Did Sweeney Todd exist?

Question

I know that there was a novel written in the 19th century telling the story of the demon barber of Fleet Street. Is it based on any fact? Did Sweeney Todd exist? Or is the story entirely fiction? thanks.

Answer 1

He existed. Although the story in real Victorian London wasn't so romantic as the Musical version (which I really like) He had a partner in crime relation with Mrs. Lovett's, But she didn't make al the pies herself, They had helpers. There was a lot poverty because of gin. (Was cheap and the streets were covered with poor, drunken people)

So he did live, But not as good/rich as in the Sondheim musical.

Answer 2

Sweeney Todd is a fictional character.  he first appeared in a story called 'the String of Pearls' published in 1846, which is an early detective story.  In this story he is purely a villain, he isn't a figure of tragedy like he is made out to be in the musical.

There is absolutely no proof that he ever existed except in the imagination of the author of the story.

Answer 3

Most of today's story is fiction, but it was based on a real story.

Some Britt called Peter Haining did research after him, and here you can find the real story:

http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/seria...

Answer 4

Yes, Sweeny Todd was very real indeed.