The "Worst" Briton
Jack the Ripper, despite never having been identified, has been chosen in a poll as the "worst" Briton of the past 1,000 years. The serial killer who preyed on prostitutes in the Whitechapel area of London in 1888 has lost none of his notoriety. Nearly 5,000 people voted for their least favourite figure from a shortlist representing each century over the past millennium in a poll for BBC History Magazine.
The top 10
1. Jack the Ripper (19th century)
2. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury (circa 1120-70)
3. Eadric Streona (died 1017)
= King John (1167-1216)
= Sir Richard Rich, Lord Rich of Leighs (1496/7-1567)
= Titus Oates (1649-1705)
= Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721-65)
8. Thomas Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury (1353-1414)
= Hugh Despenser (the younger)
10. Oswald Mosley (1896-1980)
Ref. https://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_brit...ticle342148.ece
I have no idea how many book have been written about Jack. I would guess it has to be over a thousand. Why does this story so fascinate both English and American culture? The brutal mutilation of prostitutes, supposed connections to the Royal Family, and the days of horse drawn carriages, gas lit streets and that London fog. This is a story that sticks in the subconscious mind of the culture and long after Brad Pitt and Madonna and even President Bush are forgotten, Happy Jack will still be smiling.