JACK THE RIPPER: CHIEF INSPECTOR SWANSON AND SCOTLAND YARD'S PRIME SUSPECT

*Note the original talk from 4th April has been re-scheduled for 13th June - please use that Eventbrite event to purchase tickets - any tickets previously purchased via this event are still valid*

By Adam Wood

The mystery of Jack the Ripper has never been officially solved, but did the police investigating the crimes know the identity of the killer? In their retirement, several officers claimed to know the truth: the murderer was an American named Francis Tumblety; he was poisoner George Chapman, or a barrister found drowned in the Thames on the last day of 1888. By contrast, Det. Chief Inspector Donald Swanson, the detective who had led the investigation from Scotland Yard and read every report, statement and scrap of evidence, remained tight-lipped. But in 1981, 57 years after his death, his grandson discovered handwritten annotations in a book which seemed to finally reveal the secret of what happened Jack the Ripper. Join author Adam Wood as he looks at the discovery of the so-called Swanson marginalia and examines the case against the man many believe to be Scotland Yard's prime suspect.

After the talk there will be a chance to browse freely round the facilty, see our museum display and have a closer look at some of the pictures of the Victorian prisoners once resident there. You can also visit our shop and help support our fundraising.

We are also pleased to have for sale several new books about policing, crime and punishment in Birmingham throughout the 1800s and 1900s. Profit from these books all goes towards converting the Lock-up into the new Police Museum.

The Steelhouse Lane Lock-up was in use from 1891 to 2016 and many of the original Victorian features are still present, alongside more modern custody facilities. The Grade II listed building shows how a mini prison operated in a busy city centre for well over a century.

All proceeds from this event will be supporting our fundraising to turn this iconic building into a permanent police museum (with the exception of A Fair Cop - with the money going to Coventry Haven, Black Country Women's Aid and Anawim).

Health and safety:

This tour is for adults only - no under 16s please.

Please note due to the nature and age of the facility there is currently no access for mobility impaired guests due to the large amounts of steps and lack of a disability access lift.

You are advised to wear suitable and comfortable footwear (e.g. no stiletto heels) as there are three floors to view and some of the landings have small holes which could trap heels. For this reason short skirts are not advised due to the grilled floors and winding staircases.

Please note that photographs will be taken during these events which could be used as publicity material for the museum in the future and may therefore be published on social media.

For security reasons a bag search will be required prior to entry. 

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