Spring-Heeled Jack: Dastardly Victorian Cryptid

 

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On this day in 1838 Spring-Heeled Jack was sighted in London! 

The Victorian villain Spring-Heeled Jack terrorized England from 1837 through the turn of the century, stalking about the streets at night and making a nuisance of himself. He frightened people (and horses) with his sudden appearances and even more memorable disappearances.

If you met him on the street, you might take Jack for a gentleman— except for his silver claws and flaming eyes. He also had the ability to escape pursuers by leaping tall buildings in a single bound— thus the “spring-heeled” nickname. 

Check out my Weird Wednesday blog post on Jack for the whole story, and some writing prompts, such as:

Cosplay opportunity! What about a steampunk Jack with metal claws and real springs in his heels? Maybe the jumping might be the way he reaches his airship. Where would he get his tech?  From an engineer side-kick, or would he make it himself? Maybe Jack might even become a fashion icon, with young people copying his style, despite his villainous deeds.

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