26 August 2013

White Chapel Real Time: discover Victorian London following the path of Jack the Ripper on Twitter

@WChapelRealTime Twitter Profile

An illustration from 1888's The Illustrated Police News related to the murders of Jack the Ripper

On 31st August, 2013, London will remember the 125th anniversary of Jack the Ripper first appearance. Taking advantage on this anniversary, a group of British historians decided to turn social to portrait to a broader audience the Victorian London.

Using the account @WChapelRealTime, in fact, the British publishing company The History Press, aims to encourage interests around History into younger generations.

As the team behind the project of @WChapelRealTime explains, it "seeks to peel back the myths and tell the "back story" of the real people of Victorian London. The aim of this project will challenge contemporary stereotypes and provoke debate on key issues such as social segregation and press sensationalism.  Using today’s social media to tell the story mirrors the way in which the news spreads like wildfire across London and throughout the country in 1888". 

Using social media's opportunities to follow paths in history is nothing new, but this time the skilful use of fiction, history and the appealing mistery which still sorrounds the figure of Jack managed to gain a lot of hype around this project.

Jamie Wolfendale from The History Press, who worked on the concept behind @WChapelRealTime, explains in fact that one of the goal of the project is to introduce younger generation to a subject they previously may have associated with dusty textbooks.

Of course, as the project focus around one controversial figure in Britain's modern history, critics could point out that the project exploit violent episodes to take advantage. Anyway, as the same Wolfendale explains "all the content from the Whitechapel Real Time project has been thoroughly researched using our expert knowledge and resources ensuring the project has been conducted in a dignified, respectful and historically-focused manner."

As shown below, the Twitter feed is getting more and more rich and interesting. One questione remains open: will @WChapelRealTime reveal the Rippers' true identity, which still remains unclear?

Stefano Sbarbati