Editing Spring-heeled Jack (section)

===Precedents===
In the early 19th century, there were reports of [[ghost]]s that stalked the streets of London. These human-like figures were described as pale; it was believed that they stalked and preyed on lone pedestrians. The stories told of these figures formed part of a distinct ghost tradition in London which, some writers have argued, formed the foundation of the later legend of Spring-heeled Jack.<ref name="History Today">Jacob Middleton, "An Aristocratic Spectre", ''History Today'' (February 2011)</ref>

The most important of these early entities was the [[Hammersmith Ghost]], which in 1803 and 1804 was reported in [[Hammersmith]] on the western fringes of London; it would later reappear in 1824. Another apparition, the Southampton ghost, was also reported as assaulting individuals in the night. This particular spirit bore many of the characteristics of Spring-heeled Jack, and was reported as jumping over houses and being over {{convert|10|ft|abbr=on}} tall.<ref name="History Today"/>