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 Jack the Ripper The Whitechapel Murders: the nightmare that was the autumn of 1888. Five women, driven to drink and prostitution, butchered by a man who is known to us only as ‘Jack the Ripper’. We know the tragic women who were his victims but was he an American quack doctor, Russian émigré, famous artist or the son of the Prince of Wales? |
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Whitechapel Ronnie Kray shot George Cornell in The Blind Beggar and Big Ben was cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. The Salvation Army began its work and Jack the Ripper his reign of terror. From Petticoat Lane to Banglatown robust locals and waves of immigrants have enriched this fascinating area. |
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The Olympics Along the Greenway and past the Cathedral of Sewage. The old Bryant and May factory used to dominate the horizon, but now as the Olympic Stadium takes shape there’s a new kid on the block. Between now and 2012 you’ve a chance to see the extraordinary project take shape. |
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Bethnal Green The Museum of Childhood and York Hall, Mecca for East End boxing. Once known for its lunatic asylums, villains, philanthropists and heart on sleeve extended families, Bethnal Green is now ‘upwardly mobile’. Catch it while it still retains the rough edged jauntiness of the old style East End. |
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Hackney Marie Lloyd, Charlie Chaplin, Max Miller and Stan Laurel all strutted their stuff at the newly restored Hackney Empire. Discover the Lido in London Fields, and Hackney’s own perfectly preserved National Trust property, Sutton House – which dates from the reign of Henry VIII. All human life is here. |
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Spitalfields Silk weavers, slums and the home of Brit Art. Streets of eighteenth century houses saved in the 1970s and the East India Co. warehouse transformed into elegant office space. It’s ever-changing, but Nicholas Hawksmoor’s imposing Christ Church still dominates. Coffee at Carluccio’s or curry in Brick Lane: the choice is yours. |
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