Where did Druitt enter the Thames?

[aspallek]

Hi Andy

I too believe Druitt knew Lonsdale and by inference he would certainly know Henry Stephen.

I do not think though that Lonsdales upright character would negate the possibility of Montague being corrupt in any way.

A possible scenario would be that Montague was very law abiding and upright also, and that he had possibly a good and righteous friend in Lonsdale.

After being introduced into the circle of friends that surrounded the Osiers though, his innate homosexuality came to the fore and he possibly was steered or encouraged in some fashion (not necessarily co-erced) to commit some sexual crime at his school.

It need not have been a physical crime really. Discussions about erotica, love, sex etc must have been very erudite at the Osiers given the intelligence and Bohemianism of some of the participants.

If Montague had been accused by a pupil of simply attempting to discuss sex or anything related to sex in a particular way, then the head of school may well have regarded this as a serious matter.

Druitt may then have sought some type of help, aid or support from his so called friends at the Osiers. Mainly I think he would have been worried about the shame and embarrassment to himself and his family. When he was rejected, he committed suicide by entering the Thames at Chiswick.

I think evidence points away from the "serious trouble" as being of financial origin.

This is all quite plausible. However, it must remain speculative. It may also be that Druitt sought employment at one of the exclusive schools in the Hammermith/Chiswick area or that he had some sporting interest in this area known for sport.

Remember that if The Osiers were his destination he could have bought a rail ticker to Turnham Green or Ravenscourt Park rather than Hammersmith.