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Crime scene sketches (c) Museum in Dockland

The identity of Jack the Ripper, the Victorian East End serial killer, is arguably London's greatest criminal mystery.

Now a new exhibition chronicling those crimes has opened at the Museum in Docklands.

As visitors explore 'Jack the Ripper and the East End' they can uncover the human stories behind the sensational newspaper reports and gain an insight into the slums of London's East End.

People can analyse the evidence first-hand and reach their own conclusions as to who Jack the Ripper may have been. More importantly visitors uncover more about the lives of the women who were murdered in Whitechapel.

The exhibitionÌý includes police files, photographs, artefacts from the time and letters to the police from the public. There are also letters from the supposed Ripper himself and diaries of suspects including recent suspect James Maybrick.Ìý

Letter from Jack?(c)National Archives MEPO3142F178

Maybrick's diary has never been confirmed as genuine but you get a shiver as you read the words that could be those of the actual killer… 'I will purchase the finest knife money can buy, nothing shall be too good for my whores, I will treat them to the finest, the very finest. They deserve that at least from I'.

Hoax letters and the 'Dear Boss' letters are also displayed along with original press reports on each of the eleven murders.

The items from the 1880s include a telegraph machine that allowed people in America to follow the Ripper story just hours after publication in London.

The area of Whitechapel and the people who lived there, including the prostitutes themselves, are highlighted by archive photographs, videos, Charles Booth's maps of poverty and case histories from East London workhouses. The Whitechapel murders bought to the public's attention the grim lives of those who lived there.Ìý The public's revulsion was seen as a catalyst for change to the area.

Photos of the East End at the turn of the century

There are a series of special events including talks, walks and discussions. Please visit the Museum in Docklands website for more details.

JACK THE RIPPER AND THE EAST END

Museum in Docklands
West India Quay
London
E14 4AL

15 May - 2 November 2008

Opening times
Daily 10am-6pm
Last admission: 4.45pm

Booking line: 0844 980 2151
General enquiries: 0870 444 3856

Prices

Adults £7.00
Concessions/Children (due to its sensitive nature we do not recommend this exhibition for children under 12) £5.00
Museum in Docklands annual ticket holders £5.00
Family (1 adult, 2 children) £15.00
Family (2 adults, 2 children) £20.00
Disabled carers Free
Pre-booked groups of 10 or more people 20% discount