Mike Covell’s Blogg

During the month of February 1988 a series of newspaper articles were posted in the Hull press.  They hinted that information had been discovered that would link a Hull born man to the “Jack the Ripper” murders in London’s East End.  The stories opened a floodgate of similar reports, all asking whether this particular man could have been the notorious murderer.  They hinted that a new book would cast light on the claims.  More stories followed, but by July 1988 the Hull press were in a frenzy and reports were published hinting at a possible tourism boom based on the claims in the book.  By August 1988 more reports followed, claiming that as the 100 year anniversary of the murders came closer, a possible influx of tourists could descend in the city.  Sadly, it never happened.

Looking back it is easy to see what the stories were all about.  The late Melvin Harris, and supporter of the candidacy against Robert D’Onston Stephenson, who was born in Sculcoates, Hull, had been in touch with the local newspapers and local studies library asking questions about Stephenson and his life in Hull. 

All, however, was quiet, and the tourism boom did not arrive in Hull.  The links between Hull and the “Jack the Ripper” case were lost, and possible tours of the venues associated with Robert D’Onston Stephenson never occurred. 

Now, in the year of the 125^th Anniversary of the “Jack the Ripper” murders, a Hull based tour operator, known as AMAZING HULL TOURS, is set to launch “JACK THE RIPPER – THE HULL CONNECTION TOUR.” 

This time around, however, Robert D’Onston Stephenson will play only a small part of the tour, with 11 suspects linked to Kingston upon Hull, a number of letter, said to be written by “Jack the Ripper” sent to, sent from, and mentioning Hull, and a selection of “Ripper Scares” in the city, the tour will take on much much more than previously expected. 

The first tour will commence on SUNDAY JUNE 2ND 2013 AT 19:00. ANYONE INTERESTED CAN TEXT AMAZING HULL TOURS ON 07582085321 to book tickets with tickets for the tour priced at £5.00.