The Livery Society 2025 programme got underway on the 29^th January in Whitechapel with the Jack the Ripper Walking Tour.

As any English teacher knows, Shakespeare wrote nature to fit circumstance, and the Bard got it right for the Livery Society’s night. A cold chill with a hint of mist in the air as the hardy and intrepid group of Feltmakers, partners and friends took to the dark streets of Whitechapel. What unfolded was an immersive journey into one of London’s most notorious unsolved mysteries, “The Whitechapel Murders”. This was not a walk for the faint of heart as we navigated the dimly lit streets where the Ripper once roamed. Our Guide, Angie, complete with a felt top hat, expertly blended historical fact with atmospheric storytelling, bringing Victorian London to life in haunting and depressing detail regarding the lives of the “unfortunates” who lived in the area.

The walk, illuminated with authentic crime scene photographs, maps and contemporary newspaper clippings, delved into the lives of the Ripper’s victims, the gruesome details of the crimes, and the myriad  suspects that baffled police in 1888.

Covering key murder sites around Whitechapel, with stops allowing for reflection and questions, we were provided with insights beyond the popular narrative, including discussions about the social conditions of the East End during that era. Educational and spine-tingling in equal measure, the tour shed light on London’s dark past whilst pondering the enduring mystery of Jack the Ripper.

After some 9,000 steps and feeling the cold, the group retired to appropriately named “Jack the Chipper” fish and chip restaurant for nourishment, discussion and friendship.

By way of a Livery Society programme update, please make a diary note for the evening of the14^th May. For those members of the Livery wanting to hear more about the experience of being an entrepreneur, what’s entailed, together with a discussion of the “how to” including pitfalls, planning and execution, then “The Lucky Saint” pub in Marylebone is the place to be. We are very fortunate that Luke Boase founder of The Lucky Saint non-alcoholic drinks brand has agreed to give a presentation to the Society.

Tim Stocks