We didn’t follow a chronological path when scouting for the locations, we basically just started from the spot that was closest to the Aldgate Tube Station (and that was Mitre Square). However, on the post, I’m organizing them according to the timeline. And, as you will see in the photos, we walked on Jack the Ripper’s footsteps (pause for dramatic effect) on a very bright and sunny morning – it kind of lightens up the mood… kind of. We are not attracted to the Ripper for obscure reasons, but we are fascinated by the number of theories and stories that can be generated by the unknown serial killer. Even today, the locations are still small lanes or back alleys completely hidden from the main streets. One of the strangest effects I felt was that every time we turned from the main street to reach a spot, the whole city would be immediately muffled. Almost no sound, close to deserted, as if the world had disappeared (or we had disappeared from the world). When we reached the Ten Bells, the pub where he (allegedly) and his victims hung out, I confess I kind of felt a strange sense of relief when we got there.
That is a very interesting idea for a tour! It never occured to me. It sends chills down your spine, though.
It does but it’s a fascinating part of London’s History that we were always curious about! One day I will take the tour with the guy who wrote the book because I’m sure he’ll be able to fill in a lot of gaps. But, believe it or not, in some of the spots you do feel a weird energy and most of the places are still hidden from sight, so you kind of realise how easy it was for him to get away with it.