
The Coroner: When did you last see her alive? - On Saturday morning between six and seven o'clock.
[Coroner] Where was she then? - In the kitchen of the lodging-house.
[Coroner] Was she dressed to go out? - Yes, and asked me for a brush to brush her clothes with, but I did not let her have one.
[Coroner] What was she wearing? - The jacket I have seen at the mortuary, but no flowers in the breast. She had the striped silk handkerchief round her neck.
[Coroner] Do you happen to have seen her pocket-handkerchiefs? - No.
[Coroner] You cannot say whether she had two? - No.
[Coroner] Do you know anything about her? - I always understood that she was born at Stockholm, and came to England in the service of a gentleman.
[Coroner] Did she ever tell you her age? - She said once that she was thirty-five.
[Coroner] Did she ever tell you that she was married? - Yes; and that her husband and children went down in the Princess Alice - that she had been saved while they were lost.
[Coroner] Did she ever state what her husband was? - I have some recollection that she said he was a seafaring man, and that he had kept a coffee-house in Chrisp-street, Poplar.
[Coroner] Did she ever tell you that she was taken to the Thames Police-court? - I only remember her having been taken into custody for being drunk and disorderly at the Ten Bells public-house, Commercial- street, one Sunday morning from four to five months ago.
[Coroner] Do you know of any one who was likely to have injured her? - No.
[Coroner] Did she ever state that she was afraid of any one? - Never.
[Coroner] Did she say where she was going on Saturday? - No.
[Coroner] Or when she was coming back? - No.
[Coroner] Did she say whether she was coming back? - She never said anything about it. She always gave me to understand that her name was Elizabeth Stride. She never mentioned any sister. She stated that her mother was still alive in Sweden. She apparently spoke Swedish fluently to people who came into the lodging-house.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 3 (3 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5 · Inquest day 3 (sitting of 3 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5 · Transcription Michael Kidney
waterside labourer who had lived with Stride for about three years
Gave evidence 3 October 1888 and 5 October 1888 (recalled)
Editorial summary of the evidence
The waterside labourer who had lived with Stride for about three years identified her and said she told him she was Swedish. He last saw her on the Tuesday, on friendly terms, and said that drink made her leave him for periods but she always came back. He complained that the police had not acted on information he offered. Recalled on 5 October, he identified her Swedish hymn-book and said he had padlocked their room.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5
Historical text, verbatim:
Michael Kidney said: I live at No. 38, Dorset-street, Spitalfields, and am a waterside labourer. I have seen the body of the deceased at the mortuary.
The Coroner: Is it the woman you have been living with? - Yes.
[Coroner] You have no doubt about it? - No doubt whatever.
[Coroner] What was her name? - Elizabeth Stride.
[Coroner] How long have you known her? - About three years.
[Coroner] How long has she been living with you? - Nearly all that time.
[Coroner] What was her age? - Between thirty-six and thirty-eight years.
[Coroner] Was she a Swede? - She told me that she was a Swede, and I have no doubt she was. She said she was born three miles from Stockholm, that her father was a farmer, and that she first came to England for the purpose of seeing the country; but I have grave doubts about that. She afterwards told me that she came to England in a situation with a family.
[Coroner] Had she got any relatives in England? - When I met her she told me she was a widow, and that her husband had been a ship's carpenter at Sheerness.
[Coroner] Did he ever keep a coffee-house? - She told me that he had.
[Coroner] Where? - In Chrisp-street, Poplar.
[Coroner] Did she say when he died? - She informed me that he was drowned in the Princess Alice disaster.
[Coroner] Was the roof of her mouth defective? - Yes.
[Coroner] You had a quarrel with her on Thursday? - I did not see her on Thursday.
[Coroner] When did you last see her? - On the Tuesday, and I then left her on friendly terms in Commercial- street. That was between nine and ten o'clock at night, as I was coming from work.
[Coroner] Did you expect her home? - I expected her home half an hour afterwards. I subsequently ascertained that she had been in and had gone out again, and I did not see her again alive.
[Coroner] Can you account for her sudden disappearance? Was she the worse for drink when you last saw her? - She was perfectly sober.
[Coroner] You can assign no reason whatever for her going away so suddenly? - She would occasionally go away.
[Coroner] Oh, she has left you before? - During the three years I have known her she has been away from me about five months altogether.
[Coroner] Without any reason? - Not to my knowledge. I treated her the same as I would a wife.
[Coroner] Do you know whether she had picked up with any one? - I have seen the address of the brother of the gentleman with whom she lived as a servant, somewhere near Hyde Park, but I cannot find it now.
[Coroner] Did she have any reason for going away? - It was drink that made her go on previous occasions. She always came back again. I think she liked me better than any other man. I do not believe she left me on Tuesday to take up with any other man.
[Coroner] Had she any money? - I do not think she was without a shilling when she left me. From what I used to give her I fancy she must either have had money or spent it in drink.
[Coroner] You know of nobody whom she was likely to have complications with or fall foul of? - No, but I think the police authorities are very much to blame, or they would have got the man who murdered her. At Leman-street Police-station, on Monday night, I asked for a detective to give information to get the man.
[Coroner] What information had you? - I could give information that would enable the detectives to discover the man at any time.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 3 (3 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5 · Inquest day 3 (sitting of 3 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5 · Transcription Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3
Historical text, verbatim:
[...] Michael Kidney, the man with whom the deceased last lived, being recalled, stated: I recognise the Swedish hymn-book produced as one belonging to the deceased. She used to have it at my place. I found it in the next room to the one I occupy - in Mrs. Smith's room. Mrs Smith said deceased gave it to her when she left last Tuesday - not as a gift, but to take care of. When deceased and I lived together I put a padlock on the door when we left the house. I had the key, but deceased has got in and out when I have been away. I found she had been there during my absence on Wednesday of last week - the day after she left - and taken some things.
[Coroner] The Coroner: What made you think there was anything the matter with the roof of her mouth? - She told me so.
[Coroner] Have you ever examined it? - No.
[Coroner] Well, the doctors say there is nothing the matter with it? - Well, I only know what she told me.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 4 (5 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Inquest day 4 (sitting of 5 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Transcription The excerpt is shortened. The full report is longer: follow the source link.
Edward Johnston
assistant to Drs Kaye and Blackwell; first medical man at the scene
Gave evidence 3 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
Assistant to Drs Kaye and Blackwell, Johnston reached the yard a few minutes before Blackwell: the woman lay on her left side, the throat wound had stopped bleeding, and the body was warm except the hands. He noted the bonnet a few inches from the head and that the gates were closed soon after he arrived.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5
Content notice: medical evidence
This testimony contains clinical descriptions of injuries and post-mortem findings.
Your choice applies to this kind of material for the rest of this browser session.
Thomas Coram
coconut-dealer's worker who found a bloodstained knife on Whitechapel Road
Gave evidence 3 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
A coconut-dealer's worker, Coram found a long-bladed knife, with a blood-stained handkerchief tied round the handle, on the step of 253 Whitechapel Road shortly after midnight on 1 October and alerted PC Drage. The blade was about a foot long and blunt-topped, like a baker's knife.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5
Historical text, verbatim:
Thomas Coram: I live at No. 67, Plummer's-road, and work for a cocoanut dealer. On Monday shortly after midnight I left a friend's house in Bath-gardens, Brady-street. I walked straight down Brady-street and into Whitechapel-road towards Aldgate. I first walked on the right side of Whitechapel-road, and afterwards crossed over to the left, and when opposite No. 253 I saw a knife lying on the doorstep.
[Coroner] What is No. 253? - A laundry. There were two steps to the front door, and the knife was on the bottom step. The production of the knife created some sensation, its discovery not having been generally known. It was a knife such as would be used by a baker in his trade, it being flat at the top instead of pointed, as a butcher's knife would be. The blade, which was discoloured with something resembling blood, was quite a foot long and an inch broad, whilst the black handle was six inches in length, and strongly rivetted in three places. Witness (continuing): There was a handkerchief round the handle of the knife, the handkerchief having been first folded and then twisted round the blade. A policeman coming towards me, I called his attention to the knife, which I did not touch.
[Coroner] Did the policeman take the knife away? - Yes, to the Leman-street station, I accompanying him.
[Coroner] Were there many people passing at the time? - Very few. I do not think I passed more than a dozen from Brady-street to where I found the knife. The weapon could easily be seen; it was light there.
[Coroner] Did you pass any policeman between Brady-street and where the knife was? - I passed three policemen.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 3 (3 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5 · Inquest day 3 (sitting of 3 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5 · Transcription PC Joseph Drage (282H)
constable who took charge of the knife found by Coram
Gave evidence 3 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
On fixed-point duty in Whitechapel Road, Drage took charge of the knife found by Coram ('smothered with blood', dry) and handed it to Dr Phillips. He did not think it had been on the step when he passed a quarter of an hour earlier.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5
Historical text, verbatim:
Constable Joseph Drage, 282 H Division: On Monday morning at half-past twelve o'clock I was on fixed point duty opposite Brady-street, Whitechapel-road, when I saw the last witness stooping down to pick up something about twenty yards from me. As I went towards him he beckoned with his finger, and said, "Policeman, there is a knife lying here." I then saw a long-bladed knife on the doorstep. I picked up the knife, and found it was smothered with blood.
[Coroner] Was it wet? - Dry. A handkerchief, which was also blood-stained, was bound round the handle and tied with a string. I asked the lad how he came to see it, and he said, "I was just looking around, and I saw something white." I asked him what he did out so late, and he replied, "I have been to a friend's in Bath-gardens." I took down his name and address, and he went to the police-station with me. The knife and handkerchief are those produced. The boy was sober, and his manner natural. He said that the knife made his blood run cold, adding, "We hear of such funny things nowadays." I had passed the step a quarter of an hour before. I could not be positive, but I do not think the knife was there then. About an hour earlier I stood near the door, and saw the landlady let out a woman. The knife was not there then. I handed the knife and handkerchief to Dr. Phillips on Monday afternoon.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 3 (3 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5 · Inquest day 3 (sitting of 3 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5 · Transcription Dr George Bagster Phillips
H Division police surgeon; made the post-mortem
Gave evidence 3 October 1888 and 5 October 1888 (recalled)
Editorial summary of the evidence
Phillips arrived at about 1.20 a.m. and described the cut throat, partial severance of the left carotid artery and division of the windpipe as the cause of death, a silk scarf cut at the angle of the jaw, and bluish 'pressure marks' over the shoulders. Recalled on 5 October, he found no injury to the palate, said she had not eaten grapes, believed she was seized by the shoulders and placed on the ground before her throat was cut from left to right, and thought Coram's knife an improbable weapon.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1888, p. 5
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.
Your choice applies to this kind of material for the rest of this browser session.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3
Content notice: medical evidence
This testimony contains clinical descriptions of injuries and post-mortem findings.
Your choice applies to this kind of material for the rest of this browser session.
The excerpt is shortened. The full report is longer: follow the source link.
Also recorded as: George Baxter Phillips (in press); Dr Phillips
Sven Olsson
clerk of the Swedish Church, Prince's Square
Gave evidence 5 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
Clerk of the Swedish Church, Olsson produced the register: Elisabeth Gustafsdotter, born near Gothenburg on 27 November 1843, registered in London in 1866, married John Thomas Stride in 1869. He confirmed she had received alms from the church and that he had given her the hymn-book; she had told him her husband drowned in the Princess Alice.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3
Historical text, verbatim:
Mr. Sven Ollsen deposed: I live at No. 23, Prince's-square, St. George's-in-the-East, and am clerk of the Swedish Church there. I have examined the body of the deceased at the mortuary. I have seen her before.
The Coroner: Often? - Yes. For how many years? - Seventeen.
[Coroner] Was she a Swede? - Yes.
[Coroner] What was her name? - Her name was Elizabeth Stride, and she was the wife of John Thomas Stride, carpenter. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Gustafdotter. She was born at Torlands, near Gothenburg, on Nov. 27, 1843.
How do you get these facts? - From the register at our church. Do you keep a register of all the members of your church? - [Coroner] Of course. We register those who come into this country bringing a certificate and desiring to be registered.
[Coroner] When was she registered? - Her registry is dated July 10, 1866, and she was then registered as an unmarried woman.
[Coroner] Was she married at your church? - No.
[Coroner] Then how do you know she was the wife of John Thomas Stride? - In the registry I find a memorandum, undated, in the handwriting of the Rev. Mr, Palmayer, in Swedish, that she was married to an Englishman named John Thos. Stride. This registry is a new one, and copied from an older book. I have seen the original, and it was written by Mr. Frost, our pastor, until two years ago. I know the Swedish hymn book produced, dated 1821. I gave it to the deceased.
[Coroner] When? - Last winter, I think. Do you know when she was married to Stride? - I think it was in 1869.
[Coroner] Do you know when he died? - No. She told me about the time the Princess Alice went down that her husband was drowned in that vessel.
[Coroner] Was she in good circumstances then? - She was very poor.
[Coroner] Then she would have been glad of any assistance? - Yes.
[Coroner] Did you give her some? - I did about that time.
[Coroner] Do you remember that there was a subscription raised for the relatives of the sufferers by the Princess Alice? - No.
[Coroner] I can tell you that there was, and I can tell you another thing - that no person of the name of Stride made any application. If her story had been true, don't you think she would have applied? - I do not know.
[Coroner] Have you any schools connected with the Swedish Church? - No, not in London.
[Coroner] Did not ever hear that this woman had any children? - I do not remember.
[Coroner] Did you ever see her husband? - No.
[Coroner] Did your church ever assist her before her husband died? - Yes, I think so; just before he died.
[Coroner] Where has she been living lately? - I have nothing to show. Two years ago she gave her address as Devonshire-street, Commercial-road.
[Coroner] Did she then explain what she was doing? - She stated that she was doing a little work in sewing.
[Coroner] Could she speak English well? - Pretty well.
[Coroner] Do you know when she came to England? - I believe a little before the register was made, in 1866.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 4 (5 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Inquest day 4 (sitting of 5 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Transcription William Marshall
labourer, 64 Berner Street; saw a woman with a man at 11.45 p.m.
Gave evidence 5 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
A labourer at 64 Berner Street, Marshall saw the deceased at about 11.45 p.m. on the pavement opposite No. 58 with a man in a black cutaway coat and a round peaked cap 'like what a sailor would wear', middle-aged, with 'more the appearance of a clerk' than a labourer; the man was kissing her. He heard the man say: 'You would say anything but your prayers.' The woman wore no flower then.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3
Historical text, verbatim:
William Marshall, examined by the Coroner, said: I reside at No. 64, Berner-street, and am a labourer at an indigo warehouse. I have seen the body at the mortuary. I saw the deceased on Saturday night last.
[Coroner] Where? - In our street, three doors from my house, about a quarter to twelve o'clock. She was on the pavement, opposite No. 58, between Fairclough-street and Boyd-street.
[Coroner] What was she doing? - She was standing talking to a man.
[Coroner] How do you know this was the same woman? - I recognise her both by her face and dress. She did not then have a flower in her breast.
[Coroner] Were the man and woman whom you saw talking quietly? - They were talking together.
[Coroner] Can you describe the man at all? - There was no gas-lamp near. The nearest was at the corner, about twenty feet off. I did not see the face of the man distinctly.
[Coroner] Did you notice how he was dressed? - In a black cut-away coat and dark trousers.
[Coroner] Was he young or old? - Middle-aged he seemed to be.
[Coroner] Was he wearing a hat? - No, a cap.
[Coroner] What sort of a cap? - A round cap, with a small peak. It was something like what a sailor would wear.
[Coroner] What height was he? - About 5ft. 6in.
[Coroner] Was he thin or stout? - Rather stout.
[Coroner] Did he look well dressed? - Decently dressed.
[Coroner] What class of man did he appear to be? - I should say he was in business, and did nothing like hard work.
[Coroner] Not like a dock labourer? - No.
[Coroner] Nor a sailor? - No.
[Coroner] Nor a butcher? - No.
[Coroner] A clerk? - He had more the appearance of a clerk.
[Coroner] Is that the best suggestion you can make? - It is.
[Coroner] You did not see his face. Had he any whiskers? - I cannot say. I do not think he had.
[Coroner] Was he wearing gloves? - No.
[Coroner] Was he carrying a stick or umbrella in his hands? - He had nothing in his hands that I am aware of.
[Coroner] You are quite sure that the deceased is the woman you saw? - Quite. I did not take much notice whether she was carrying anything in her hands.
[Coroner] What first attracted your attention to the couple? - By their standing there for some time, and he was kissing her.
[Coroner] Did you overhear anything they said? - I heard him say, "You would say anything but your prayers."
[Coroner] Different people talk in a different tone and in a different way. Did his voice give you the idea of a clerk? - Yes, he was mild speaking.
[Coroner] Did he speak like an educated man? - I thought so. I did not hear them say anything more. They went away after that. I did not hear the woman say anything, but after the man made that observation she laughed. They went away down the street, towards Ellen-street. They would not then pass No. 40 (the club).
[Coroner] How was the woman dressed? - In a black jacket and skirt.
[Coroner] Was either the worse for drink? - No, I thought not.
[Coroner] When did you go indoors? - About twelve o'clock.
[Coroner] Did you hear anything more that night? - Not till I heard that the murder had taken place, just after one o'clock. While I was standing at my door, from half-past eleven to twelve, there was no rain at all. The deceased had on a small black bonnet. The couple were standing between my house and the club for about ten minutes.
Detective-Inspector Reid: Then they passed you? - Yes.
A Juror: Did you not see the man's face as he passed? - No; he was looking towards the woman, and had his arm round her neck. There is a gas lamp at the corner of Boyd-street. It was not closing time when they passed me.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 4 (5 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Inquest day 4 (sitting of 5 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Transcription James Brown
dock labourer; saw a man and woman at the corner of Fairclough Street c.12.45 a.m.
Gave evidence 5 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
A dock labourer going for his supper at about 12.45 a.m., Brown saw a man and a woman he was 'almost certain' was the deceased against the Board School wall at the corner of Fairclough Street; the man, about 5ft 7in in a long dark coat, had his arm against the wall. Shortly after getting home he heard cries of 'Murder' and 'Police'. The Times version records that he heard the woman say: 'No, not to-night, some other night.'
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3
Historical text, verbatim:
James Brown: I live in Fairclough-street, and am a dock labourer. I have seen the body in the mortuary. I did not know deceased, but I saw her about a quarter to one on Sunday morning last.
The Coroner: Where were you? - I was going from my house to the chandler's shop at the corner of the Berner-street and Fairclough-street, to get some supper. I stayed there three or four minutes, and then went back home, when I saw a man and woman standing at the corner of the Board School. I was in the road just by the kerb, and they were near the wall.
[Coroner] Did you see enough to make you certain that the deceased was the woman? - I am almost certain.
[Coroner] Did you notice any flower in her dress? - No.
[Coroner] What were they doing? - He was standing with his arm against the wall; she was inclined towards his arm, facing him, and with her back to the wall.
[Coroner] Did you notice the man? - I saw that he had a long dark coat on.
[Coroner] An overcoat? - Yes; it seemed so.
[Coroner] Had he a hat or a cap on? - I cannot say.
[Coroner] You are sure it was not her dress that you chiefly noticed? - Yes. I saw nothing light in colour about either of them.
[Coroner] Was it raining at the time? - No. I went on.
[Coroner] Did you hear anything more? - When I had nearly finished my supper I heard screams of "Murder" and "Police." This was a quarter of an hour after I had got home. I did not look at any clock at the chandler's shop. I arrived home first at ten minutes past twelve o'clock, and I believe it was not raining then.
[Coroner] Did you notice the height of the man? - I should think he was 5ft. 7in.
[Coroner] Was he thin or stout? - He was of average build.
[Coroner] Did either of them seem the worse for drink? - No.
[Coroner] Did you notice whether either spoke with a foreign accent? - I did not notice any. When I heard screams I opened my window, but could not see anybody. The cries were of moving people going in the direction of Grove-street. Shortly afterwards I saw a policeman standing at the corner of Christian- street, and a man called him to Berner-street.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 4 (5 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Inquest day 4 (sitting of 5 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Transcription Also reported elsewhere. Compare the wording:
Verbatim report: Casebook transcription: The Times, 6 October 1888
Historical text, verbatim:
James Brown stated, - I live at 35, Fairclough-street. I saw the deceased about a quarter to 1 on Sunday morning. At that time I was going from my house to get some supper from a chandler's shop at the corner of Berner-street and Fairclough-street. As I was going across the road I saw a man and woman standing by the Board School in Fairclough-street. They were standing against the wall. As I passed them I heard the woman say, "No, not to-night, some other night." That made me turn round, and I looked at them. I am certain the woman was the deceased. I did not notice any flowers in her dress. The man had his arm up against the wall, and the woman had her back to the wall facing him. I noticed the man had a long coat on, which came very nearly down to his heels. I believe it was an overcoat. I could not say what kind of cap he had on. The place where they were standing was rather dark. I saw nothing light in colour about either of them. I then went on and went indoors. I had nearly finished my supper when I heard screams of "Police" and "Murder." That was about a quarter of an hour after I got in. I do not think it was raining at the time. I should say the man was about 5ft. 7in. in height. He appeared to be stoutish built. Both the man and woman appeared to be sober. I did not notice any foreign accent about the woman's voice. When I heard screams of "Police" and "Murder" I opened the window, but could not see any one and the screams ceased. The cries were those of moving persons, and appeared to be going in the direction of Grove-street. Shortly afterwards I saw a policeman standing at the corner of Christian-street. I heard a man opposite call out to the constable that he was wanted. I then saw the policeman run along to Berner-street. By the CORONER. - I am almost certain it was the deceased.
Casebook transcription: The Times, 6 October 1888 · The Times, 6 October 1888 · Transcription PC William Smith (452H)
beat constable who saw Stride with a man carrying a parcel at c.12.30-12.35 a.m.
Gave evidence 5 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
On his beat Smith passed along Berner Street at about 12.30-12.35 a.m. and saw the deceased (with a flower in her jacket) talking to a man opposite the club. The man was about 28, 5ft 7in, clean-shaven, of respectable appearance, in a dark cutaway coat and dark felt deerstalker hat, and carried a newspaper parcel about 18in long and 6-8in wide. Returning at 1 a.m. he found the crowd at No. 40 and went for the ambulance.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3
Historical text, verbatim:
William Smith, 452 H Division: On Saturday last I went on duty at ten p.m. My beat was past Berner- street, and would take me twenty-five minutes or half an hour to go round. I was in Berner-street about half-past twelve or twenty-five minutes to one o'clock, and having gone round my beat, was at the Commercial-road corner of Berner-street again at one o'clock. I was not called. I saw a crowd outside the gates of No. 40, Berner-street. I heard no cries of "Police." When I came to the spot two constables had already arrived. The gates at the side of the club were not then closed. I do not remember that I passed any person on my way down. I saw that the woman was dead, and I went to the police-station for the ambulance, leaving the other constables in charge of the body. Dr. Blackwell's assistant arrived just as I was going away.
The Coroner: Had you noticed any man or woman in Berner-street when you were there before? - Yes, talking together.
[Coroner] Was the woman anything like the deceased? - Yes. I saw her face, and I think the body at the mortuary is that of the same woman.
[Coroner] Are you certain? - I feel certain. She stood on the pavement a few yards from where the body was found, but on the opposite side of the street.
[Coroner] Did you look at the man at all? - Yes.
[Coroner] What did you notice about him? - He had a parcel wrapped in a newspaper in his hand. The parcel was about 18in. long and 6in. to 8in. broad.
[Coroner] Did you notice his height? - He was about 5ft. 7in.
[Coroner] His hat? - He wore a dark felt deerstalker's hat.
[Coroner] Clothes? - His clothes were dark. The coat was a cutaway coat.
[Coroner] Did you overhear any conversation? - No.
[Coroner] Did they seem to be sober? - Yes, both.
[Coroner] Did you see the man's face? - He had no whiskers, but I did not notice him much. I should say he was twenty-eight years of age. He was of respectable appearance, but I could not state what he was. The woman had a flower in her breast. It rained very little after eleven o'clock. There were but few about in the bye streets. When I saw the body at the mortuary I recognised it at once.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 4 (5 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Inquest day 4 (sitting of 5 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Transcription Also recorded as: PC 452H
Philip Krantz
editor of the Hebrew paper "Der Arbeter Fraint", working at the rear of the club
Gave evidence 5 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
Editor of the Yiddish anarchist paper 'Der Arbeter Fraint' (reported as 'The Worker's Friend'), Krantz was working in the printing office at the back of the yard from 9 p.m. and heard no cry or anything unusual, though singing in the club might have drowned it. He saw no stranger when he went out.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3
Historical text, verbatim:
Philip Krantz (who affirmed) deposed: I live at 40, Berner-street, and am editor of the Hebrew paper called "The Worker's Friend." I work in a room forming part of the printing office at the back of the International Working Men's Club. Last Saturday night I was in my room from nine o'clock until one of the members of the club came and told me that there was a woman lying in the yard.
[Coroner] Had you heard any sound up to that time? - No.
[Coroner] Any cry? - No. Or scream? - No.
[Coroner] Or anything unusual? - No.
[Coroner] Was your window or door open? - No.
[Coroner] Supposing a woman had screamed, would you have heard it? - They were singing in the club, so I might not have heard. When I heard the alarm I went out and saw the deceased, but did not observe any stranger there.
[Coroner] Did you look to see if anybody was about - anybody who might have committed the murder? - I did look. I went out to the gates, and found that some members of the club had gone for the police.
[Coroner] Do you think it possible that any stranger escaped from the yard while you were there? - No, but he might have done so before I came. I was afterwards searched and examined at the club.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 4 (5 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Inquest day 4 (sitting of 5 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Transcription PC Albert Collins (12HR)
constable who washed away the blood in the yard
Gave evidence 5 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
Collins stated that on the doctors' orders he washed away the blood in the yard at about 5.30 a.m. on Sunday.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3
Historical text, verbatim:
Constable Albert Collins, 12 H. R., stated that by order of the doctors, he, at half-past five o'clock on Sunday morning, washed away the blood caused by the murder.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 4 (5 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Inquest day 4 (sitting of 5 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Transcription Detective Inspector Edmund Reid (H Division)
head of Whitechapel CID; directed the search and inquiries
Gave evidence 5 October 1888 and 23 October 1888 (recalled)
Editorial summary of the evidence
Reid received a telegram at 1.25 a.m. and arrived to find the doctors examining the body; the yard and houses were searched and the 28 people present questioned, searched and their hands and clothes examined, without result. He gave a physical description of the deceased. Recalled on 23 October, he produced the record of John Thomas Stride's death at Poplar on 24 October 1884.
Verbatim report: The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3
Historical text, verbatim:
Detective-Inspector Reid said: I received a telegram at 1.25 on Sunday morning last at Commercial- street Police-office. I at once proceeded to No. 40, Berner-street, where I saw several police officers, Drs. Phillips and Blackwell, and a number of residents in the yard and persons who had come there and been shut in by the police. At that time Drs. Phillips and Blackwell were examining the throat of the deceased. A thorough search was made by the police of the yard and the houses in it, but no trace could be found of any person who might have committed the murder. As soon as the search was over the whole of the persons who had come into the yard and the members of the club were interrogated, their names and addresses taken, their pockets searched by the police, and their clothes and hands examined by the doctors. The people were twenty-eight in number. Each was dealt with separately, and they properly accounted for themselves. The houses were inspected a second time and the occupants examined and their rooms searched. A loft close by was searched, but no trace could be found of the murderer. A description was taken of the body, and circulated by wire around the stations. Inquiries were made at the different houses in the street, but no person could be found who had heard screams or disturbance during the night. I examined the wall near where the body was found, but could detect no spots of blood. About half-past four the body was removed to the mortuary. Having given information of the murder to the coroner I returned to the yard and made another examination and found that the blood had been removed. It being daylight I searched the walls thoroughly, but could discover no marks of their having been scaled. I then went to the mortuary and took a description of the deceased and her clothing as follows: Aged forty-two; length 5ft. 2in; complexion pale; hair dark brown and curly; eyes light grey; front upper teeth gone. The deceased had on an old black skirt, dark-brown velvet body, a long black jacket trimmed with black fur, fastened on the right side, with a red rose backed by a maidenhair fern. She had two light serge petticoats, white stockings, white chemise with insertion, side-spring boots, and black crape bonnet. In her jacket pocket were two handkerchiefs, a thimble, and a piece of wool on a card. That description was circulated. Since then the police have made a house-to-house inquiry in the immediate neighbourhood, with the result that we have been able to produce the witnesses who have appeared before the Court. The investigation is still going on. Every endeavour is being made to arrest the assassin, but up to the present without success.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 4 (5 October 1888), from The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Inquest day 4 (sitting of 5 October 1888); The Daily Telegraph, 6 October 1888, p. 3 · Transcription Verbatim report: The Times, 24 October 1888
Historical text, verbatim:
[...] Detective-Inspector Edmund Reid, recalled, said, - I have examined the books of the Poplar and Stepney Sick Asylum, and find therein the entry of the death of John Thomas William Stride, a carpenter, of Poplar. His death took place on the 24th day of October, 1884. Witness then said that he had found Mrs. Watts, who would give evidence.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 5 (23 October 1888), from The Times, 24 October 1888 · Inquest day 5 (sitting of 23 October 1888); The Times, 24 October 1888 · Transcription PC Walter Stride
Metropolitan Police constable, nephew of John Stride
Gave evidence 23 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
A Metropolitan constable, Walter Stride recognised the deceased from a photograph as the woman who had married his uncle, the carpenter John Thomas Stride.
Verbatim report: The Times, 24 October 1888
Historical text, verbatim:
Constable Walter Stride stated that he recognised the deceased by the photograph as the person who married his uncle, John Thomas Stride, in 1872 or 1873. His uncle was a carpenter, and the last time witness saw him he was living in the East India Dock-road, Poplar.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 5 (23 October 1888), from The Times, 24 October 1888 · Inquest day 5 (sitting of 23 October 1888); The Times, 24 October 1888 · Transcription Elizabeth Stokes (formerly Watts)
sister of Mary Malcolm, proving she was alive
Gave evidence 23 October 1888
Editorial summary of the evidence
Mary Malcolm's sister appeared alive to 'clear my character', saying Malcolm's evidence about her was 'all false' and complaining of the trouble it had caused her; the jury noted she had the crippled foot Malcolm had described.
Verbatim report: The Times, 24 October 1888
Historical text, verbatim:
Elizabeth Stokes, 5, Charles-street, Tottenham, said, - My husband's name is Joseph Stokes, and he is a brickmaker. My first husband's name was Watts, a wine merchant of Bath. Mrs. Mary Malcolm, of 15, Eagle-street, Red Lion-square, Holborn, is my sister. I have received an anonymous letter from Shepton Mallet, saying my first husband is alive. I want to clear my character. My sister I have not seen for years. She has given me a dreadful character. Her evidence is all false. I have five brothers and sisters.
A juryman. - Perhaps she refers to another sister.
Inspector Reid. - She identified the deceased person as her sister, and said she had a crippled foot. This witness has a crippled foot.
Witness. - This has put me to a dreadful trouble and trial. I have only a poor crippled husband, who is now outside. It is a shame my sister should say what she has said about me, and that the innocent should suffer for the guilty.
The Coroner. - Is Mrs. Malcolm here?
Inspector Reid. - No, Sir.
Casebook transcription: Elizabeth Stride inquest, day 5 (23 October 1888), from The Times, 24 October 1888 · Inquest day 5 (sitting of 23 October 1888); The Times, 24 October 1888 · Transcription Also recorded as: formerly Watts
Israel Schwartz
Hungarian Jewish immigrant who told police he saw a woman (identified as Stride) attacked at the gateway c. 12.45 a.m.; DID NOT TESTIFY at the inquest
Did not testify at the inquestStatement: 1888-09-30 (statement to police; summarised in Chief Inspector Swanson's report of 1888-10-19, HO 144/221/A49301C)
Editorial summary of the evidence
Schwartz told police that at about 12.45 a.m., turning into Berner Street from Commercial Road, he saw a man stop and speak to a woman standing in the gateway of Dutfield's Yard, try to pull her into the street, then turn her round and throw her down on the footway; she screamed three times, 'but not very loudly'. A second man was lighting a pipe across the road; the attacker called out 'Lipski', and Schwartz, followed by the second man, ran as far as the railway arch. He identified the body at the mortuary as the woman he had seen. He is not mentioned in any surviving inquest report, and why he was not called is unknown; Swanson's report treated his evidence as credible.
Verbatim report: Casebook dissertation: "Interpreting Lipski"
Historical text, verbatim:
12.45 a.m. 30th. Israel Schwartz of 22 Helen [sic - Ellen] Street, Backchurch Lane, stated that at this hour, on turning into Berner St. from Commercial Road & having got as far as the gateway where the murder was committed he saw a man stop & speak to a woman, who was standing in the gateway. The man tried to pull the woman into the street, but he turned her round & threw her down on the footway & the woman screamed three times, but not very loudly. On crossing to the opposite side of the street, he saw a second man standing lighting his pipe. The man who threw the woman down called out apparently to the man on the opposite side of the road 'Lipski' & then Schwartz walked away, but finding that he was followed by the second man he ran so far as the railway arch but the man did not follow so far. [Here there is a marginal note. 'The use of "Lipski" increases my belief that the murderer was a Jew'.] Schwartz cannot say whether the two men were together or known to each other. Upon being taken to the mortuary Schwartz identified the body as that of the woman he had seen & he thus describes the first man, who threw the woman down: age about 30 ht, 5 ft 5 in. comp. fair hair dark, small brown moustache, full face, broad shouldered, dress, dark jacket & trousers black cap with peak, had nothing in his hands.
Second man age 35 ht. 5 ft 11in. comp. fresh, hair light brown, moustache brown, dress dark overcoat, old black hard felt hat wide brim, had a clay pipe in his hand.
Casebook dissertation: "Interpreting Lipski" · Swanson's report of 19 Oct 1888 (HO 144/221/A49301C), as quoted in the dissertation · Modern interpretation
The coroner's summing-up (excerpt)
Historical text, verbatim:The Coroner, in summing up, said the jury would probably agree with him that it would be unreasonable to adjourn this inquiry again on the chance of something further being ascertained to elucidate the mysterious case on which they had devoted so much time. The first difficulty which presented itself was the identification of the deceased. That was not an unimportant matter. Their trouble was principally occasioned by Mrs. Malcolm, who, after some hesitation, and after having had two further opportunities of viewing again the body, positively swore that the deceased was her sister - Mrs. Elizabeth Watts, of Bath. It had since been clearly proved that she was mistaken, notwithstanding the visions which were simultaneously vouchsafed at the hour of the death to her and her husband. If her evidence was correct, there were points of resemblance between the deceased and Elizabeth Watts which almost reminded one of the Comedy of Errors. Both had been courted by policemen; they both bore the same Christian name, and were of the same age; both lived with sailors; both at one time kept coffee-houses at Poplar; both were nick-named "Long Liz;" both were said to have had children in charge of their husbands' friends; both were given to drink; both lived in East-end common lodging- houses; both had been charged at the Thames Police-court; both had escaped punishment on the ground that they were subject to epileptic fits, although the friends of both were certain that this was a fraud; both had lost their front teeth, and both had been leading very questionable lives. Whatever might be the true explanation of this marvellous similarity, it appeared to be pretty satisfactorily proved that the deceased was Elizabeth Stride, and that about the year 1869 she was married to a carpenter named John Thomas Stride. Unlike the other victims in the series of crimes in this neighbourhood - a district teeming with representatives of all nations - she was not an Englishwoman. She was born in Sweden in the year 1843, but, having resided in this country for upwards of 22 years, she could speak English fluently and without much foreign accent. At one time the deceased and her husband kept a coffee-house in Poplar. At another time she was staying in Devonshire-street, Commercial-road, supporting herself, it was said, by sewing and charing. On and off for the last six years she lived in a common lodging-house in the notorious lane called Flower and Dean-street. She was there known only by the nick-name of "Long Liz," and often told a tale, which might have been apocryphal, of her husband and children having gone down with the Princess Alice. The deputy of the lodging-house stated that while with her she was a quiet and sober woman, although she used at times to stay out late at night - an offence very venial, he suspected, among those who frequented the establishment. For the last two years the deceased had been living at a common lodging-house in Dorset-street, Spitalfields, with Michael Kidney, a waterside labourer, belonging to the Army Reserve. But at intervals during that period, amounting altogether to about five months, she left him without any apparent reason, except a desire to be free from the restraint even of that connexion, and to obtain greater opportunity of indulging her drinking habits. She was last seen alive by Kidney in Commercial- street on the evening of Tuesday, September 25. She was sober, but never returned home that night. She alleged that she had some words with her paramour, but this he denied. The next day she called during his absence, and took away some things, but, with this exception, they did not know what became of her until the following Thursday, when she made her appearance at her old quarters in Flower and Dean-street. Here she remained until Saturday, September 29.
[...]