Whitechapel Today – Do Locals Care About the Ripper Connection?

[Marcel Prost]

I was wondering if any members here live in Whitechapel now, or nearby. If so, I’d love to hear your perspective on how the Jack the Ripper story is regarded in the area today.

Is the association with the Ripper something that people in Whitechapel care about, or is it more of an outside/visitor fascination? Do residents feel indifference, or maybe frustration about their neighbourhood being tied so strongly to this very violent piece of history?

Also, what are your thoughts on the Ripper tours that run there every night? Are they seen as a nuisance, as harmless tourism, or as a useful part of keeping local history alive?

I’d be really interested to hear what Whitechapel locals (or those who know the area well) think about all this.

Best regards,
Marcel Prost

[ohrocky]

I don't live in Whitechapel, not even in London, but the Ripper tours are still big business and certainly those using a business to earn money off of the Whitechapel Murders care about it. Take the "Ripper Museum" for example. They have a shop where you can purchase JtR branded water bottles, sweatshirts, playing cards etc.

I've never been and i will never go. It's not my bag.

I have only been on one tour and excellent it was too. A very small group and an exceptional tour leader who really knew his stuff and managed to tell the story without all the dressing up and drama. He was even kind enough to pause the tour so I could pop into the Ten Bells for a jimmy!

I'm not sure if you are in the UK but if you are it is worth a visit and a wander around the area although I believe all the murder sites have now been developed. Much of the area is now commercial.

One place I would recommend is St Patrick's Cemetary in Stratford where MJK was laid to rest and where you will find her memorial stone. I have visited many times on the anniversary of her death and when a pea-souper comes down, and the sun falls, it is very atmospheric.

Welcome to Casebook. I'm looking forward to the responses and input from "the locals"!

[Herlock Sholmes]

I did weaken a few years ago and looked in at the museum but I can certainly understand why someone wouldn’t fancy it. Curiosity got the better of me. The owner (I think) was there but he wasn’t too impressed when me and the friend that I was with pushed him on the subject of the alleged photos of the victims. Clearly they aren’t who they are claimed to be but he was having none of it. Apparently a ‘researcher’ had assured him that they were genuine.

[Geddy2112]

Some locals must appreciate the business. They have Jack the Clipper hairdressers, Jack The Chipper fish n chip shop etc. I'm sure the Ten Bells does well out of it and of course the tours. I believe Whitechapel is mostly a Bangladeshi community nowadays so I doubt they would be bothered or maybe do not even know about Jack.

[c.d.]

They have a shop where you can purchase JtR branded water bottles, sweatshirts, playing cards etc.

I have to admit when first reading that that I was appalled but looking at their website I see these items carry the museum logo rather than being an homage to the Ripper himself. Still not in the best of taste but pretty much par for the course nowadays.

c.d.

[c.d.]

And to showcase my hypocrisy, my first reaction to seeing the tee shirt was hey that's kind of cool. I wonder if they ship to the U.S.?

Hey, at least I admit it.

c.d.