George Bagster Phillips

British surgeon and coroner

George Bagster Phillips (1835 – 1897) was a prominent British surgeon and coroner, best known for his involvement in the Jack the Ripper case as the coroner for the Whitechapel murders.

Early Life and Education

George Bagster Phillips was born in 1835 in London, England. He pursued his medical education at St Bartholomew's Hospital, one of the oldest and most prestigious medical institutions in the country. Phillips excelled in his studies and became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1857.

Medical Career

Phillips began his medical career as a general practitioner, but his interest in forensic medicine soon led him to the role of a coroner. He was appointed as the coroner for the Metropolitan Police District, a position that involved investigating sudden and unexplained deaths.

Role as a Coroner

As a coroner, Phillips was responsible for conducting inquests into deaths that occurred under suspicious or unusual circumstances. His work required a keen understanding of both medical and legal principles, and he was known for his meticulous attention to detail.

Involvement in the Whitechapel Murders

George Bagster Phillips

George Bagster Phillips is perhaps best remembered for his involvement in the Whitechapel murders, a series of brutal killings that took place in the Whitechapel district of London in 1888. These murders were attributed to the unidentified serial killer known as Jack the Ripper.

Phillips conducted post-mortem examinations on several of the victims, including Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, and Elizabeth Stride. His findings were crucial in understanding the nature of the attacks and the possible identity of the killer. Phillips noted the precision of the incisions, suggesting that the murderer had some anatomical knowledge.

Later Life and Legacy

Bagster Phillips in later years

After the Whitechapel murders, Phillips continued his work as a coroner and remained a respected figure in the field of forensic medicine. He retired in the late 1890s and passed away in 1897.

Phillips' contributions to forensic pathology and his role in one of the most infamous criminal cases in history have left a lasting impact on the field. His work is still studied by forensic professionals and historians today.

Related Pages

• Jack the Ripper
• Whitechapel murders
• Forensic pathology
• Coroner

Phillips during his career

Young George Bagster Phillips