A GROUP of Harlow students followed the steps of a famous murderer to learn more about the living struggles in the 19th century. 

Students from Burnt Mill Academy in Harlow visited Whitechapel as part of their year ten history lessons to learn more about Jack the Ripper.

They took a tour of East London's history dating back to the early 19th century and had lunch at The Worshipful Company of Baker's Hall, a livery first referenced in the early 12th century.

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The trip expanded on students' work around crime and punishment, with the Whitechapel murders a case study they focused on.

Amy Collins, head of history and citizenship lead, said: "Our Whitechapel trip was extraordinary.

"This was an opportunity many of our students will never have again, with the hall being closed to the public for livery matters.

"It was so rewarding to see the awe on their faces.

"Students discussed where the victims of the Ripper murders had fallen, what their life had been like.

"They also contemplated why the police force at the time could not catch him in the absence of later developments, such as radio communication and DNA fingerprinting as well as many other issues."