The Frances Coles Murder: An In-Depth Analysis of the Case

The murder of Frances Coles in 1891 remains a chilling echo within the annals of Whitechapel’s grim history, a case perpetually shadowed by the infamous spectre of Jack the Ripper. While not definitively attributed to the same hand, the circumstances surrounding her death ignited immediate speculation and fear, highlighting the precarious lives of women in London’s East End during that era. This article delves into the intricate details of the case, exploring the life of Frances Coles, the events leading to her tragic demise, the investigation that followed, and the enduring questions that still linger.

Introduction to the Case

The murder of Frances Coles marked a pivotal point in the collective memory of Victorian London’s criminal history. The brutality of the crime, coupled with its geographical proximity to the earlier Whitechapel murders, inevitably drew comparisons to the notorious Jack the Ripper case. For many, the possibility of a continued reign of terror felt palpable, thrusting the grim reality of violence against women in the East End back into the public discourse. The investigation, led amidst a cloud of public anxiety, would ultimately reveal a complex tapestry of social hardship, police shortcomings, and a legal system that, despite its efforts, failed to deliver conclusive justice. This case would not only illustrate the vulnerabilities of women in late 19th-century London but also provide a stark reminder of the enduring human desire for answers, even when such answers seem forever elusive.

Overview of Frances Coles

Frances Coles was a woman whose life, though marked by hardship, is an important lens through which to examine the realities of Victorian era London. Born in 1859, she was a product of the city’s underclass, battling poverty and eventually turning to prostitution for survival. Her story is not just one of victimhood, but also shows a resilient woman who maintained contact with her family, attempting to shield them, even her sister Mary Ann, from her lifestyle. Sadly she was also known by her alias, “Carroty Nell”. This moniker likely reflected her physical features and was used and known within the circles she found herself in. The description of her as “quite pretty” adds a poignant layer to her story, highlighting how societal prejudices often disregard the humanity of those living on the fringes. The image of her spending her last day, drinking with a man she knew, purchasing a new hat – a small yet significant indulgence – serves as a stark reminder of the ordinary life she sought within extraordinary circumstances. This humanity is often overlooked when discussing the victims of this period who are often reduced to being simply victims. These details demonstrate the need to see Frances Coles as an individual with her own history, struggles, and unique traits.

Background of the Whitechapel Murders

The Whitechapel murders, a series of brutal slayings that terrorized London in 1888, created an atmosphere of fear and paranoia within the East End and the city, as a whole. The victims, predominantly prostitutes, were found with their throats cut and, in many cases, with horrifying abdominal mutilations. The unknown perpetrator, dubbed “Jack the Ripper,” became a figure of national obsession. The public were gripped by the details of each new crime, and the press fueled the flames of this fascination, creating an enduring macabre interest that continues to this day. This environment of intense public and press scrutiny forced the police into an intense, relentless campaign of searching for the culprit. The sheer brutality of the crimes, coupled with the elusive nature of the killer, led to widespread fear. It also highlighted the societal indifference towards the plight of women in poverty, a situation that had been allowed to fester in Victorian London. Therefore, the murder of Frances Coles occurring so soon afterwards, was immediately viewed within this historical context. The connection to the Ripper immediately heightened the fear that had begun to recede, and this also cast a dark shadow across the investigation of Frances Coles death.

Frances Coles‘ Life and Circumstances

The life of Frances Coles provides a vital insight into the social and economic realities of Victorian-era London. Her story is not just about her tragic end; it is also one of survival within a system that often failed the most marginalized. The struggles she faced, her choices, and her relationships paint a vivid picture of the precarious existence experienced by many women in the East End. Understanding this context is necessary to comprehend the environment in which this horrific murder took place, and to emphasize a deeper understanding of her as a person, rather than just a victim. This is something we can all focus on when considering historical events of suffering, the need to remember the individuality of each victim which can often be lost amidst the sensationalism and brutality.

Early Life and Struggles

Frances Coles, born in 1859, was immediately positioned to live a life of hardship. Born into poverty in London, she is a perfect example of how challenging it was to rise beyond these circumstances of deprivation, in the Victorian era. The lack of resources and limited opportunities in her early life made her vulnerable to the very real struggles of the underclass in London. Her background is a typical example of the social inequality which shaped the lives of so many in the East End. She was not a person who only struggled at the end of her life, she was a person who had been faced with obstacles from a very young age. It’s through stories like hers, that we realise how much people struggled in this period to rise against the circumstances that were set against them. The fact that we can only gain this insight after her tragic death is something to reflect on, it’s important to understand that each victim of violence has a life story that should not be ignored nor forgotten.

She worked in various low-paying jobs before turning to prostitution, a choice born, not of desire, but of grim necessity. It is important to contextualise this point, especially given the negative social attitudes toward prostitution. The lack of other credible income streams meant that many women were forced in to this particular life as the only means of supporting themselves. The reality is that it was often a dangerous and highly exploitative profession and should not be viewed as a personal choice. The lack of opportunities for women during this time period meant they had very few options to live freely from destitution and exploitation. Frances Coles’ transition into prostitution was not just a individual decision but also indicative of the structural flaws that allowed such exploitation to perpetuate. Viewing her life in this context brings a more rounded understanding to the situation that her and also other women like her found themselves in.

Prostitution and Social Context

Frances Coles’ decision to engage in prostitution provides a critical window into the social context of the late 19th-century Whitechapel. This was a period marked by rampant poverty, massive inequality, and deeply entrenched gender imbalances, resulting in the East End, being a hotbed of crime and destitution. Prostitution, while stigmatized, was a common means of survival for many women faced with limited economic prospects. It illustrates not only individual struggles, but the societal failings that allowed it to grow to a significant issue. The Victorian society, while outwardly moralistic, often turned a blind eye to the plight of those living in poverty, creating a cycle of desperation and exploitation. The public face of propriety often concealed brutal realities experienced by many women of this class. Frances coles was victim of this moral hypocrisy which was often ignored by the general public. Furthermore, the fact that she used aliases such as “Carroty Nell, highlights the need for anonymity in a line of work that faced so much social stigma.

The area of Whitechapel was overcrowded, and this resulted in fierce competition for business which often lead to violence. Women were also vulnerable to abuse, not just from clients but also from the wider society including the local police, and other criminals. There is a common theme across these victims of the Ripper, and also of Frances Coles; the fact they often lived isolated and marginalized lives in the shadows. She was among countless other women like her who lived in constant fear of violence and exploitation. This should lead us to question whether there was an overall failing in Victorian period on safeguarding and protecting vulnerable women who were often left ignored by the authorities and community alike. It is a shame that these details are often ignored while the focus is placed on the identity of the perpetrator of violence (for example Jack the Ripper) , this often obscures the need for better protection and better treatment of more vulnerable citizens.

Relationships and Family Dynamics

Despite her life circumstances, Frances Coles maintained contact with her family, particularly her father who resided at the Bermondsey Workhouse. This illustrates a complexity of character often overlooked when her story is told. Rather than being seen as solely a victim of circumstance, she also struggled to maintain relationships, and was capable of love and care for her family. Her attempt to hide her life as a prostitute from her sister, Mary Ann, further reveals a desire to shield her loved ones from the harsh realities of her daily existence, something that highlights the love she felt for her family. However, the situation also reveals a sense of shame that society had placed over such a line of work, further emphasising how challenging life for women in such economic circumstances were at this time. This familial connection is a stark contrast to the common narrative of many women being described as isolated and alone. These details reveal the importance of understanding that each person was an individual, who had their own circumstances, connections, thoughts and feelings.

Her relationship with James Sadler, while brief and tempestuous, sheds light on the nature of personal associations in the East End. Her final day spent drinking with Sadler, and the subsequent argument, shows how fragile her world was, highlighting how a casual encounter could lead to tragic consequences. The social circle of Whitechapel was small enough that it often placed people in dangerous situations. These circumstances illustrate the importance of understanding the daily life within this society, something that is important in trying to explain what led to her final moments. The combination of precarious relationships, poverty, and a lack of social support, made life particularly perilous. She was ultimately just another ordinary person caught up in a brutal world . It’s important that her life is viewed sympathetically and that the full details of the tragedy should encourage society to protect more vulnerable people in modern society.

The Events Leading Up to the Murder

The events of February 12th and 13th, 1891, are crucial to understanding the murder of Frances Coles. These incidents begin to build up the final hours of her life and reveal the context in which her death occurred. It is a sequence of events that paint a vivid picture of the precarious nature of her existence and the people within her social circles. Through the careful piecing together of witness testimony and forensic details, we come to understand the series of circumstances and decisions that resulted in her brutal murder. It is important that the events leading to her death are not romanticized, it is vital to maintain focus on how this event could have been easily avoided.

A Night Out with James Sadler

The day leading to her death saw Frances Coles spending time with James Sadler, a merchant seaman who was known to her as a former client. This day serves as a pivotal period, one of the last periods of her life, which can offer important insights about what might have prompted the attack. Their drinking throughout the day is described as ‘heavy’, and this paints a picture of how they spent their last hours together. The fact that she had also purchased a new hat before this incident also highlights the ordinary nature of the circumstances leading to her death. This juxtaposition is something that should be acknowledged because it could so easily be a typical day for any man or woman. This is a reality of the situation, that should not be ignored. The fact that she chose to spend it with Sadler also indicates a connection that was not unusual within the social circles she found herself within. The purchase of the hat and the drinking, could have been typical occurrences, it is this very fact that makes the conclusion of such a day all the more tragic.

The fact that Sadler was also a former client also adds complex layers to this relationship. These relationships, within a society of prostitution, were very casual and often exploitative, there was little safety for both clients and sex workers. They were also often built on the exchange of money and could be discarded fairly easily. There was very limited loyalty and it placed vulnerable people in dangerous positions within their own community. This context adds a level of meaning to what initially appears to be something ordinary. The dynamic between Sadler and Frances Coles on that final day was both indicative of the times and sadly a prelude to a tragedy that was about to befall her.

The Argument and Subsequent Separation

The evening took a turn when an argument erupted between Frances Coles and James Sadler. This argument stemmed from the fact that Sadler was robbed, and Frances Coles opted not to intervene, it highlights the precarious and unpredictable nature of their relationship. The loss of money was likely particularly difficult given their economic precarity, which further exacerbated the disagreement. This point again shows how easily violence could occur within the environment they found themselves in. The fact that an argument could result in such a horrific outcome, is a sad reality of the dangers that she faced on any given day. The argument was not exceptional, but simply another example of how unstable the situation was for them and many women like her.

The separation that followed, with Frances Coles seeking refuge at the Spitalfields Chambers lodging house, added more chaos to the unfolding tragedy. The fact that Sadler was also turned away reinforces his intoxicated and violent state. It demonstrates also the challenging nature of living in this community, with very limited resources and the potential for harm being very high. They were both at this point vulnerable and in unsafe positions. This moment showcases the lack of safety and resources that existed within the Whitechapel area, thus furthering the narrative of what the most vulnerable members of society were forced to endure. Both Frances Coles and Sadler found themselves unable to get their basic needs met, and that their state of intoxication likely increased this vulnerability.

Last Sightings Before the Murder

The last confirmed sightings of Frances Coles provide crucial details about the moments leading up to her death. Leaving the lodging house due to lack of funds places her back into the dangerous environment of the streets. Her decision to have a meal at an eating house and the subsequent encounter with fellow prostitute Ellen Callana are crucial details. The interaction is notable because a man in a cheesecutter hat solicited both women, assaulting Callana before leaving with Frances Coles in the direction of the Minories area; the same direction of where she would be ultimately found. The sequence of events establishes that she had very limited agency within a society where violence and predation were commonplace occurrences. It also shows the casual violence that was often part of living in these areas.

Sadler’s movements, after being turned away from the lodging house, further illustrate the chaotic atmosphere of the neighborhood on that night. He was involved in several fights and seen near the Royal Mint drunk and bleeding, it shows that he was also in a state of vulnerability. The focus shifts from the victim to the potential aggressor. The information combined with the last known movements and locations of both people create a comprehensive understanding of the final hours of Frances Coles’ life, and the circumstances surrounding the brutal act of violence that would quickly follow.

The Discovery of the Body

The discovery of the body of Frances Coles is a pivotal moment in the timeline of events. It reveals the brutality of the crime and the immediate response that followed. The details of the crime scene and the physical evidence provided is crucial for understanding what took place. The discovery of the body also led to the beginning of the police investigation which ultimately failed to provide conclusive results. The events of that fateful early morning, highlight the violence and instability of Whitechapel and further demonstrate the vulnerability of the people that inhabited it.

Details of the Crime Scene

The discovery of Frances Coles‘ body in Swallow Gardens, a dark railway archway, is a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked in the shadows of Victorian London. The location being between Royal Mint Street and Chamber Street, in a dark and secluded area, highlights how people were often targeted in such hidden locations. The description of the area, as being dark and hidden, shows us the lack of safety that existed. These locations were not a random choice, they became a method for predators to target the vulnerable women who could be easily exploited due to their social circumstances. The area was clearly a dangerous location, which was known to pose an increased threat to vulnerable women. The choice of this site again demonstrates a level of strategy by the perpetrator to avoid being spotted after the attack.

The area further provides a context surrounding the murder itself. These hidden and dark locations could have been used for multiple reasons, for both the victim and the attacker, and may have been a common site where violence would occur. This is a stark reminder of the inherent dangers that women in this area and time period had to navigate. It was clearly not a one-off occurrence, but rather a culmination of a dangerous environment.

Condition and Injuries of Frances Coles

The injuries sustained by Frances Coles are brutal. Her throat was cut multiple times. The detail is especially chilling when we understand the force and violence used to cause such injuries. Multiple cuts to her throat, with a single incision on the skin and multiple opening in her larynx, is highly disturbing. The suggestion of a dull knife further emphasises the violence with which the attack must have been conducted. Her ear is described as having been previously torn, which indicates earlier violence. The lack of any abdominal mutilation, a trait often associated with the Jack the Ripper murders, is a key factor which would later cast doubt on the supposed connection to the Ripper murders. The description of her wounds are not just an important detail in the forensic analysis, but also a poignant reminder of the physical attack suffered.

Her position at the crime scene, is another point to analyse. It is said to be positioned in such a way, so that the attacker would avoid getting blood on themselves. This shows a level of planning by the perpetrator and an attempt to minimise evidence that could lead to their identification. These aspects of the crime scene are something that needs further focus to better understand intent of the attacker, when a crime is discussed its imperative to understand the motivations of violence. It goes beyond simple acts of aggression, and must incorporate details about personal intention and choices.

Initial Police Response

The immediate police response was initiated by PC Ernest Thompson, who discovered Frances Coles‘ body, it is an important part of this narrative about the tragic violence that occurred. The details highlight the actions of the people closest to the scene. The fact that PC Ernest Thompson heard a man running away is a crucial clue, although it is not specifically connected directly to the crime. The fact that PC Thompson managed to hear it is a testament to the fact that the area was secluded and could not be seen by other citizens. The description of Thompson’s discovery, finding her as she appeared to still be alive is particularly poignant. The fact that she is thought to have died on the way to the hospital adds a note of tragic urgency to the situation. This moment shows us the time pressure that was an issue for both the police and medical professions operating in such circumstances.

The initial steps taken were quickly followed by other police officers. There was a faint pulse noted, yet this was not enough to restore her. These details highlight the chaos and urgency that followed the discovery of her body. It is also a demonstration of the efforts made to help her, even when the attempt was in vain. The detail of the police presence, and efforts made to assist her, provides not only important details about the police response, but also emphasises the humanity in all areas of the responses at this very sad moment.

Examination of the Suspect: James Sadler

James Sadler emerged as the prime suspect in the murder of Frances Coles. His connection to her, his behavior on the night of the murder, and the circumstantial evidence all contributed to his arrest. It is important to understand the nuances of his interaction with Frances Coles, his actions before and after the murder, and the subsequent legal proceedings. He is a good example of how circumstantial evidence can be misleading, while also demonstrating the challenges faced by the police and legal system in delivering justice. His case also highlights the precarious of circumstantial evidence and its potential for misdirection.

Relationship with Frances Coles

James Sadler’s relationship with Frances Coles is a key element of this case. They were known to each other, with Sadler being a former client of hers, their connection was typical of the type of casual and often fleeting interactions common in the East End of London. Their final time together, drinking and arguing, demonstrates the volatile nature of their connection, the level of instability and volatility between them. It also indicates a history of interactions that could be marked with tensions and unpredictable bursts of violence. His description as a gruff, violent man who indulged regularly in drinking, shows his personality, and how it might have made him capable of such a violent crime. The volatile nature of his character was already known and recognised, it also provides insights into why the police were compelled to focus on him so intently.

Having knowledge of their previous relationship adds depth to the investigation, It is easy to look at each circumstance on a flat surface, therefore it is necessary to consider the history that existed between the victim and their accused attacker. The detail of this relationship adds further complexity to understanding the nature of violence that could often occur within these social circles.

Evidence Against Sadler

The evidence against James Sadler was largely circumstantial but significant enough to warrant his arrest and trial. He had previously been seen with Frances Coles , this meant that the connection could be established between the pair. The fact that he was also drunk, violent and had been involved in fights on the night of the murder further added to his dubious character. The witnesses that described him, and his actions, created a convincing narrative that he had been involved in the murder. The witnesses also included evidence such as bloodstains on his clothing, and an attempt to sell a knife, thus adding to the narrative that he could have conducted the assault. The fact they created a sequence of events that could place him at the scene and with her, was damaging to his defence. His drunken state and violent behavior leading to his arrest, further convinced the police that he was the clear perpetrator of her murder.

The combination of these witness statements, his bloodied clothing, and the fact that he had been selling a knife, all of these made it seem like there was enough evidence to arrest him. It did not require a lot of analysis for the police to assume that he was indeed the correct person to investigate with regard to her murder. However, given the historical context, it is important to be very wary of such circumstantial evidence. There was significant public pressure from the media, and also the local population to have a culprit, and this could lead to an unfair assumption on the part of the police.

Trial and Acquittal

Despite the mounting circumstantial evidence against him, James Sadler was ultimately acquitted. This is an important point to discuss when seeking a full understanding of the case. The lack of concrete evidence directly linking him to the murder, along with conflicting witness statements, and the nature of both the knife, and the nature of the wounds, all contributed to his freedom. The doubts surrounding his capabilities to inflict such wounds, given his drunken state, also contributed to his acquittal. The fact they were unable to gain enough irrefutable evidence, showed the limits and also the flaws in the original police investigation, but more importantly, how difficult it could be to prove guilt beyond doubt. The legal and courtroom aspects offer us the opportunity to examine how the legal system was attempting to deliver justice and also identify its key flaws in such complicated cases.

The Seaman’s Union also provided him with excellent legal representation, highlighting the issues that many people of the time period did not have access to. Therefore, this provided a stark difference in the quality of defence he was provided, compared to other vulnerable members of society. His acquittal, despite the public perception of his guilt, is a testament to the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” Therefore, his story is also a demonstration of the checks and balances of the legal system, and how they still operate today. The fact that there was a large crowd cheering outside the court as he left, shows the sentiment that he was not the perpetrator. This shows us how the general public did not fully believe in his guilt. It again shows the influence that speculation can have on an overall public perception on any given event.

Investigative Challenges and Theories

The murder of Frances Coles is haunted by many investigative challenges and theories that continue to fuel speculation even today. The flaws in the investigation and the media frenzy surrounding it, all have contributed to the difficulty in finding a definitive conclusion to the case. The strong public interest, largely driven by its potential connection to Jack the Ripper, also complicates things by adding extra speculation and public opinion to the case. The result of this was a case that was filled with so much uncertainty, that it still haunts history today. We need to fully acknowledge the limitations of the investigation itself and consider that the truth may never be truly uncovered.

Flaws in the Police Investigation

The police investigation into the murder of Frances Coles was heavily criticized and there is a lot to learn from it. The focus on James Sadler as the prime suspect right from the beginning, left a very narrow investigation, that failed to consider potential alternative leads. The fact that some witness statements were conflicting, further contributed to the confusion about what had actually occurred. There is a feeling that the police were under significant pressure from both the public and the media, this resulted in a lack of impartiality, and a determination to resolve the case quickly, regardless of any flaws in the investigation. This desire for a swift conclusion meant they disregarded potential weaknesses in the case against Sadler. The failure to explore other potential suspects and the desire to secure a quick conviction, also resulted in an investigation that was full of flaws, and never delivered a genuine sense of justice for the victim. This should serve as a useful lesson about the importance of ensuring that justice is conducted properly, and without the undue influence from the public.

The narrow focus on one particular person, means that the case remained unsolved, and it also highlights the need for open investigations that examine all options. This serves as a cautionary tale about the need for impartiality and thoroughness in any police investigation. It also highlights the fact that the pressure that can be placed from an anxious public, can lead to important details being obscured or missed.

Media Speculation and Public Interest

The intense media coverage and public interest in the murder of Frances Coles greatly influenced the narrative of the case. The public fascination with the Ripper crimes created an atmosphere of fear and paranoia, which therefore resulted in any similar cases being immediately linked to the Ripper, without any proof. The media played a huge role in sensationalizing the details of the crime, leading to public clamor for immediate answers and retribution. The public reaction meant there was an almost witch hunt for a culprit which further increased the pressure for the police to discover the culprit quickly. The media coverage, despite being so sensational, is useful because it illustrates the immense public fear and anxiety of this period. The level of media coverage is vital in understanding how that environment placed enormous expectations on the police investigation to deliver a conclusion.

There are elements of her own life that are lost in this, due to the focus on the potential connection to Jack the Ripper. The media focus served more as a way to sensationalize, rather than focusing on actual facts. This issue raises the question of the media’s ethical accountability, when reporting on cases relating to violence. There’s a lot to be learnt on historical cases and analysing the media, in order to better prepare how we report on historical violence in the modern age. The fact that there was so much sensationalising in the case, is detrimental to the genuine pursuit of truth and justice for victims like Frances Coles.

Connection to Jack the Ripper: Similarities and Differences

The connection between the murder of Frances Coles and the Jack the Ripper crimes is a significant part of the overall conversation about this case. The location of the murder, the fact that she a sex worker, and the apparent throat wound, all were similar to earlier Ripper incidents and this sparked immediate speculation that the Ripper had returned. The initial speculation of a connection was quickly picked up by the media, as it was perfect for sensational and dramatic reporting. This made the public believe that the Ripper had returned, even though the details of the crime differed significantly. The idea of seeing if such a crime could have been committed by the same person is an important point to investigate, it has also created mass anxiety throughout society.

However, the fact that there were no abdominal mutilations, or clothing being disarranged, as found in previous Ripper killings, cast doubt on a direct connection. This is a crucial detail that cannot be overlooked, and it was important that it was mentioned in the report at the time. It did show that violence was a common occurrence, and could exist as separate issues. The theory that the murder was committed by someone else, showed how violence against women was a sad reality of that social period. Further than that, it also highlighted that there could be more than one violent criminal at the time. The need to consider and analyse all details, means we reach the understanding that though the two could have been connected, the overall evidence appears to show they are not, and should therefore be considered as two very separate events. This particular connection remains a very debatable and contested point to this day. However, it is important to learn from the lessons of history, and to examine all evidence, not just the sensationalist media perspective.

The Frances Coles Murder: A Timeline and Cast of Characters

February 11th: James Sadler, a merchant seaman, is discharged from the S.S. Fez and goes to the Princess Alice pub. He meets Frances Coles, an acquaintance, and they spend the night together at Spitalfields Chambers (8 White’s Row).
February 12th (Day): Frances Coles and James Sadler spend the day drinking at various pubs in the East End of London.
February 12th, 7:30 PM: Frances Coles purchases a black crepe hat at a millinery shop on 25 Nottingham Street, Bethnal Green, using money given to her by Sadler. The shopkeeper, Peter Hawkes, observes she was “three sheets to the wind.”
February 12th, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Frances Coles and James Sadler have an argument in Thrawl Street. Sadler is attacked and robbed by a woman in a red shawl and two male accomplices, and Frances does not help him. They go their separate ways.
February 12th, 11:30 PM: Frances Coles returns drunk to Spitalfields Chambers, falls asleep on a bench in the kitchen.
February 12th, Shortly after 11:30 PM: James Sadler returns to Spitalfields Chambers, bloodied and bruised, claiming he was robbed. He is asked to leave because he has no money for a bed.
February 13th, 12:00 AM: James Sadler leaves Spitalfields Chambers.
February 13th, 12:30 AM: Frances Coles awakens and leaves Spitalfields Chambers because she also has no money for a bed.
February 13th, 1:30 AM: Frances Coles eats a meal at Shuttleworth’s eating house in Wentworth Street, she stays for about 15 minutes.
February 13th, 1:45 AM: Frances Coles encounters Ellen Callana on Commercial Street. A man in a “cheesecutter hat” solicits Calana, punches her when she refuses, then approaches Frances. Frances ignores Callana’s advice and leaves with the man, heading towards the Minories.
February 13th, 1:50 AM: James Sadler is involved in a fight with dockworkers at St. Katharine Dock, sustaining a scalp wound, he attempts to get back on the SS Fez but is rebuffed. He then unsuccessfully attempts to get a bed at two lodging houses in East Smithfield.
February 13th, 2:00 AM: Sergeant Edwards spots James Sadler, drunk and bloodied, on the pavement outside the Royal Mint.
February 13th, 2:00 AM – 2:12 AM: William “Jumbo” Friday and the Knapton brothers walk through Swallow Gardens and see a couple at the Royal Mint Street corner. The couple does not respond to their greeting.
February 13th, 2:15 AM: PC Ernest Thompson hears footsteps retreating toward Mansell Street. He discovers the body of Frances Coles in Swallow Gardens, with a severe throat wound. He believes she is still alive when she opens and shuts an eye, and therefore remains with the body.
February 13th, 2:25 AM: PC Frederick Hyde and plain-clothes officer George Elliott arrive to assist PC Thompson. They summon Dr. Frederick Oxley to the scene.
February 13th, 3:00 AM: James Sadler returns to the lodging house at 8 White’s Row, heavily bloodstained. He is turned away by Sarah Fleming.
February 13th, 5:00 AM: James Sadler checks into the London Hospital for treatment of his injuries from the previous night’s fights.
February 13th, 10:15 AM: Duncan Campbell allegedly purchases a blunt knife from James Sadler.
February 16th: James Sadler is charged with the murder of Frances Coles.
February 27th: The inquest into Frances Coles death concludes with a verdict of “Willful Murder against some person or persons unknown.”
March 3rd: Charges against James Sadler are dropped and he is released to cheers from the public.

Cast of Characters:

Frances Coles (a.k.a. Frances Coleman, Frances Hawkins, ‘Carroty Nell’): The victim. Born September 17, 1859. She was a prostitute working in the East End of London. Known for her appearance, being “pretty” compared to the other women of Whitechapel. She had family, but kept her life as a sex worker secret from them.
James William Coles: Frances Coles’s father. A bootmaker from Publow, Somerset. He was an elderly resident of the Bermondsey Workhouse at the time of her death.
Mary Ann Carney: Frances Coles’s mother, from Armagh, Ireland.
Mary Ann Coles: Frances Coles’s sister. She suspected her sister was in poor circumstances after seeing her around Christmas 1890.
James Sadler: A 53-year-old merchant seaman and fireman on the S.S. Fez. He had been a client of Frances Coles. He was with her in the hours before her death, and was the primary suspect in her murder. He was known to be gruff, violent, and a heavy drinker.
Peter Hawkes: A shopkeeper at the millinery at 25 Nottingham Street. He sold Frances Coles a hat the night of her murder and later identified Sadler as the man she left with.
Charles Guiver: The night watchman at Spitalfields Chambers. He helped a bloodied and bruised Sadler wash up, and then asked him to leave for lack of funds.
Samuel Harris: A lodger at Spitalfields Chambers who saw Frances Coles leave at 12:30 am.
Joseph Haswell: An employee at Shuttleworth’s eating house. He served Frances Coles a meal shortly before her murder and had to ask her to leave multiple times.
Ellen Callana: A fellow prostitute who encountered Frances Coles shortly before her murder. She was punched in the face by the man who then approached Frances Coles.
William Friday (a.k.a. ‘Jumbo’): A carman who saw a couple in Swallow Gardens with the Knapton brothers, mistaking them for Coles and Sadler.
Knapton Brothers: Two brothers who were with William Friday when he saw the couple in Swallow Gardens.
PC Ernest Thompson: The police constable who discovered Frances Coles’s body. He was new to the force and the beat. He is haunted for the rest of his life by his inability to pursue her killer. He is later killed in 1900 while breaking up a brawl.
Barnett Abrahams: The man who fatally stabbed PC Thompson in 1900.
PC Frederick Hyde: The first officer to come to Thompson’s aid after discovering the body.
PC Hinton: The police officer who went to summon a senior officer to the scene where Coles’ body was found.
George Elliott: A plain-clothes policeman (Warrant No. 65447) who assisted Thompson at the murder scene.
Dr. Frederick Oxley: A local doctor who was the first medical professional at the scene of the murder.
Dr. George Bagster Phillips: The Divisional Police Surgeon who examined Frances Coles’s body.
Chief Inspector Donald Swanson: A high-ranking police official who was involved in the investigation.
Henry Moore: A Chief Inspector who arrived at the murder scene around 5:00 am.
Robert Anderson: A high-ranking police official who arrived at the murder scene in the morning.
Melville Macnaghten: A high-ranking police official who arrived at the murder scene in the morning.
Sarah Fleming: The deputy at the lodging house at 8 White’s Row. She turned away a heavily bloodstained Sadler at 3:00 AM.
Duncan Campbell: A seaman who claimed to have purchased a knife from Sadler.
Thomas Robinson: A marine stores dealer who purchased the knife from Campbell and testified it was blunt.
Coroner Wynne E. Baxter: The coroner who conducted the inquest into the death of Frances Coles.
Kate McCarthy: A woman that “Jumbo” Friday and the Knapton brothers saw, mistaken for Coles and Sadler.
Thomas Fowles: A man that “Jumbo” Friday and the Knapton brothers saw, mistaken for Coles and Sadler.
Sergeant Edwards: A police sergeant who found Sadler drunk and bloodied on the pavement outside the Mint.
Detective-sergeant Don: A police officer who tracked Sadler down to a pub.
Detective Gill: A police officer who tracked Sadler down to a pub.
Chief Inspector Donald Sutherland Swanson: A high-ranking officer who questioned Sadler.
Mrs. Hague: Frances Coles’s former landlady in Thrawl Street.

Conclusion

The murder of Frances Coles remains a tragic unsolved case, still surrounded by many mysteries. Her life and death show the brutal realities of life in Victorian London, particularly for women living in poverty. The initial suspicions, and connection to the Jack the Ripper killings, shows the public anxiety of the period. The investigation of James Sadler, and his trial, highlighted significant flaws within the legal system and the dangers of circumstantial evidence. Her brutal murder, the way in which she lived, and the lack of justice, all should serve as a way to learn from history. It’s important to focus on the people behind each victim of crime and their individual personal experiences. Instead of just focusing on historical cases of violence from the perspective of the perpetrator of crimes. Her case should not be viewed simply as a shadow of the Jack the Ripper legend, it should also be a reminder of her own unique experiences. Therefore, Frances Coles, and also other victims of crime should be discussed from a perspective of sensitivity, empathy, and a desire for truth, therefore we never forget what they went through as individuals. We must consider that there are still many unanswered questions about her death, and perhaps we shall never fully know the truth of what happened to frances coles grave, it is still a testament to the lessons that can be learned from history. Through a thorough analysis we have an opportunity to remember the name of Frances Coles, and also how we can strive to protect the vulnerable citizens of our modern age.

Reference Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitechapel_murders