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Death of the "Lion Queen", in Wombwell's Menagerie, at Chatham, 1850. Creator: Unknown. Death of the "Lion Queen", in Wombwell's Menagerie, at Chatham, 1850. Creator: Unknown
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Death of the "Lion Queen", in Wombwell's Menagerie, at Chatham, 1850. Creator: Unknown. Death of the "Lion Queen", in Wombwell's Menagerie, at Chatham, 1850. Creator: Unknown
Death of the "Lion Queen", in Wombwell's Menagerie, at Chatham [in Kent], 1850. It was the business of the deceased [17-year-old Ellen Blight] to go into the dens and perform with the beasts...She had only been in two or three minutes, but had gone through the main part of the performance, excepting that of making the lion sit down in a particular part of the cage, when the tiger being in her way, the deceased struck it lightly with a small whip which she carried in her hand. The beast growled, as if in anger, and, crouching close to the bottom of the den, stretched out its paw, as if at her leg or dress, causing the deceased to fall sideways against the cage; the animal at the same moment sprang at her, and, seizing her ferociously by the neck, inserted the teeth of the upper jaw in her chin, and, in closing his mouth, inflicted frightful injury in the throat with his fangs'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850
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Media ID 36213943
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This haunting image captures the moment of tragedy in Wombwell's Menagerie at Chatham, Kent, in 1850. The Lion Queen, a young woman named Ellen Blight, aged 17, is depicted in her final moments, surrounded by the wild beasts she had tamed and performed with. The Lion Queen's role in the menagerie was to enter the dens and entertain the crowds with her bravery and skill. On this fateful day, as she went about her duties, she encountered a tiger that proved to be her undoing. In the photograph, the Lion Queen can be seen lying on the ground, her body pressed against the cage, with the tiger looming over her, its teeth bared and ready to strike. The other animals in the cage look on with curiosity and apprehension, as if sensing the impending danger. The tragic incident occurred when Ellen was performing the final part of her act, which involved making the lion sit down in a particular part of the cage. As she approached the tiger, it growled and lunged at her, causing her to fall to the ground. The tiger then seized her by the neck and inflicted fatal injuries with its fangs. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the risks and dangers that came with working in a menagerie during the Victorian era. Despite the inherent risks, the Lion Queen continued to perform, demonstrating her courage and determination until the very end. The photograph serves as a testament to her bravery and the allure of the exotic and wild that drew crowds to menageries and circuses during this period.
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