In 1888, Jack the Ripper, the world's most notorious killer, held the streets of London's Whitechapel in a grip of terror, turning areas like Mitre Square, Millers Court and Spitalfields into his personal killing fields.
Today, those same streets are some of London's most visited as hundreds of "Ripperologists" return each night on the trail of "Saucy Jack."Visiting Jack the Ripper's London is as easy as a visit to the Tower of London. Daily and nightly, walking tour companies lead amateur detectives past the former Whitechapel "doss" houses and Jewish markets, and down narrow streets, courts and alleys that even today give travelers a shiver.
Some of Jack's London is gone for good, like Millers Court, the address where Jack killed his last victim, Mary Kelly. The only murder to have been committed indoors took place in a one-room flat in a tight narrow alleyway, similar to Artillery Court, an adjacent street that has survived.
Even though Jack's reign of terror was 105 years ago, the still unsolved murders continue to fascinate, making the Ripper tours very popular. They offer a look at London off the usual tourist routes. Like in many cities, areas once on the decline are becoming popular again.
WHEN TO WALK: Tours are generally at night, starting at 7 or 7:30, though some companies offer day walks. Most meet outside one of three Whitechapel Underground stations.
INFORMATION: The British Tourist Office, (212) 986-2200, offers a London Guide that lists companies offering walking tours with the London telephone numbers. Established companies include: the Original London Walks, Historical Walks of London, Streets of London and City Walks of London. Confirm the tour and hours once you arrive in London.