Victims group blasts London Dungeon for ‘idolising’ serial killers by offering free entry to their namesakes – including Rose West and Harold Shipman
- London Dungeon has introduced a new rule to mark its reopening after Covid-19
- Anyone who shares the same name as a British serial killer can enter for free
- Attraction claims to be honouring the plight of Brits with unfortunate namesakes
- But Victim Support said move is disrespectful to traumatised families of victims
A victim support charity has slammed the London Dungeon for ‘idolising serial murderers’ after the tourist attraction offered free entry for anyone with the same name as a British killers.
The popular attraction in the UK’s capital said its offer – marking its reopening following coronavirus lockdown – will honour the plight of Britons who are the namesake of a famous fictional or factual killers such as Rose West or Harold Shipman.
But support group Victim Support said the move is disrespectful to the traumatised families of murder victims.
Chief executive Diana Fawcett told the Daily Telegraph: ‘It’s concerning to see that the London Dungeon’s advert almost idolises serial murderers who are known to have caused unimaginable pain and trauma to victims and their families.
The London Dungeon has introduced the new rule to mark its reopening following coronavirus lockdown. Social distancing measures are in place and tickets must be booked in advance
‘We know that while “murder” is used as a form of entertainment, the reality is that it destroys lives and shatters communities.’
She added: ‘We must be more sensitive to victims that have been left traumatised and in need of long term support and we’re disappointed that adverts like this disregards those affected.’
A London Dungeon poster shared on Facebook read: ‘Do you suffer in silence with the same name as a notorious British serial killer? Are you called out on social media, or afraid to put your name on job applications? Well, we’d like to make your life a little easier.’
The attraction introduced the new rule to mark its reopening following coronavirus lockdown. Social distancing measures are in place and tickets must be booked in advance.
Dungeons in Blackpool, York and Warwick Castle are also running the same offer.
Shipman and West help make up the list of names which qualify visitors for free entry – despite both killing within the last 30 years.
Others who can get in free include people called Sweeney Todd or Ted Bundy.
Meanwhile Edinburgh Dungeon hit back against the proposals, with its own idea to allow free entry to anyone with the name William.
A post read: ‘Can you believe what that criminal lot over at The London Dungeon are doing? FREE ENTRY IF YOUR NAMED AFTER A SERIAL KILLER?!
‘Well, we are having none of that! We only reward heroes! Free Entry for anyone named after Wallace, so if your names William, get yourself down to The Edinburgh Dungeon.’
The London Dungeon will offer customers with serial killer names free entry between the 24th and the 31st of August 2020.
People unfortunate enough to share a name with the likes of Rose West (right) or Harold Shipman (left) will be able to visit the popular attraction in the UK’s capital for free this week
A London Dungeon spokesperson said: ‘Finally, sweet payback for all those unknown Linked In connections, Facebook friend requests and overheard sniggers at wedding table planners.’
‘If your name really is Nellie Lovett, Sweeney Todd, or even Ted Bundy then The London Dungeon is opening their doors and inviting you to explore London’s horrible history with your fellow namesake murderers.’
‘Enjoy the Great Fire of London and pay a visit to the plague doctor with Harold Shipman, all with the London Dungeon’s compliments.
‘Lockdown has been tough for everyone, and it can’t have helped ease the misery when introducing yourself on a Zoom call as Rose West.
‘Now we are delighted to welcome all our guests back to see London’s dark past, and we hope they have a truly horrible time – in true Dungeons style….’
But not everyone saw the funny side.
One tweet read: ‘It’s a bit early for jokes about the Wests and Shipman isn’t it?’
Shipman was an English general practitioner who died in 2004. He is believed to have been the most prolific serial killer in modern history.
Mrs West and her husband Fred tortured and murdered at least nine women between 1973 and 1987.
The London Dungeon is on the South Bank close to Waterloo and Westminster station.
Others are in San Francisco, Amsterdam, Berlin, Hamburg, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Warwick Castle and York.