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Artworks
Henry III was inspired to the start the Menagerie in the 1200s following a gift of three 'leopards' (probably lions but referred to as leopards in the heraldry on the king's shield) by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II.
The King of France sent an African elephant to the Tower in 1255, and Londoners flocked to see the novel sight. Although the elephant had a brand new 40 foot by 20 foot elephant house and a dedicated keeper, it died after a couple of years. Many of the other Menagerie animals did not survive the cramped conditions, although lions and tigers fared better, with many cubs being born. The sculpture is placed next to the Queen Elizabeth Arch where archives record the elephant was kept.Photo by PDCA
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