June and Jennifer Gibbons, identical twins known as "The Silent Twins"

The intriguing and poignant story of June and Jennifer Gibbons, often referred to as "The Silent Twins," captivates audiences with its unique blend of profound sisterly bond, selective mutism, and a shared world of creativity and confinement. Born identical on April 11, 1963, these twin sisters grew up primarily in Wales, becoming subjects of both fascination and extensive psychological study due to their peculiar communication patterns and eventual journey through the British legal and psychiatric systems.

Early Life and the Genesis of Silence

June and Jennifer Gibbons entered the world in Aden, Yemen, where their father, Aubrey Gibbons, served as a technician in the Royal Air Force. Soon after, the family, including their older sister Greta and brother David, relocated to Haverfordwest, Wales, as part of their father's military postings. In a predominantly white community, the Gibbons twins, being the only Black children, faced challenges with integration, which some speculate contributed to their increasing withdrawal from the outside world.

From a very young age, June and Jennifer developed an exceptionally close and insular relationship, communicating almost exclusively with each other in a rapid, unintelligible patois that was largely incomprehensible to others. This private language, combined with their strong reluctance to speak to anyone else, led to them being nicknamed "The Silent Twins." Their teachers and parents tried various interventions, including sending them to different schools and speech therapy, but these attempts often proved futile, only reinforcing their mutual dependency and isolation.

A World of Words: Their Fictional Pursuits

Despite their outward silence, the inner lives of June and Jennifer were extraordinarily rich and vibrant, expressed through an intense passion for creative writing. In their teenage years, they immersed themselves in writing works of fiction, using notebooks and diaries to craft elaborate stories, poems, and plays. Their tales often explored themes of crime, passion, and the struggles of young people, sometimes reflecting the darker aspects of their own isolation and internal conflicts. They aspired to become published authors, sending their manuscripts to various publishing houses. June's novel, "The Pepsi-Cola Addict," and Jennifer's "The Pugilist" were among their most notable works, offering a rare window into their complex imaginations.

The Road to Broadmoor and Years of Confinement

As they entered their late teens, the twins' behaviour became increasingly erratic and destructive. After a series of petty crimes, including shoplifting, arson, and vandalism, they were eventually arrested and, in 1982, were deemed a danger to themselves and others. Consequently, June and Jennifer were committed to Broadmoor Hospital, one of the United Kingdom's high-security psychiatric institutions. Their admission ignited public debate, as many questioned the severity of their sentence for relatively minor offences, particularly given their unique psychological state.

They spent eleven long years within Broadmoor's walls, a period that profoundly affected them. The confinement, the medication, and the separation attempts further highlighted their profound bond. During this time, they continued to write, although their output diminished. They also reportedly made a solemn pact: one of them had to die for the other to truly live and experience a normal life. This pact would tragically come to pass.

Jennifer's Passing and June's New Beginning

On March 9, 1993, as the twins were being transferred from Broadmoor to a lower-security clinic, Jennifer Gibbons unexpectedly died at the age of 29 from acute myocarditis, a sudden inflammation of the heart. No drugs were found in her system, and the exact cause remains a medical mystery. In a chilling fulfilment of their pact, June later recounted that Jennifer had willingly sacrificed herself, believing that only through her death could June finally be free to lead a normal life.

Following Jennifer's death, June began to communicate more openly and slowly integrated into society. She continued to live in West Wales, expressing a desire to live a quiet life, free from the shadow of their shared past, yet still cherishing her sister's memory. Her journey from profound isolation to cautious engagement with the world stands as a testament to her resilience and the enduring impact of her sister's sacrifice.

FAQs About The Silent Twins

Who were June and Jennifer Gibbons?

June and Jennifer Gibbons were identical twin sisters born in 1963 who became known as "The Silent Twins" due to their unique, almost exclusive communication with each other and their refusal to speak to others.

Why were they called "The Silent Twins"?

They earned the moniker because they rarely spoke to anyone outside of each other, communicating instead in a rapid, private language that was unintelligible to most. This selective mutism defined much of their early lives.

What was their special language?

While it wasn't a fully developed, independent language in the linguistic sense (known as cryptophasia), it was a highly personal and rapid form of English spoken only between them, often in an accelerated and distorted manner that made it impossible for outsiders to understand.

What kind of books did they write?

They wrote numerous works of fiction, including novels, poems, and plays. Their stories often delved into dark and dramatic themes, exploring crime, romance, and the challenges of adolescence. June's "The Pepsi-Cola Addict" and Jennifer's "The Pugilist" are prominent examples.

Why were they sent to Broadmoor Hospital?

After a series of escalating petty crimes, including arson and vandalism in their late teens, they were deemed a danger to themselves and society. In 1982, they were committed to Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric facility, where they remained for eleven years.

What happened to Jennifer Gibbons?

Jennifer Gibbons tragically died on March 9, 1993, at the age of 29, from acute myocarditis (sudden heart inflammation) during a transfer from Broadmoor Hospital. Her death was unexpected and unexplained, but June later revealed it was part of a pact the twins had made for one to die so the other could live a free life.

What happened to June Gibbons after Jennifer's death?

After Jennifer's passing, June gradually began to communicate more openly and integrate into society. She continues to live a private life in West Wales, pursuing her interests and maintaining her sister's memory, no longer under the strictures of her past confinement and selective mutism.