Audio Guide Script
Did you know? There was once a zoo inside the Tower of London!
In the 13th century when King John established a royal menagerie within these very walls. This medieval zoo grew to house some of the most extraordinary creatures from across the known world, serving as both a symbol of royal power and a source of wonder for visitors.
Imagine the sight that would have greeted medieval Londoners: lions roaring from their cages, a polar bear fishing in the Thames (tethered by a long chain, of course), and even an elephant lumbering about the Tower grounds. These animals were often diplomatic gifts, sent by foreign rulers to curry favor with the English monarchy.
The lions of the Tower deserve special mention. As symbols of the English crown, they were particularly revered. A curious superstition arose that if the Tower’s lions died, it would spell doom for the monarch. You can imagine the anxiety this caused whenever one of the big cats fell ill!
But life for these royal beasts was far from easy. The cramped conditions, unsuitable climate, and lack of understanding about their needs meant that many animals suffered. The polar bear, a gift from the King of Norway in 1252, must have found London’s climate particularly challenging.
In the 16th century, the menagerie became more accessible to the public. For a small fee – or the donation of a cat or dog to feed the lions – visitors could gaze upon these exotic creatures. It became one of London’s first tourist attractions.The 18th century saw the arrival of more unusual animals: ostriches, baboons, and even a zebra joined the collection. However, it also marked the beginning of the end for the Tower’s menagerie. As understanding of animal welfare grew, the conditions at the Tower were increasingly seen as cruel.
In 1835, the remaining animals were relocated to Regent’s Park, forming the core of what would become London Zoo. Today, all that remains of the Tower’s wild past are the life-sized sculptures near the entrance, reminding us of the time when lions and bears walked these grounds.
Take a moment to imagine the sights, sounds, and undoubtedly smells that would have greeted visitors to the Royal Menagerie. It’s a vivid reminder of how our relationship with exotic animals has changed over the centuries, from symbols of power to creatures we seek to protect and understand.
Our journey continues to “Duke of Wellington Exhibition”