Starting at Shoreditch High Street and ending at Whitechapel High Street, Commercial Street was the main thoroughfare that cut through the very heart of Spitalfields and Whitechapel. Built in the 1840s, Commercial Street was the main artery from which many of the streets connected with the murders of Jack the Ripper extended. In addition, various institutions, also connected with the murders, bordered this street.

The Commercial Street ‘H Division’ police station was just before the scene of the second murder in Hanbury Street. Further along was Spitalfields Market opposite the Ten Bells public house where some of the victims undoubtedly drank. Across Church Street was Christ Church, Spitalfields, itself close to the Queen’s Head public house, where George Hutchinson observed Mary Jane Kelly entering Dorset Street, opposite, just a few hours before her death. Next were the notorious doss-houses of Flower & Dean Street and Thrawl Street. Situated on the corner of Commercial Street and Wentworth Street was the Princess Alice public house. Opposite the Princess Alice was the Victoria Workingmen’s Home. Credible evidence suggests that Jack the Ripper, a local man, lodged there.