2. Fantastic Beasts in London
London History
00:00
The History of London
Hippo remains have been found in ancient Thames gravels beneath Trafalgar Square and also at Brentford. It's hard to imagine ice extending as far south as what is now finchley in north London. This was a time when the sea level was low enough to reconnect Britain to the continent, enabling lions and other animals to cross over into Britain. Rating, caught fighting and dog fighting were commonplace in purpose-built arenas attached to inns and taverns. betting on animals through the 20th century was also popular but just less bloody.
Play episode from 14:24
Transcript
