Whilst researching Jack the Ripper I am constantly learning about fascinating individuals from the period. William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, preached his first sermon outside the Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel. Today the charity works in 133 countries with over a million members. Originally it provided food and shelter to the destitute in London’s East End.

Some people did not appreciate the preaching and instructions to avoid alcohol. Groups known as the Skeleton Army began to attack Booth’s volunteers. In 1882 662 were assaulted, including women and children. Some authorities supported the Skeleton Army but eventually the Police acted against the rioters.

Some Jack the Ripper suspects are known to have spent time in Booth’s homeless shelters. William Onion, once described as the most violent man in London, drank at the Blind Beggar and later became an evangelical Christian. Another suspect, and local vigilante, Albert Bachert described himself as General and founder of The Skeleton Army.