Mike Covell’s Blogg

STEPHENSON 

Well, it’s been a busy month of research, with efforts made to trace more information on some of the people that surrounded Robert D’Onston Stephenson during his life.

Among those targeted where,

• Inspector Thomas Roots
• Rev. Charles Prest
• Bishop Westcott
• Thomas Fowler
• Dr Allan

I managed to secure pictures, newspaper reports, and valuble official records on all 4, as well as many other people.  Most of this material is brand new and has never been published!!

DEEMING

Efforts have also been made in several previously unseen newspaper accounts of Frederick Bailey Deeming and his alleged involvement in the Whitechapel Murders, all of which make interesting reading.

I also traced several previously unpublished newspapers detailing Deeming’s visit and incarcaration in Hull.  All of these offer a fresh new light on this mysterious man!

THE ROYAL STATION HOTEL CONNECTION

Over the years 4 previously named suspects have had links to Hull’s Royal Station Hotel.  This week I managed to trace a very rare copy of a book about the hotel, written by the North Eastern Railway company, and offering valuble insights into the Hotel, it’s formation, and ever changing interior. 

I also managed to trace over 20 newspaper reports, dating from 1854 to 1900, featuring the 4 previously named suspects in conjuction with this wonderful Victorian hotel.

Jack the Ripper- From Hell, From Hull?

The book has expanded at an alarming rate, and now features massive chapters on several suspects with links to Hull.  Among them are

Walter Sickert, the chapter looks at all the authors and theorists that have presented books on this enigmatic man.  Looking indepth at claims made by Patricia Cornwell, Stephen Knight, Melvin Fairclough, Jean Overton Fuller, and Donald McCormick.

Prince Albert, the chapter presents a detailed account of “Bertie’s” several visit’s to Hull, and a massive chapter on his dealings with the Wilson family at Tranby Croft.

Prince Eddy, the chapter looks at Eddy’s many visit’s to the City, his life, and the claims by authors surrounding his alleged involvement in the Whitechapel Murders. 

Frederick Bailey Deeming, the chapter looks at Deeming’s life, criminal past, and visit to Hull.  A full account of Deeming in the Hull Press is also given, alongside the previously unpublished Magistrates papers when he was imprisoned in Hull!

And thats only four of the eight suspects!!

The section of the book on Robert D’Onston Stephenson is taking shape with chapters on his early life, the life of his father’s side of the family, and the life of his mother’s side of the family.

Each chapter is fully referenced, with footnotes, and sources listed for anyone wishing to learn more about the sources of information used. 

In fact, the book is so huge, that a recent investigation showed that the memory card holding the text file only is almost 2GB and rising, forcing me to copy the text files over to a much larger 4GB card!!

Deeming in Hull 

I am currently working on a new chapter on Frederick Bailey Deeming and I am therefore consulting the following,
JTR A-Z
JTR Ult. Sourcebook
Policemen of Hull by A.A. Clarke
Murders of the Black Museum by Gordon Honeycombe
Murder and Crime-Kingston upon Hull, Douglas Wynn
Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths in Hull, David Goodman

As well as utilising the primary sources on the Deeming site here,
http://www.prov.vic.gov.au/deeming/

Alongside
Magistrates papers from Hull under the surname Deeming,
Magistrates papers from Hull under the surname Lawson,
Various Hull Press Reports from 1890 to 1892.

The chapter already has 90 footnotes, and I have yet to cover the trial!

Research Trip

Last week and earlier this week I managed to get some time in the field once again at the Carnegie Heritage Centre.

Tomorrow, weather permitting, I am hoping to visit the Sutton Village History Centre.

Christmas Lecture

I am due to appear in Hull discussing my research at Christmas.  Full details have yet to be confirmed, but they will be posted here when they are ready.

It is a well known fact that Victorian Murderer and Con Man, Frederick Bailey Deeming had visited my home town Kingston upon Hull.

He had visited the Royal Station Hotel with his new Bride, before running off to carry out a fraudulent transaction at Reynoldson Jewellers.

During my research into Deeming, I was able to trace the locations of several businesses that he had visited whilst he was here, I was also to get trade directory entries for them, maps and some recent photos.

I also wrote to Hull Prison where Deeming was imprisoned in 1891 for fraud!!

Here is there reply when I asked if they had any records of his stay,

Dear Mr. Covell

Thank you for your letter dated 13th April 2007.

Unfortunately we are unable to assist you in your request as we do not keep prisoners records for more than seven years.

I am sorry we cannot help.

Yours sincerely

A WATSON

Head of Operations