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The Rest Is HistoryDecember 8, 2025
624. Jack The Ripper: History’s Darkest Mystery (Part 1)
About This Episode
Was Jack the Ripper the first serial killer of all time? Who was his first victim, and why was the murder so shocking? And, what did the Ripper phenomenon reveal about the anxieties of Victorian London? Join Tom and Dominic as they delve into the darkest days of London’s long history, as Jack the Ripper’s terrible, grisly reign of terror begins... Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Hive. Know your power. Visit https://hivehome.com to find out more. _______ Visit auraframes.co.uk and get £35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frame by using promo code HISTORY at checkout. Terms and conditions apply. _______ Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restishistory It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee ✅ _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Video Editor: Jack Meek Social Producer: Harry Balden Assistant Producer: Aaliyah Akude Producer: Tabby Syrett Senior Producer: Theo Young-Smith
Book Mentions
4 book mentions in this episode.
Jump to booksTip: Click “Mentioned at …” to copy a timestamp.
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Books Mentioned
London in the 19th Century
Jerry White
“Jerry White in his great study of London in the 19th century, discusses crime and the perception of safety in the city.”
ASIN: N/A
Search on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
The Five
Hallie Rubenhold
“Hallie Rubenhold wrote a book called The Five in 2019, a prize-winning book, which was a sort of group biography of the murdered women.”
ASIN: B07Y8PZ7XV
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Oliver Twist
Charles Dickens
“The mention of Oliver Twist relates to the welfare system and workhouses in Victorian Britain, highlighting the struggles faced by characters like Polly Nichols.”
ASIN: N/A
Search on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
London Fog
Christine Corton
“Christine Corton's book discusses the categorization of women in Victorian London, particularly regarding respectability and prostitution, which is relevant to Polly's story.”
ASIN: N/A
Search on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.