Mitre Square: A Haunting Crossroads of Medieval History and Victorian Crime
Mitre Square blends medieval heritage and Victorian crime history, marking the chilling site of Jack the Ripper’s fourth victim in London’s historic core.
Mitre Square, located in London’s EC3A district, is a small historic square known for its chilling association with the Jack the Ripper murders, specifically the brutal killing of Catherine Eddowes in 1888. Once the site of the Holy Trinity Priory, the square blends medieval heritage with grim Victorian crime history, now surrounded by modern office buildings and a quiet garden space that invites reflection on its layered past.
A brief summary to Mitre Square
- London, EC3A 5DE, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the square’s historical features and peaceful garden.
- Combine your visit with a guided Jack the Ripper walking tour for deeper context on the murders and Victorian London.
- Pause on one of the benches to reflect on the square’s layered history, from medieval priory to crime scene.
- Explore nearby Aldgate Primary School grounds, built on the site of a former church linked to the area’s religious past.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Aldgate Station on the Circle or Metropolitan lines, then walk approximately 7 minutes through the City to reach Mitre Square. Tube fares range from £2.50 to £5.00 depending on ticket type.
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Bus
Bus routes 25, 100, and 205 stop near Aldgate, with a short 5-8 minute walk to Mitre Square. Buses run frequently throughout the day; single fares are about £1.75 with an Oyster or contactless card.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London takes approximately 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares around £10-£20. Note that traffic congestion and limited parking in the City may affect travel times.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to Mitre Square is feasible within 15-20 minutes through the City’s historic streets. The terrain is flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors.
Mitre Square location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Mitre Square
From Sacred Grounds to Urban Mystery
Mitre Square occupies a site once home to the Holy Trinity Priory, an Augustinian monastery founded around 1108 by Queen Matilda. The priory was dissolved in the 16th century, and today only faint architectural traces remain, such as pointed arches incorporated into nearby buildings. The square’s layout roughly corresponds to the priory’s cloister and nave, linking the present urban space to its medieval ecclesiastical origins.The Dark Legacy of 1888
Mitre Square is most infamous as the location where Catherine Eddowes, the fourth victim of the notorious Jack the Ripper, was found murdered on September 30, 1888. Her body was discovered in the square’s south-west corner, brutally mutilated in a manner that has become emblematic of the Ripper’s gruesome crimes. This murder was part of the so-called “double event,” occurring just minutes after another victim was found nearby. The scene’s chilling details, including the removal of part of Eddowes’s ear, have cemented Mitre Square’s place in true crime history.Urban Transformation and Modern Context
By the late 19th century, Mitre Square was largely surrounded by warehouses and commercial buildings, with a dingy yard in one corner. Over the 20th and 21st centuries, the square has undergone significant redevelopment, replacing grim industrial surroundings with sleek modern office blocks. Despite these changes, the square retains cobblestone paving and a small garden area, preserving a tangible connection to its past. The nearby Aldgate Primary School stands on the site of a former church, adding to the area’s layered historical narrative.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Today, Mitre Square offers a quiet, contemplative space amidst the bustle of the City of London. Visitors can sit on benches within the small garden and reflect on the stark contrast between the square’s serene present and its violent past. The juxtaposition of modern architecture and historical cobblestones creates a unique ambiance that draws enthusiasts of history, true crime, and urban folklore alike.Legends, Lore, and Cultural Impact
The square’s association with Jack the Ripper has inspired numerous tours and cultural references, making it a focal point for exploring Victorian London’s darker side. Local legends include tales of curses linked to the site’s medieval origins, while the infamous chalk graffiti found near the murder scene adds layers of mystery and social context. Mitre Square exemplifies how a single location can embody overlapping narratives of religion, crime, and memory.Preservation and Legacy
Despite redevelopment and modernization, Mitre Square remains one of the few Ripper-related sites to retain its original name and physical character. Efforts to preserve its historical significance ensure that this small square continues to educate and intrigue visitors, serving as a poignant reminder of London’s complex urban history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
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Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
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A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
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Affordable comfort in the heart of East London, steps from Liverpool Street station and vibrant city attractions.
Lloyd's of London
0.3 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Northumbria University - London
0.4 km
Explore Northumbria University in London, where vibrant culture meets innovative education in the heart of the city.
London Wall
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Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
182 Bishopsgate
0.5 km
Discover 182 Bishopsgate, where London’s ancient gateway history meets the vibrant pulse of the modern financial district.
Tower Hill Memorial
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Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.5 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Cornhill Fountain
0.6 km
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
Custom House
0.6 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Christ Church Spitalfields
0.7 km
Explore the stunning architecture and vibrant history of Christ Church Spitalfields, an iconic Anglican church in the heart of London.
Roman Wall of Londinium
0.7 km
Explore the towering Roman Wall at Tower Hill, a striking relic that shaped London’s ancient cityscape and echoes 2,000 years of history.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.7 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.7 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
Unmissable attractions to see
Moonshine Saloon
0.1 km
Experience the Wild West at Moonshine Saloon, London's premier cocktail bar offering unique drinks in a captivating atmosphere.
St Botolph without Aldgate
0.1 km
Historic Anglican church at London’s ancient eastern gate, blending centuries of architecture, community stories, and the oldest working organ in the UK.
Bevis Marks Synagogue
0.1 km
Discover the oldest continuously used synagogue in the UK, a serene Sephardic sanctuary nestled in London's historic heart since 1701.
Swingers Crazy Golf - City
0.2 km
Underground mini golf meets lively bars and street food in London’s City district for a unique social night out.
The Garden at 120
0.3 km
Discover London’s largest free rooftop garden with serene greenery and iconic 360° city views atop 120 Fenchurch Street.
St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
0.3 km
Experience the tranquil beauty and rich history of St Helen's Church, a captivating tourist attraction in the heart of London.
Devonshire Square
0.3 km
A tranquil blend of Victorian heritage and modern elegance in London’s bustling financial heart.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant history and diverse culture of Petticoat Lane Market, East London's iconic hub for textiles, fashion, and street food.
St Olave's Church, Hart Street
0.3 km
Discover the serene beauty and rich history of St Olave's Church, a hidden gem in the heart of London, perfect for history enthusiasts and peace-seekers alike.
Trinity House
0.4 km
Discover the rich maritime heritage at Trinity House, London's historic center for navigation and seamanship, featuring stunning architecture and captivating exhibits.
Leadenhall Market
0.4 km
Discover Leadenhall Market’s stunning Victorian architecture and vibrant heritage in the heart of London’s financial district.
Trinity Square
0.4 km
A dignified London square where imperial architecture, ancient walls, and solemn memorials meet beside the Tower of London.
Trinity Square Gardens
0.4 km
A quiet City garden on the site of Tower Hill’s scaffold, home to the Tower Hill Memorial and framed by historic architecture and views of the Tower of London.
Sundial at the Tower Hill
0.5 km
A captivating bronze sundial near Tower Hill station, telling London’s 2,000-year history through intricate carvings and offering stunning views of the Tower of London.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
0.5 km
Explore the historic St Margaret Pattens in London, a serene church brimming with stunning architecture and rich history, perfect for a peaceful visit.
Essential places to dine
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.2 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
14 Hills
0.3 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.3 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
La Dame de Pic London
0.4 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.5 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Lyle's
1.1 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Nomadic community
1.2 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Madison
1.2 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Restaurant Story
1.2 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
George
1.4 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
The Clove Club
1.5 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.5 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Brawn
1.8 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
St. John
1.8 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.9 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Middlesex Textiles
0.3 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Traders Gate
0.5 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Tower of London Shop
0.6 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
The Royal Exchange
0.7 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Spitalfields Market
0.7 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Sclater Street Market
0.8 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
DPUS Designer Outlet
0.8 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
1 Poultry
0.9 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
0.9 km
Explore the UK’s largest underground vintage market, where fashion history meets East London creativity and every visit promises a unique find.
The Truman Brewery Markets
0.9 km
Historic brewery turned vibrant markets on Brick Lane, offering vintage treasures, global street food, and creative culture in East London.
Backyard Market
0.9 km
Discover handmade treasures and vibrant street culture at Backyard Market, Brick Lane’s creative heart.
Hay's Galleria
1.0 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
1.0 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.1 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
One New Change
1.2 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.2 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
The Bell
0.3 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Discount Suit Company
0.4 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Bootlegger
0.4 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
The Astronomer, EC1
0.5 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Dirty Dicks
0.5 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
0.5 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.6 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.6 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
0.7 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
1.0 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
Aviary
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Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Shoreditch
1.1 km
Experience East London's vibrant nightlife with inventive cocktails and bold Japanese-inspired art at The Cocktail Club Shoreditch.
The Old Blue Last
1.2 km
Historic Shoreditch pub and iconic live music venue where London’s grassroots artists rise amid a raw, vibrant atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.9 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
E1
1.3 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
The Hoxton Pony
1.3 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
XOYO LONDON
1.4 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Trafik
1.5 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.7 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
London Best Night Clubs
2.0 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Ministry of Sound
2.3 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Corsica Studios
2.7 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Proud Late
2.8 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.9 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.9 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.9 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Carwash Nightclub
2.9 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
3.1 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
