For many years exotic animals were kept at the Tower of London. Many of these were gifts to the Monarch and started in 1235 when Henry lll was given 3 'leopards' which were most likely lions and featured on a lot of heraldry. This was followed by an elephant and a polar bear. A menagerie continued at the tower until 1835.
Galvanised sculptures have been created by artist Kendra Haste in 2010 and are exhibited around the tower grounds. They are positioned close to where the original animals were kept.
The lions greet you as you queue to enter.
The lions were housed in what was known as the Lion Tower which was close to the entrance. Entrance charge at one stage included supplying a cat or dog to feed to the lions! Animal fighting was a common and popular sport.
Then there were baboons playing on the walls above the visitors.
The monkeys were quite an attraction too but were not unknown to bite. Then there was the elephant which unfortunately I didn't photograph who was a gift from the King of France in 1255. He had his own specially built house and his own keeper but only lived a matter of years.
There was even a polar bear sent from the King of Norway in 1252. The bear had a collar and stout rope but was allowed to swim in the Thames and catch fish.
Many of these animals were dangerous. One lady died from her injuries when she was mauled by a lion after stroking its paw. There was also a close encounter with a snake. The menagerie was eventually closed by the Duke of Wellington in 1835 and Regents Park Zoo was formed with these animals.
I can only see one picture Maggie.
ReplyDeleteThe Tower of London is a fascinating place. Can you see any I've the sculptures from outside or do you need to pay to go in?
Thank you for alerting me to that. Half of the blog had mysteriously disappeared even from the draft so I have had to re write it.
DeleteOnly the lions can be seen from outside. The tower is quite pricey especially if you have been recently but if you decide to go the OAP rate is quite a bit cheaper and cheaper still if you buy online in advance.
Maggie, such an interesting set of bronze animals. We had watched a special about the Tower of London & they talked about the "zoo". I hate that there was such cruelty in those days, glad we now know better & do better. Thanks for joining in Take Three Thursday.
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