Pages

Wednesday 21 November 2018

Walking in the Footsteps of a Serial Killer: The Jack the Ripper Tour

the-jack-the-ripper-tour

History has always been a big interest of mine, especially when it comes to learning more about my own country’s past. I love delving into the pages of history books and allowing the characters who populate the pages to come to life – it’s the perfect opportunity to learn from the past as well as broaden your own knowledge.

So, when I was invited along on a special media-only tour following in the footsteps of the infamous Jack the Ripper, there was only ever going to be one answer!

the-jack-the-ripper-tour

To this day, Jack the Ripper remains one of the most notorious serial killers in history. It was the brutal nature of his murders that first caught the attention of the public and press alike, but nowadays, the mystery surrounding the Ripper’s identity continues to keep generation after generation guessing.

Although it is likely that we will never know Jack the Ripper’s true identity for certain, there is a morbid fascination with this case that has prevailed for over 130 years. Indeed, I know that I couldn’t wait to visit Whitechapel and learn more about the horrifying events that occurred back in 1888 during the Autumn of Terror.

The Jack the Ripper Tour

Running twice a day, seven days a week, the Jack the Ripper tour offers a remarkable insight into Victorian Whitechapel, the Ripper and his unfortunate victims. The tour lasts for an hour and 45 minutes and takes you to some of the most significant Ripper locations, as well as key points of interest like the Ten Bells pub, Christ Church in Spitalfields, and Wilkes Street, a gaslit street that has remained largely unchanged since the Victorian era.

jack-the-ripper-tour

Our tour guide, Richard, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject – a fact which clearly came across during the tour. From providing interesting little snippets of information to giving his own insight on the various theories (ranging from the possible to the ridiculous!), this made the tour extra special from start to finish.

Providing an Extra Special Touch

In addition to visiting the locations first-hand, the tour also includes Ripper-Vision – a wonderful way to bring the gruesome tale of Jack the Ripper to life in a never-before-seen way. From mortuary photographs and images of a bygone era to attention-grabbing headlines and press cuttings, this additional dimension to the tour really does make it that little extra bit special.


We really couldn't have picked a better night for the tour, either, as the skyscrapers of modern London were obscured by a mist rolling in throughout the evening. The atmosphere was brilliant, with the stillness of the air and the fog blurring the streets making it incredibly easy to imagine Jack the Ripper lurking in wait just around the next corner...

Once the tour had concluded, we finished the evening with a delicious meal at the Monsoon Indian restaurant, one of Brick Lane’s infamous curry houses. Brick Lane is renowned around the world for the high quality of food its restaurants offer, and simply by walking down the street you are treated to deliciously fragrant aromas from every doorway.

brick-lane, curry-house, jack-the-ripper-tour

Ideal for both history buffs and those who like to travel off the beaten track, the Jack the Ripper tour offers an experience like no other. The next time that you’re in London, why not book a place on the tour and see for yourself?

Would you consider going on a Jack the Ripper tour? Let me know in the comments below!

2 comments:

  1. This sounds like a great urban adventure and definitely something I’d like to do. Thanks for joining us on #adventurecalling. We’re open again for new posts in the morning.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the idea of this, it sounds amazing. I love history and am a bit fascinated by Jack the Ripper after binge watching the whole of Whitechapel on Netflix recently. A great idea for a super interesting walk. Thanks for joining us and great to find another local blogger. #AdventureCalling

    ReplyDelete