Jack the Ripper is one of history’s most infamous figures, and the mystery surrounding his identity continues to intrigue people. His crimes are part of London’s history and add to the city’s reputation for being full of secrets and dark stories. Even today, the question of who he was still captures people’s imagination.
While in the UK, I joined a Jack the Ripper walking tour in London, led by Mick Priestly, author of Jack the Ripper: One Autumn in Whitechapel. The tour took us through the dimly lit streets of Whitechapel, where the Ripper carried out his brutal crimes, making it feel like you were walking in the past while surrounded by modern London.
Who Was Jack the Ripper?
If you’ve ever read about true crime, you’ve probably heard of Jack the Ripper. He was a serial killer who terrorized London in the late 1800s, and his identity remains a mystery. One popular theory points to Aaron Kosminski, a 23-year-old barber, as the suspect due to DNA found on a shawl that may have belonged to one of the Ripper’s victims. Still, experts can’t agree on whether the evidence is conclusive.
The Walking Tour Experience
Image Credit: Ree Winter.
While I absolutely love a good ghost tour, the history of Jack the Ripper is fascinating without the embellishments. On the tour, Mick Priestly shared his research on the Ripper’s crimes, sticking to the facts rather than wild conspiracy theories. His book Jack the Ripper: One Autumn in Whitechapel takes a similar approach, offering a detailed look at the crimes and the people involved. Priestly’s deep knowledge and storytelling brought 1880s Whitechapel to life, painting a vivid picture of its poverty, overcrowded slums, and the way people lived. His tour gives a clear sense of people’s challenges in this rough part of town.
Key Locations on the Tour
Image Credit: Ree Winter.
The tour starts in Whitechapel, where most of the Ripper’s crimes happened. Walking along the same streets where the murders took place is both eerie and fascinating. From there, we passed through Spitalfields, a historic district that’s still full of character, with its markets and narrow streets. For some reason, this place gives me the shivers — I’m instantly transported back to Victorian London and the cold, filth, and poverty. It may be a vibrant place today, but it sent my imagination on a journey. A highlight of the tour was the Ten Bells Pub, a spot several of the Ripper’s victims were known to visit. We also explored Brick Lane, famous for its street art and diverse food scene, and nearby Aldgate East, an area with its own dark secrets
Educational and Ethical Considerations
Image Credit: Ree Winter.
I find that the further back in time a gruesome crime is, the more I feel removed from it. It’s important to remember that these were real events and victims. The tour balances a thoughtful look at history with an exploration of London’s past, giving us a chance to reflect on both the crimes and the people who were affected. Thankfully, Mick doesn’t focus entirely on the macabre details of the murders—it also dives into what life was like during the Victorian era, giving visitors some context. Poverty drove these women to the streets, where they remained unprotected and shunned by society. Also, a word of warning: guides on the Jack the Ripper with Ripper Vision London tour use crime scene photos and police reports to tell the story, so it’s worth considering whether you or your companions are comfortable with seeing graphic images.
