The Early History of Menageries in England
Before modern zoos existed, many European monarchs kept private collections of exotic animals known as menageries. These collections were symbols of wealth and power, often filled with animals obtained through trade, exploration, and diplomatic gifts. The animals were kept in palace grounds or castles, primarily for the amusement of the royal family and their courts.
England’s first recorded menagerie dates back to the 12th century. The earliest known royal menagerie was established in the Tower of London, a historic fortress and royal residence. It was not a public zoo, but rather a royal collection of exotic animals.
The Tower of London Menagerie
The Tower of London’s menagerie is widely regarded as the origin of zoological collections in England. Historical records show that by the early 13th century, English monarchs began keeping exotic animals within the Tower grounds. The first documented arrival of animals was during the reign of King John (1199–1216), when the king received a gift of a polar bear from the King of Norway. This event is often cited as the start of the Tower menagerie.
Over the centuries, the menagerie grew to include lions, leopards, monkeys, bears, and other exotic creatures. Kings and queens, including Henry III, Edward I, and Henry VIII, expanded and maintained the collection. The animals were kept in various enclosures and cages, primarily for the monarch’s entertainment and display of prestige.
The Tower menagerie was not open to the public for most of its history, but it became an attraction for commoners as well, especially during the Tudor and Stuart periods. People could pay a small fee to see the animals, making it one of the earliest examples of a public zoo experience in England. shutdown123