Jack the Ripper brutally murdered five (or possibly six) different women in the East End of London towards the end of the 19th century, and his identity remains a mystery that horrifies and fascinates in equal measure to this very day.
Between August and November 1888 the Whitechapel area of London was the scene for a spate of murders by a man referred to as "Jack the Ripper".
Despite never being caught, the killer captured the public imagination and there have been numerous theories about the murderer's identity, none of which have been considered completely persuasive by experts.
So, if you’re brave enough you can retrace the steps of the serial killer who has also been called the "Whitechapel Murderer" and "Leather Apron" in these parts…
Image Credit: Getty Images, Henry Donald. Image Location: Wilkes Street, Spitalfields, London, UK
A brief history of Jack the Ripper
The first murder took place on August 31, 1888, with the body of Mary Ann Nichols being discovered in Buck’s Row (now Durward Street) in Whitechapel.
A week later Annie Chapman was found near the steps of the back yard of 29 Hanbury Street in Spitalfields, while the end of September saw another two women added to the killer’s list.
Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes were both murdered in Dutfield’s Yard off Berner Street (now Henriques Street) in Whitechapel, with Mary Jane Kelly completing the ‘canonical five’ in early November.
Martha Tabram is one of the other suspected victims of this brutal murderer who seemingly killed at will in Whitechapel, one of the most impoverished areas in London at the time.
Image Credit: Getty Images, tupungato. Image Location: Aldgate East, Whitechapel High Street, London, UK
Jack the Ripper Tours in London
Jack the Ripper tours are particularly popular in London because of the infamy of the "Autumn of Terror" he wrecked on the East End of London back in 1888.
Today tourists and Londoners alike join these tours to learn more about this sadistic killer and the unfortunate women he killed.
Exploring the alleyways and dark streets of Whitechapel and Spitalfields shines a light on the deprivation, poverty and filth in London during the late 19th century, which is very different from what you see in these areas today.
Expert guides will take you back to that time with deep insight into how Jack the Ripper appeared to get away with these murders, as well as how the Victorian police tried to hunt one of history’s most infamous serial killers.
The best guides are those who have written books on the case, such as Richard Jones of the Jack the Ripper Tour who leads a nightly tour at 7pm from outside Aldgate East underground station for £15 per person.
For those who would prefer a daytime tour or are looking for more a modern approach to this old school manhunt, try the Jack The Ripper Tour with Ripper Vision which operates every day at 7:30pm and weekends at 5pm and 7:30pm from outside the same station, lasting 1 hour 45 minutes and costing £18 for adults and £10 for children.
There are also free walking tour options such as the Free Jack the Ripper Tour London that takes in spooky stops such as the Ten Bells Pub, Spitalfields Market, Mitre Square and the Tower Hill Sundial.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Travelpix Ltd
Jack the Ripper FAQs
Was Jack the Ripper real?
Sadly, Jack the Ripper was very much a real person, although his identity is unknown. Some think the murderer to be a man named Aaron Kosminki due to recent DNA analysis and investigation of a shawl allegedly belonging to his fourth victim, Catherine Eddowes. But it is unlikely the case will ever be solved.
Was Jack the Ripper ever caught?
No. This brutal murderer seemingly got away with his crimes between August and November 1888, which included killing at least five different women—all sex workers—in or around the Whitechapel district of London’s East End. He was never identified or arrested.
How do I get to the Jack the Ripper tour?
Most if not all Jack the Ripper tours start a short walk away from Aldgate East Underground station which is easily reachable from London train stations like Liverpool Street, Fenchurch Street and London Bridge.
Spooky London
London has its fair share of spooky locations—from castles haunted by beheaded queens to pet cemeteries—that will appeal to those looking for a thrill, especially around Halloween. Something that should be much less terrifying is booking your train tickets. Download the Trainline app now and easily find cheap train tickets to and from London—all on your smartphone and in US dollars.
Header Image Credit: Alexey_Fedoren. Image Location: Spitalfields, London, UK