Spring Heeled Jack

Spring Heeled Jack was a mysterious entity that terrorized London and other parts of England from 1837 until the early twentieth century. Described as a devilish figure who could leap over walls and buildings, he attacked women and evaded capture.

The First Attacks

In 1837, several women reported being attacked by a strange figure. He had glowing eyes, clawed hands, and could breathe blue fire. When pursued, he leaped over hedges and walls with superhuman ease. His victims were left with torn clothes and scratch marks.

The Description

Witnesses consistently described a tall, thin figure in dark clothing with pointed ears, glowing eyes, and metallic claws. He wore a tight-fitting suit and cape. His most remarkable feature was his ability to jump to incredible heights.

The Official Response

The attacks became so frequent that the Lord Mayor of London declared them a public menace. Police patrols were increased. The press dubbed the creature Spring Heeled Jack, and he became a Victorian legend.

The Later Years

Sightings continued throughout the nineteenth century, spreading beyond London to the provinces. Soldiers at an army barracks reported being slapped by the creature. He was last reliably reported in 1904.

Assessment

Spring Heeled Jack may have been a prankster in a costume, mass hysteria, or something genuinely supernatural. His ability to evade capture despite hundreds of witnesses and police pursuit remains unexplained. Whatever he was, he terrified Victorian England.