Jack the Ripper

Jack the Ripper

15 April, 2009
by: Spoonfed Team

Probably the most famous serial killer of all time, Jack the Ripper is an unidentified 19th Century figure, who is thought to have murdered at least five women in the London Whitechapel area. The legend of Jack the Ripper has been kept alive throughout the years by the media, literature, film and guided tours. One of the popular cheap things to do in London today is to take a Jack the Ripper tour and visit the murder sites in East London. These walking tours are popular among tourists, families, Halloween parties and thrill seekers alike.

Media
Although not the first serial killer, Jack the Ripper became legendary due to the worldwide media frenzy surrounding his case. The circulation of newspapers was increasing significantly during the time the Ripper was active, and his case received considerable media coverage due to the horrific nature of the murders and the failure of the police to capture him, often missing him at the crime scene by just a matter of minutes. The alias ‘Jack the Ripper’ is believed to have been invented by the newspapers in order to create more interesting stories.
 
Literature and Film
Jack the Ripper features in a number of works of fiction and non-fiction including novels, short stories, poetry and comic books. The most famous Jack the Ripper novel is Marie Belloc Lowndes’ ‘The Lodger’ (1913), which has been made into three films: Alfred Hitchcock's ‘The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog’ (1927), ‘The Lodger’ (1944) with Laird Cregar as the Ripper and ‘Man in the Attic’ (1953) with Jack Palance playing the killer. Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell’s graphic novel ‘From Hell’ was adapted into a 2001 film of the same name starring Johnny Depp and Heather Graham.

Guided Tours
There are a variety of Jack the Ripper guided tours in London as well as an audio tour and special exhibition at the London Dungeons.

The London Walks Jack the Ripper Walk
Every night at 7.30pm (and Saturday afternoons at 3pm) from Tower Hill tube station. Adults: £7, over 65s and students: £5, children under 15 accompanied by an adult: free.

Ripping Yarns Jack the Ripper Tour
Every night at 6.45pm from Tower Hill tube station. Adults: £7, students and under 16s: £6

Discovery Walks Jack the Ripper Tour
7pm from the Toynbee Hall exit of Aldgate East tube station (see website for dates). £7 per person.

Keen for more? See more about:

Things to do in London for Tourists
London Facts
London Events

Spoonfed Team