Those of you who are just visiting London may not be aware of the history of Spitalfields in which we are located. Spitalfields is in fact the destination of the London Walks Jack The Ripper Walk, which I have in fact done. Its well worth the time spent and Steve that presents the walk is brilliant. You really do get to see parts of London that you wouldn’t normally stumble upon.
The story of Jack The Ripper is well known, but just in case…
In the late 19th century Spitalfields was known for being the worst criminal area of London. The lodging-houses in the Flower and Dean Street area were the main hangout for the robbers and prostitutes. Dean Street was known in 1881 as being “perhaps the foulest and most dangerous street in the metropolis”. Another claimant to the distinction of being “the worst street in London” was nearby Dorset Street, which was highlighted by the brutal killing and mutilation of a young woman named Mary Kelly in her lodgings here by the serial killer known as Jack the Ripper in the autumn of 1888. This was the climax of a whole series of slayings of local prostitutes that became known as the Whitechapel Murders. The sanguinary activities of “Jack” was one of the factors which prompted the demolition of some of the worst streets in the area 1891-94.
The mystery of Jack is well known which can not be said for Jack himself. Many people have their idea as to who Jack was and if you go on the London Walk you will get to hear all the candidates!
We have made our new takeaway boxes using the press cuttings from the time, so for all you Jack fans out there this is a great souvenier for you.. along with getting the best Fish and Chips around!