Books: Jack the Ripper’s Assassins – the story of the Dighton Romany lineage by Keith Dighton

Keith Dighton is a Romany man who has finally published the story of his family lineage and their place in history. Keith had been listening to the stories from his grandfather Togo since he was a kid. Round the campfire and in the sitting rooms, Keith would listen to amazing stories about the origins of the Dighton lineage  – including a sinister involvement with Jack the Ripper and the Whitechapel murders in Victorian London.

The story ran from word-of-mouth in the family for more than 150 years, until eventually Keith Dighton, my father, decided to make it public with the help of the writer Róbert Geréb and publish it as a book, Keith’s daughter Nicole told the Travellers Times. 

“Keith, my father, remembered all the stories like songs, and crossed-referenced everything with his uncle Sambo and uncle Dolphy,” says Nicole.

“It’s taken him a considerable amount of time, but he’s so pleased it’s out there for all to read.”

Jack the Ripper’s Assassins:

For over a century, the truth was never written—only whispered around fires, handed from grandfather to grandson. Until now.

This is not fiction. This is the meticulously researched, true story of the Dighton family—a Romani lineage with Viking blood—whose hidden existence in Victorian England unknowingly entangled them in one of the darkest chapters of British history.

The narrative you'll discover is based on the extraordinary confessions of Henry (Togo) Dighton, passed down to his grandson, Keith Dighton. While the author has artfully woven in dialogue and expanded upon smaller events to create a more immersive and compelling reading experience, the core of this saga is a true account.

Years of extensive research have fact-checked and enriched this incredible family history, grounding it firmly within its historical context. "Jack the Ripper's Assassins" unveils how this remarkable family—masters of deception, fortune-telling, and infiltration—were manipulated as pawns in the brutal Whitechapel murders.

At the heart of the story are Andrew and Caroline Dighton: a formidable bare-knuckle fighter and his brilliant wife. Their journey from Romani camps to the fringes of high society saw them charming nobles, swindling the wealthy, and moving with an almost invisible grace among England’s most powerful figures.

But when a mysterious benefactor offers them a substantial fortune to control alleyways, block exits, and sow confusion among the police, they realize too late that their unique talents are being exploited to assist a killer they cannot control.

Behind the fog and glamour of Victorian London lies:

• A secret Romani dynasty thriving between two worlds, their story meticulously researched and fact-checked.
• How the Dightons' elaborate cons and clandestine operations drew them into the horrors of Whitechapel.
• The shadowy royal client who orchestrated both elegance and evil, a figure brought to light through diligent historical investigation.
• A family’s desperate fight for survival after uncovering the monstrous truth behind their employers.

The story, hidden in plain sight and preserved within the Dighton bloodline—until now.

“Jack the Ripper’s Assassins” is a true story of deception, loyalty, survival—and the horrifying price of being too good at staying invisible.

From the Battle of Hastings to the streets of London, from Romani wagons to palace halls, this is the untold story of a family who served no master… and paid dearly for it.

"Fortune Favours the Free"—but freedom comes at a profound price.

Jack the Ripper’s Assassins can be brought from Amazon by following this link: Jack the Ripper’s Assassins available on Amazon

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