Tower Hamlets in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The royal menagerie leaves
Photographed by Michael Herrick, April 27, 2018
1. The royal menagrie leaves Marker
Since the reign of King John (1199-1216) monarchs had kept exotic beasts at the Tower. However, by 1831-2 it had become impractical to keep the menagerie here and it was moved to Regent's Park to establish London Zoo.
The animals were gifts from foreign rulers and were kept for the monarch's amusement. In Elizabeth I's reign (1558-1603) visitors were allowed in to see the queen's lions, tiger, wolf, eagle and porcupine! In 1622, James I had platforms built so that he and his courtiers could watch the beasts fighting in the Lion Tower.
this page online
( the text is also presented in six additional languages)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1622.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 51° 30.501′ N, 0° 4.699′ W. Marker was in Tower Hamlets, England, in Greater London. It could be reached from the intersection of Tower Hill and Trinity Square, on the left when traveling west. Located on the Tower of London Plaza.
Photographed by Michael Herrick, April 27, 2018
2. The royal menagrie leaves Marker
The marker is on the right. Beyond the marker are walls and fortifications of the Tower of London.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in London and in the Greater South East. Globally, it was on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Historic Royal Palaces (a few steps from this marker); The Wharfinger’s Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); Wharfinger Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tower's Community (within shouting distance of this marker); William the Conqueror (within shouting distance of this marker); King Charles II (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tower Under Attack (within shouting distance of this marker); The Western Entrance (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tower Hamlets.
Other markers no longer nearby. The coronation procession (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Entering the fortress (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Tea on Tower Hill (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); A place of execution (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); The fortress extends (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Western entrance (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Byward Postern (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . .
1. Tower of London. (Submitted on May 13, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Tower of London on Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 13, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 287 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on October 3, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Transcription of text in all languages on the marker. • Can you help?
