Situated in the heart of Spitalfields is a bustling East End boozer, awash with history and character. Renowned for its association with London’s most infamous serial-killer, Jack the Ripper; the Ten Bells has played witness to some pretty sinister events in its time – but more on that later.
Gruesome past aside; it’s a pub well-worth visiting. Cosy, candlelit vibes, plenty of nods to its Victorian history, and a pretty killer (pardon the pun) selection of craft beer and pub grub. What’s not to love?
The history of The Ten Bells
The Ten Bells has existed as a pub since the mid 18th century. Having originally been located on a nearby site on Red Lion Street; it wasn’t until 1851 that the pub set up shop in its current location. It changed its name multiple times over the years, always in keeping with the number of bells inside the belfry at the neighbouring church, Christ Church. A particularly notable name change, however, happened in 1976.
In an attempt to cash in on its links to the notorious murderer, the landlord at the time changed the name of the pub to ‘The Jack the Ripper‘. It remained the same until ‘Reclaim The Night’ campaigned for the name to change back to the Ten Bells in 1988, justifiably arguing that it wasn’t appropriate to be glorifying the murder of women.
The spot officially became a Grade II Listed building in 1973, and despite being renovated in 2010, still boasts many features that have stood the test of time. The inside is decorated from head to toe with original tiling, and a mural which dates back to the late 19th century still adorns the wall. The mural is titled ‘Spitalfields in ye Olden Time – visiting a Weaver’s Shop‘ and commemorates the weaving heritage of the area.
The Ten Bells’ association with Jack the Ripper
Hold onto your hats, folks: it’s about to get a little bit gruesome up in here. So, as I may have already mentioned; the Ten Bells has a couple of fairly gory links to Jack the Ripper and his reign of terror in the capital city. Of course, his identity was never discovered and so nobody knows for certain, but it is said that he spent time at the Ten Bells. We do, however, know that two of his victims had close connections to the pub.
It’s widely thought that Annie Chapman was seen having a drink in the Ten Bells shortly before she was murdered. It’s rumoured that she was seen being enticed out of the pub by a suspicious-looking man not long before being found dead on Hanbury Street (a nearby road). Another of his victims, Mary Kelly, also had direct links to the Ten Bells as the street outside the pub is said to have been where she picked up her clients.
Rumour has it that the ghost of Annie Chapman still haunts the halls of the Ten Bells and there has supposedly also been numerous sightings of an old man dressed in Victorian clothing, walking the halls. Spooky stuff, hey?
Nowadays, the Ten Bells is a vibrant spot in the centre of the city, drawing in tourists and locals alike with its rich history and darn good pints.
