The Rest Is History 213. London: Moments (Part 5)
Jul 22, 2022
Discover quirky tales from London's past, including a drunk elephant and a polar bear swimming in the Thames. Uncover the history of the Tower of London's exotic menagerie, where regal animal gifts revealed poignant connections between royals. Explore the whimsical side of ghosts and sustainable fashion while diving into the societal impact of the Metropolitan Railway. Delve deep into the 'Metroland' dream, reflecting on suburban aspirations during the Victorian era, all packed with humor and insightful reflections.
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Royal Gift
- In 1252, Henry III received a polar bear as a gift from Hakon the Young, King of Norway.
- The bear, kept at the Tower of London, was allowed to swim in the Thames and hunt for fish.
Menagerie Beginnings
- In 1235, three lions (or leopards) were gifted to Henry III by Frederick II's sister upon her marriage.
- Later, Louis IX of France sent an elephant, which was mistakenly given wine instead of water and died.
Ghostly Bear
- In 1816, a guard at the Tower of London saw a ghostly bear, passed out, and later died.
- Theories suggest it was either the ghost of a Hudson Bay Company bear or an ancient bear from the Thames estuary.