Have you heard ghost stories or watched horror movies? if so you will love this story about a ghost of London in the 1800s. It is called Spring-heeled Jack.
First, something to take in before we start. According to wikipedia, “In the early 19th century, there were reports of ghosts that stalked the streets of London. These human-like figures were described as pale; it was believed that they stalked and preyed on lone pedestrians. The stories told of these figures formed part of a distinct ghost tradition in London which, some writers have argued, formed the foundation of the later legend of Spring-heeled Jack.”
Now it has said he could jump from roof to roof and breath fire and had metal claws. The first encounter was in october 1837 it was a servant girl named Mary Stevens she was walking home in a park and a shadowy figure jumped out She said his touch was clammy and cold. Then later near her home the same shadowy figure was spotted but it was a different target he leapt in front of a carriage. It caused it to swerve and the driver lost control and then crashed and the driver was very injured. Bystanders said they saw the man jump over a 9 foot wall babbling to himself as he left the scene
Next question is, did he get caught or did he just vanish? It says he was never caught or identified, According to wikipedia, “No one was ever caught and identified as Spring-heeled Jack; combined with the extraordinary abilities attributed to him and the very long period during which he was reportedly at large, this has led to numerous and varied theories of his nature and identity.”
Now, you might be wondering why I never described him. I will now tell you. According to wikipedia, “Spring-heeled Jack was described by people who claimed to have seen him as having a terrifying and frightful appearance, with diabolical physiognomy, clawed hands, and eyes that “resembled red balls of fire”. One report claimed that, beneath a black cloak, he wore a helmet and a tight-fitting white garment like an oilskin. Many stories also mention a “Devil-like” aspect. Others said he was tall and thin, with the appearance of a gentleman. Several reports mention that he could breathe out blue and white flames and that he wore sharp metallic claws at his fingertips. At least two people claimed that he was able to speak comprehensible English.”
Yeah i really like this story. Why, you ask because it is the first folk tale story based in London I have heard/read in years. But there is one thing that’s still bothering me. The fact that he was babbling and talking to himself every time he left the scene, it did not make a lot of sense to me. ,I just thought he was clinically insane, but when I heard it again it still does not make sense to me. Also, if you want to see(technically hear) where I got the facts click this link https://youtu.be/kKyhu5atFUo