Hunt begins for burial site of 130-year-old ‘Kingswood elephant’

Historians have embarked on a search to unravel the mystery of the famous 19th-century ‘Kingswood Elephant’ in Bristol.

Thought to be called Nancy in contemporary reports, the mighty animal is said to have been part of Bostock and Wombwell’s travelling menagerie which toured Britain at the time.

Local legend has it Nancy was buried somewhere in the town of Kingswood in 1891 after escaping and chewing on poisonous yew leaves.

Some 130 years later, archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology have been commissioned to conduct a geophysical survey in a bid to find the fabled burial site.

Nancy was part of a Victoria travelling circus – photo: National Fairground & Circus Archive

“Searching for Victorian elephant burials isn’t our usual fare but a grave of that size would leave a large hole and would certainly be identifiable with the Ground Penetrating Radar equipment we will be using to survey the site,” said Wessex Water terrestrial geophysicist Tom Richardson.

Colleague and zooarchaeologist Lorrain Higbee added: “This initial archaeological investigation aims to locate the elephant burial but should we do so, you may be surprised at what we could learn about the life of this animal from studying its skeletal remains.”

“In the case of a menagerie elephant, as well as understanding where the animal came from and its age, we may be able to see the impact of its life as an entertainer, this may include evidence of confinement including trauma from shackling the animal or arthritis.

“It may also be possible to detect injuries or strains resulting from its performance duties, such as repetitive movements.”

Bostock and Wombwell’s Menagerie elephant pulling a wagon – photo: National Fairground & Circus Archive

The Victorian animal was said to have been laid to rest in the area of Whitefield’s Tabernacle or Holy Trinity Church, although there are no historical sources which reference her death.

Leading up to her death, Nancy was part of a travelling “beast show” and would “take up its quarters” for eight days on the open space near Lawrence Hill station, according to a Bristol Mercury report in 1891.

The report added that the circus had an elephant, four camels, lions and lionesses, tigers and brown bears.

Circus historian Dr Steve Ward said: “During the 19th century, the fascination with the natural world allowed both travelling and static menageries to flourish and people wanted to experience exotic and strange animals.

“Seeing these creatures was seen as educational, indeed the government actively encouraged families to take their children.”

Wessex Archaeology will use Ground Penetrating Radar to conduct a geophysical survey – photo: Wessex Archaeology

The search for Nancy is part of South Gloucestershire Council’s Kingswood regeneration project.

Chris Willmore, cabinet member with responsibility for planning, regeneration and infrastructure, said: “Our work as part of the Kingswood  regeneration project has presented us with a unique opportunity ahead of the high street pedestrianisation work.

“We’re excited to see what archaeologists may uncover and if we can finally solve this local mystery or find some new mysteries to solve.”

The archaeological investigation to identify the burial of the ‘Kingswood Elephant’ is due to take place in July.

Main photo: National Fairground Circus Archive

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