Whitechapel no-go area ?

[OctavBotnar]

it is assumed Whitechapel was a no-go area.Given that one description of JTR is a smartly dressed man in top hat and cape - so a reasonably wealthy individual and someone ho would have been highly conspicuous in such a slum area ?.
But then ,would the more affluent individuals have dared entered such a high -risk area such as Whitechapel putting themselves at risk ?
Or was it quite common for the wealthier citizens to visit these areas?

[Al Bundy's Eyes]

it is assumed Whitechapel was a no-go area.Given that one description of JTR is a smartly dressed man in top hat and cape - so a reasonably wealthy individual and someone ho would have been highly conspicuous in such a slum area ?.
But then ,would the more affluent individuals have dared entered such a high -risk area such as Whitechapel putting themselves at risk ?
Or was it quite common for the wealthier citizens to visit these areas?

Not sure that's a generally accepted description.

[DJA]

[Michael W Richards]

it is assumed Whitechapel was a no-go area.Given that one description of JTR is a smartly dressed man in top hat and cape - so a reasonably wealthy individual and someone ho would have been highly conspicuous in such a slum area ?.
But then ,would the more affluent individuals have dared entered such a high -risk area such as Whitechapel putting themselves at risk ?
Or was it quite common for the wealthier citizens to visit these areas?

Slumming was not unknown to that area of London, and in those cases some toffs would dress down so as not to be conspicuous while they sought out the dark side of London. The ones that were the "cape and hat" set likely came from a formal occassion,...maybe got a little liquored up and went to see what the underbelly was like late at night. I would imagine that if the Astrakan Man Georgie claimed to see was actually real, he'd be from the second group. He wasnt dressed down.

[Al Bundy's Eyes]

"Gangs Of New York" covers the theme, with uptown 'swells' heading to the Bowery and frequently running into mischief. Cracking book, if blighted by the less stringent reporting standards of the times.

[Ozzy]

I've often thought, when I read in books and hear in documentaries etc, about how somebody dressed like a gent with top hat etc would of stood out a mile and be conspicuous, that the average bobby might of been hesitant in stopping such a person, the gent turning round and kicking up a huge fuss, how dare you stop me, do you know who I am and so on. The average bobby might of been afraid of losing his job.

[rjpalmer]

No offense, but I think a lot of 'Ripperologists' must have lived sheltered lives. The slums always have a fair share of toffs and dandies, because they are trying to separate themselves from the herd and exert a 'prestige' that they don't really have. Others want to demonstrate self-respect by dressing up and grooming--even to the point that it is odd or in bad taste.

Just look at the respect these overdressed blokes from the slums of the Congo receive from their adoring fans...just by putting on ridiculous suits:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W27PnUuXR_A

Of course, we are told by the George Hutchinson doubters that such creatures do no exist. Of course they exist.

[Paddy]

Brilliant bit of film ! but I do get the impression that they are more likely performing for the Camera. They must know he is not rich....or he is a criminal?