The Ballad of Annie Chapman - a contemporary song

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  • Chris Scott
    Chief Inspector
    • Feb 2008
    • 1853

    #1

    The Ballad of Annie Chapman - a contemporary song

    I found an account and the words of a song sung on Flower and Dean Street. The article says that the singer (or "troubadour" as he is grandly called) wore a graphic picture of Chapman's body in his hatband. He sings the song and offers copies for sale.
    This account is from March 1889.
    The words quoted run as follows:

    Four months ago it was pore Annie Chapman,
    A dyin' for a morsel, jest to eat,
    She walked her to and fro, Flow'ry Dean Street and Bucks Row,
    And, finally, she turned down "An'bry Street.
    'Twas there she met yer old pal, Jack the Ripper,
    Who took her to a corfee stall to sup,
    Then with his 'eart so 'ard, he took 'er down the yard,
    At number twenty nine - and ripped 'er hup
    Oh-h-h-h!
    Was ever there sich crimes,
    In these, or other times,
    These 'orrid cruel outrages still increase.
    Though taxes we may pay,
    Gettin' 'eavier ev'ry day,
    We arst's ourselves the kvestion, "Where's the pleece?"


    I'll post the article as it features a sketch of the "troubadour"
  • Chris Scott
    Chief Inspector
    • Feb 2008
    • 1853

    #2
    Here's the article in which this ballad is mentioned:

    The Sporting Life
    2 March 1889
    Attached Files

    Comment

    • Archaic
      Chief Inspector
      • Mar 2009
      • 1903

      #3
      Another fascinating find, Chris.

      The author's description of Whitechapel and tone of considering the Ripper murders "old news" really puts his description of the shabby singer in context.

      I wonder where the singer got the gory murder illustration he's wearing on his hat-band; was it a news illustration or something else?

      Does the author say any more where the end of the article is cut off?

      Thanks and best regards,
      Archaic

      Comment

      • Chris Scott
        Chief Inspector
        • Feb 2008
        • 1853

        #4
        Hi Archaic
        Im afraid that's all on the subject - the "essay" continues with an abrupt change of subject and there is no further reference to JTR
        Chris

        Comment

        • Archaic
          Chief Inspector
          • Mar 2009
          • 1903

          #5
          Thank you, Chris.

          What's your best guess as to the illustration the singer wore in his hat-band? Something from the paper, or perhaps a scene drawn for the purpose by an itinerant artist?

          Best regards,
          Archaic

          Comment

          • Chris Scott
            Chief Inspector
            • Feb 2008
            • 1853

            #6
            Because the illustration also has the killer in it - "a dark man, in a heavy cloak and slouched hat, was standing in a fierce and menacing attitude over her" - I would think it was purpose done either by the "troubadour" himself or some local hack artist

            Comment

            • j.r-ahde
              Inspector
              • Feb 2008
              • 1148

              #7
              Hello Chris!

              An interesting piece indeed!

              It would be interesting, if there is any sample on piano or something, like the one about "The Violet"!

              All the best
              Jukka
              "When I know all about everything, I am old. And it's a very, very long way to go!"

              Comment

              • Mitch Rowe
                Sergeant
                • Mar 2008
                • 602

                #8
                Sounds like its this one:

                Comment

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