To his friends and neighbours on East London’s Tredegar Square, Henry Wainwright was “A most respectable man”; pious, married with five children and a devout teetotaller who lectured cockneys on the evils of liquor.

Little did they realise he was also a bigamist who’d go on to commit one of Victorian London’s most notorious murders.

Henry Wainwright

Henry was in the brush making business- one of his biggest contracts happened to be with the Metropolitan police- and his factory stood at 84 Whitechapel Road. This was close to the Pavilion Theatre (which was demolished in 1962); a favourite haunt of Henry’s, who’d go there to lure its young female performers into seedy flings.

The Pavilion Theatre, Whitechapel

He also frequented Broxbourne pleasure gardens by the River Lea and it was here in 1871 that he met Harriet Lane. The couple went on to have two children and Henry successfully housed his secret family at various addresses including Bedford Square and Cecil Street; an old road once connected to the Strand, just moments away from Trafalgar Square.

Harriett Lane

By 1874, however, Henry’s finances were suffering. Worse still, Harriet was drinking heavily and threatening to tell all if her lover didn’t maintain a cash flow. Desperate, Henry now turned to his brother Thomas, asking him to woo Harriet away from him. Thomas agreed and commenced the plan under the pseudonym Edward Frieake. In October 1874, a friend of Harriet’s called Mrs Wilmore received a telegram from ‘Mr Frieake’ announcing that he and Harriet were “Off to Paris” for a “Jolly spree.” Soon after, Henry paid a visit to offload the children on Mrs Wilmore, saying Harriet had cut all ties.

In reality, Harriet had been murdered on the afternoon of September 11th after telling friends she was going to meet Mr Frieake at 215 Whitechapel Road. This address was, in fact, a warehouse belonging to Henry, who shot Harriet when she arrived. He then stuffed the body beneath the floorboards.

Despite ‘taking care’ of his problem, Henry’s finances continued to spiral, forcing him to sell the warehouse the following year. This meant having to dispose of Harriet’s rotting corpse which, exactly a year to the day of the murder, he dragged up and cut into pieces. Henry then wrapped the remains in parcels and asked an unwitting acquaintance named Alfred Stokes to help him carry them. The pair lugged their grim cargo along Whitechapel Road and paused by Adler Street whilst Henry went to find a cab.

Whitechapel Road

By now Alfred was suspicious of the foul-smelling bundles and decided to have a peek. He was horrified to discover a hand and an arm but before he could do anything, Henry returned with a four-wheel ‘growler’; a style of cab which, at the time, was generally considered to be slower and shoddier than the more agile Hansom cabs.

Parcels loaded, they went to collect Henry’s latest affair- Alice Day- at which point Alfred made his excuses and left. Henry meanwhile told the cabbie to “Drive as fast as you can to the Borough.”

Alfred now gave chase, following the cab as it trotted through Aldgate, Leadenhall Street and over London Bridge before arriving at the Hop Exchange.

On the way, Alfred begged a policeman to stop the cab but was dismissed as a madman. Luckily he found another bobby patrolling St Thomas Street- Constable Turner- who believed him.

By now Henry was puffing a cigar whilst transferring the packages into a nearby building at 56 Borough High Street- which happened to be leased by his brother, Thomas. When Constable Turner and a colleague approached, Henry tried to bribe the pair with £50 each, desperately upping the offer to £200 when they began prodding the parcels. Needless to say, the officers were not impressed and were horrified to discover Harriet’s decomposing head in the first parcel they unwrapped . . .

‘The Whitechapel Tragedy’

Henry Wainwright was found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey on the 1st December 1875 and sentenced to death. His brother was found guilty of being an accessory- although it remains a mystery as to whether he really knew what Henry’s murderous intentions truly were- and imprisoned for seven years.

Henry’s execution was set for the 21st December 1875 and the night before he was understandably restless. “It does not matter,” he told the warden the next morning, “I am about to enter upon a long sleep.”

Henry Wainwright’s execution

Featured image: Pictured in the Victorian period and hand-coloured, a four-wheeled Clarence carriage, known as a ‘growler’, due to its sturdy and workmanlike construction, it was built to work as a cab on city streets, ‘growling’ across the cobbles, hence the name.

This is not a sponsored post. Robert Lordan has permitted this story to be reproduced. Other London related stories can be found at Robs London. All links here conform with guidelines set out in Write a Post.

During such unprecedented times, the future can be very difficult to forecast. Although events are very much still unfolding and the threat of a second wave looming, it’s clear to see the rather dramatic effect that COVID-19 has had on the likes of the taxi industry.

In most areas of the UK, shops and businesses spent at least 100 days of this year’s trading with their doors shut. Offices in cities and suburbs shut their doors and a max exodus took place with the vast majority of workers working from home where and when possible.

The likes of taxi services such as Uber and Lyft have felt the pressure however with huge funding behind them, the pressure remains just that, pressure. Whether they feel the full force of the pandemic with permanent repercussions remains to be seen but what we do know is the likes of Licensed London Cabs and smaller taxi services such as Woking Taxi, a local Woking-based taxi company, have been hit hard during this time.

Local Taxi Services Pull Through COVID-19

Many local taxi services have made huge adjustments to their services during the middle of the pandemic when taxi services were considered an essential trade. Despite their social distancing and safety measures, many still saw a huge dip with less and fewer people needing or in fact, wanting travel services.

Thankfully, companies such as Woking Taxi with the help of their friendly and familiar service, their professional drivers and of course their immaculately turned out cars, Woking Taxi Service has begun to see a turn in trade. As the country begins to slowly reopen, with shops, restaurants, pubs and bars slowly reopening, people are now beginning to use these local taxi services more and more.

Are Local Taxi Services Outshining The Likes Of Uber?

With this gradual increase in demand as the economy begins to reopen its doors, the question being asked is why local, smaller firms such as this are surviving such a huge impact? Could it be the personalised and familiar service that taxi firms such as these provide?

It could also very well be the fact that taxi services such as Licenced London Cabs, Woking Taxi or other local London taxi firms are far more regulated than the likes of Uber or Lyft who have come under fire in recent years for a lack of regulations and safety for customers.

Regardless, despite the incredible impact COVID-19 has had on the taxi industry as a whole, we’re incredibly pleased to see independent companies like Woking Taxi beginning to thrive once more, and long may it continue.

This is a sponsored guest post for which CabbieBlog has received a fee. Proceeds from these articles help keep the wheels turning on this site offering free content for anybody with an interest in London. All links here conform with guidelines set out in Write a Post.

London is one of the greatest cities in the world. There are so many iconic and historical sites that, as a photographer, it can be hard to know where to get started. Whether you’re a tourist snapping on your mobile or planning a trip specifically to take photos, you need to have a plan.

The Photo Team have created this guide to outline so of the top locations in London for photography.
[N]OW THAT YOU KNOW how to prepare for London and your shoot, it’s time to get down to the most important part; what you’ll be photographing. We’ve picked out some of the top destinations in London that you may want to consider:

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

Perhaps the most ‘English’ view is that of the Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster. The location, next to the River Thames, has been used as a royal palace since the 11th century, but the current building has been in place since 1840. The clock tower of Big Ben is one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
To get the best shot, head to the South Bank and get a wide-angle shot from across the river. If you want to get closer, walk across Westminster Bridge and take some shots down the river.

The Shard

From the ancient to the new, another top spot in London is The Shard. As one of the tallest buildings in Europe, you can get an exquisite view of The City from the top. Although admission is pricey (£25.95) on a clear day or evening, you can get some of the most beautiful scenes in London. Head straight up to the 72nd floor and take your photos from here; the lower viewing gallery is double-glazed and will give you reflections. Tripods aren’t allowed, so you’ll need to find somewhere to prop it.

St Paul’s Cathedral

One of the landmarks you can see from the top of The Shard is St Paul’s Cathedral. As one of the most important buildings in London, there has been a church on the site since AD 604. The domed roof of the current structure has been there since 1697. For the ideal angle of the Cathedral, head to the Millennium Bridge and take your shot from there. You can also get a great view of the Tate Modern.

Tower Bridge

Next, to Big Ben, Tower Bridge is one of the most recognisable structures in London. This suspension bridge was completed in 1894 and spans the Thames. Many people confuse it with London Bridge, which is far less impressive. You can get a great picture of Tower Bridge from either side of the river, but from some angles, you can also get some of London’s modern skyline in the background, including The Gherkin.

The Tower of London
The next stop from Tower Bridge is the Tower of London itself. This structure was first built just after William the Conqueror came to the city in 1066. The White Tower is the central structure that holds the crown jewels. However, many parts and angles make for great pictures. Walk around the grounds and see which works for you.

The London Eye

This giant Ferris wheel is the UK’s most popular paid tourist attraction. It was opened to the public as part of the Millennium celebrations and has firmly established itself in popular culture. Not only can you get some great shots of it, but riding it affords some excellent views of London.

Buckingham Palace

The changing of the guard is a tourist favorite. Be sure to get there early to get a good spot to watch the action. Another famous destination is Buckingham Palace, the London residence of the royal family. As one of the top tourist locations, it’s going to be very busy so it can be hard to get that ideal shot. However, if you head to the fountain in front of the Palace gates early in the morning, you might get a lucky shot. If you plan on seeing the changing of the guard, head to the back of the Palace near the gardens.

Natural History Museum
Not only is the Natural History Museum a fascinating place to spend an afternoon, but it also boasts some of London’s finest architecture. If you have a wide-angle lens, you can take in some of the stunning interior views from the top of the main stairs.

London’s Best Areas for Photography
The City has more than just the monuments mentioned above; there are also plenty of stunning areas you can visit if you’re into street photography. Here are some of the best:

Oxford Street
On one of London’s busiest streets, you can find an array of some of the most ‘English’ sights on offer. Everything including Red telephone boxes, red London buses, and black cabs can be found in this bustling location. There are plenty of crossings you can position yourself on to get those essential shots.

Notting Hill

Fans of 90s romcoms will be familiar with this vivid area near Portobello Road. The multi-coloured houses make for some unique and interesting photos, and you’re sure to find all kinds of exciting, curious things in the area.

China Town

China town isn’t quite as touristy as some other areas, but it’s still a vibrant part of London. It’s well worth a visit to find some great shots of everyday life, as well as the largest Chinese gate in Britain. It’s located near Soho and Leicester Square.

Piccadilly Circus

This part of London is often compared to New York’s Time Square. The huge screens and crowded streets are certainly reminiscent of the Big Apple. If you can find a spot a night, the bright neon signs and fountain make for an excellent photo opportunity.

King’s Cross

As one of the busiest stations in the city, King’s Cross is always full of people. However, there are also some great shots to be found. The Light Tunnel which connects the station to St Pancras is an often overlooked part but again makes for some interesting and unique photos.

Canary Wharf

London’s financial district is home to a number of skyscrapers and impressive buildings. If you can get a shot at sunrise, you’re almost guaranteed a good picture. You be asked by security what you’re doing, but if you head to Cabot Square, you can get an amazing view of the Wharf across the river.

Abbey Road

You may have heard of a small band from Liverpool called The Beatles. They had some popularity back in the 60s. One of the most iconic shots of the Fab Four was taken on Abbey Road zebra crossing, near the studio of the same name. If you’re in any way a fan of the quartet, or some of the other huge names who have recorded there, you should definitely take a picture.

Primrose Hill
It can sometimes be hard to get a scale of how big London is. However, by venturing further out, towards Primrose Hill, you can get some excellent shots of the city from afar. If you can time it for sunrise or sunset, you could have a special picture on your hands.

Hidden Gems You Probably Didn’t Know About
Now that we’ve covered some of the main parts of London, it’s time to turn our attention to some of the lesser-known spots. These locations can give you some truly unique and inspired photographs:

St Dunstan-in-the-East
This ancient church has stood on a hill halfway between London Bridge and the Tower of London since 1100. Over the years, it’s been damaged and repaired. Sadly, during World War II, much of the structure was destroyed. However, it has since been opened as a public garden. It’s an idyllic and interesting spot that not many people know about, and it affords some great views of the city.

Barbican Conservatory
Another hidden gem is the Barbican Conservatory. It is home to a wide assortment of tropical plants and animals and is usually quite quiet. The main conservatory features some fascinating angles and architecture that contrast wonderfully with the lush plant life, meaning you can capture some excellent images.

Strand/Aldwych Station
This might be a hard location for you to access; you’ll likely have to pull some strings to get on one of the rare tours. However, if you manage to, you’ll be able to explore the now abandoned platform of this tube station. You can’t take a tripod, but you can take photographs for personal use.

Neasden Temple
London is a multicultural, multi-faith city. Along with many churches and mosques, there are also Hindu temples. Few are as spectacular as the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, or Neasden Temple. It was constructed using traditional methods and is absolutely stunning. Visiting provides you with a chance to capture a spot that not many photographers know about.

Isabella Plantation
This 40-acre woodland garden is situated in Richmond Park. It’s a tranquil spot that is simply gorgeous when in full bloom. It was planted back in the 1830s and is home to many rare and unusual trees and plants. There are some fantastic spots for photography, particularly on a clear day.

London Tours
With the wide variety of locations we’ve listed, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. However, there are plenty of fantastic tour companies that can help you explore. We’ve listed a few below to get you started:
Blue Badge Tourist Guides
British Tours
It’s Your London
Sandemans New London Tours

London Photography: Be Prepared
If this will be your first time visiting England’s capital, you’re in for a treat. It’s a diverse and bustling city with plenty to see and do. However, it’s also massive and sprawling, so you need to know how to get around. Below, we’ve covered some of the essential information you need in order to properly prepare. This includes some travel tips, what equipment you need, and some quick advice for different camera types. We also share some of the most iconic locations in London, as well as some lesser-known hidden gems.

London Travel Tips

One of the most famous elements of London is the Tube, the underground transit system. An intricate network of trains forms the very lifeblood of the city. It’s fairly easy to navigate once you get used to the fact a lot of the lines interconnect. Buy an Oyster Card for contactless travel and cheaper fares. The Underground isn’t the only way to navigate the city, and it’s not always the quickest. Many top destinations can be walked between. For example, from Borough Market to the Tower of London takes just over 15 minutes, and gives views of The Shard, Tower Bridge, and the Tower itself.

Alternatively, you can take on of the Santander Cycles. These bikes cost just £2 and can be ridden for half an hour at a time before changing. They’re dotted all over the city, making it a great way to get around. And of course, the iconic London buses run all across the Big Smoke.

Travel Photography Tips
When it comes to using your camera in London, you’re almost spoilt for choice. There are so many locations that make for great shots. With such an array of riches, it’s vital that you plan your travels. As we’ve mentioned, London is big, and it can take a while to get from point to point. If you’re planning on taking a trip to London to take photos, you’ll want to plan ahead. Not only should you choose a route that covers the major attractions you want, but also set up with proper gear.

How to Choose the Right Photography Gear
Aside from knowing where you’ll be going, you’ll also need to have the right equipment with you. Depending on how much of a priority you’re placing on photography for this trip, you loadout will differ somewhat:

Smartphone Photography

Modern smartphones have cameras that are good enough to take some breathtaking shots. As such, it’s never been easier to take up amateur photography. There are still some essentials that you should bring with you though:
Extra lenses. Many companies now offer smartphone-specific lenses for a range of purposes. They can give you a real edge in your photography.
A tripod. Whether it’s to stabilise your video or take an awesome landscape shot, a portable tripod is essential.
A case. This is something you should have for your smartphone regardless of whether you’re a budding photographer or not.

Camera Photography
Your loadout will depend a great deal on the type of photography you’re planning on. However, some essentials that you should have in your camera bag include:
Lenses. Aim for a wide-angle zoom as well as a 50mm prime or something similar. If you’re most comfortable with a kit lens, bring that too.
A tripod. You’ll want to keep your shots steady, particularly if you’ll be shooting in low-light conditions. As such, a tripod is a must-have.
Spare battery. The last thing you want is to be caught short when it comes to battery life. Bring a spare.
Extra memory card. Again, you don’t want to have to worry about deleting pictures to make room when you’re shooting.

In this article are listed 21 photography spots in London. Are you feeling up for a challenge? The Photo Team are offering our readers the chance to get involved and capture all 21 locations and share them with us. They will feature your photography and share it on our social media channels.

 

This is not a sponsored post. The author has allowed CabbieBlog to reproduce this post. All images are subject to copyright. All links here conform with guidelines set out in Write a Post.

It’s a sure bet that anyone visiting London during Halloween season will be grabbing a chance to take part in the capitals most infamous dark history tour . . . Jack the Ripper.

The identity of the world’s most notorious serial killer who terrorised the streets of Whitechapel with a macabre series of murders between August and November 1888, has continued to baffle the world.

[F]OR THE LAST 130 years there has been wide speculation among crime enthusiasts, armchair detectives and an army of authors about who the murderer really was. An insane barber? A deluded medical student? Or even a prince of England. All have taken their turn in the dock.

Whatever the truth, many sites associated with London’s most notorious series of murders can still be visited – and of course Jack the Ripper tours remain the most popular dark themed activities among the traveller. Here are some of the sites and locations associated with the Victorian killer.

Ten Bells Pub
The Ten Bells pub is located on the junction of Commercial Street and Fournier Street in Spitalfields and has close ties with at least two of the Ripper’s victim’s, Annie Chapman and Mary Kelly. It is said both women had their last drink in the pub the night they met their end. So it’s highly possible jack himself drank here in the establishment.

Mary Ann (Polly) Nichols murder site
Mary Ann Nichols, known as Polly to her friends is regarded as the first of the Jack the Ripper victims. Her body was discovered lying in the street by two men on their way to work at 3.30am on 31st August 1888. Her throat had been cut back to the bone and her abdomen mutilated. A chilling calling card of the Ripper. The location was originally called Bucks Row but was changed to Durward Street some years later and can be found at the back of Whitechapel underground station.

The murder of Annie Chapman
Not too far from Bucks Row (Durward Street) the body of Jack’s second victim, Annie Chapman, was discovered in the backyard of 29 Hanbury Street in the early hours of 8th September 1888. The site was eventually demolished in 1969, but not before being filmed for the documentary The London nobody knows starring James Mason. The location is now part of the Truman Brewery carpark.

Location of the Elizabeth Stride murder
Elizabeth Stride was the first victim in the night known as the “Double Event”, where the Ripper murdered two women in the space of 45 minutes. Strides body was discovered at 1am on 30th September in Dutfields yard, just off Commercial Road in a street called Berner Street. The narrow yard where the murder took place has now been replaced by a school playground and the street has been named Henriques street.

Location of the Catherine Eddowes murder
The second victim on the night of the Double Event was Catherin Eddowes, a 45-year-old from Wolverhampton. Her body was found in the dimly lit corner of Mitre Square. It was the first and only time the Ripper had moved out of his comfort zone in the East End and committed an attack in the city of London. Eddowes was heavily mutilated and her throat had been cut twice back to the bone. Mitre Square still exists but has been modernised lately and is surrounded by modern office blocks.

The Mary Jane Kelly murder Location
Regarded as the final victim of Jack the Ripper, Mary Jane Kelly was murdered in her small tiny room at 13 Miller’s court. Her room was located only a stone’s throw away from the Ten Bells pub, in Dorset Street. The street saw major changes over the years before being completely wiped out in 2017 with a new office block being planted on top of its location. However all is not lost, a public walkthrough has been made inside the middle of the building and so it’s still possible to come and stand on the site where her room once stood.

This is a sponsored guest post for which CabbieBlog has received a fee. Proceeds from these articles help keep the wheels turning on this site offering free content for anybody with an interest in London. All links here conform with guidelines set out in Write a Post.