RESEARCHERS have found historical records of Coventry’s Victorian ‘Lion Queen’.
Findmypast in partnership with Coventry archives published over 280,000 records online which date back as far as 1747, glimpses into Coventry’s history.
Ellen Bright, known as the ‘Lion Queen,’ was 17 years old when she became renowned for taming and exhibiting lions at her uncle George’s famed menagerie, ‘Wombwell’s Travelling Menagerie.’
Ellen’s lion, William, was Britain’s first lion bred in captivity, and her performances drew crowds far and wide.
They presented at the royal court and newspapers reported just a month before her death Ellen was forbidden to perform with the tiger by Queen Victoria.
Ellen’s life met a premature end when she was mauled by the tiger during a performance for army officers in Chatham.
Burial records show that she shares her grave with her cousin William, who died a year before at 25 after being gored by the menagerie’s 7ft bull elephant.
William had looked after the elephant for six years and had walked him in a procession through Coventry.
Among the wealth of information are accounts of the city’s resilience during the Second World War Blitz, detailing bomb damage and the lives lost.
Mary McKee, UK Archives manager at Findmypast, said: “This is a significant chunk of historical information which offers an amazing opportunity to understand more about Coventry’s colourful past – as well as uncover family stories.
“It has been fascinating to delve into these rich and varied records to uncover stories like those of Ellen and William.
“Thanks to our exclusive partnership with Coventry Archives, more people will now be able to delve into the collection online and make their own fascinating, touching, and surprising family discoveries.”
The collection of records are available online at the findmypast.co.uk website.
