The Tower Menagerie
The Tower of London was begun by William the Conqueror around 1070 after his victory at the Battle of Hastings as a reminder to his subjects of the King's power. The menagerie began in 1235 with a gift of three leopards to Henry III from the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II on the occasion of his marriage to Henry's sister. A white bear soon followed as did an African elephant. The menagerie continued to grow during Edward III's 50 year reign (1327-77) and the Keeper of the Lions and Leopards became a position of some distinction. The menagerie remained at the Tower in some form until 1834 when William IV presented his collection of animals to the Zoological Society of London where it became the seed for the London Zoo. Today, the only animals maintained at the Tower are the famous ravens, whose disappearance is rumored to predict the fall of the Tower. If you are interested in learning more about the 600-year history of the Tower menagerie, read the fascinating book The Tower Menagerie: The Amazing 600-year History of the Royal Collection of Wild and Ferocius Beasts Kept at the Tower of London by Daniel Hahn.