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Harold Davidson, former rector of Stiffkey, Norfolk
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Harold Davidson, former rector of Stiffkey, Norfolk
Harold Davidson (1875-1937), defrocked former rector of Stiffkey, Norfolk, seen here lion taming at Skegness in July 1937. Unfortunately, this kind of activity led to his being attacked and killed.
1937
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23150206
© The John Barrett Collection / Mary Evans
Anglican Cage Clergy Clergyman Clergymen Danger Dangerous Davidson Entertainer Fatal Harold Lion Lions Norfolk Rector Skegness Taming Whip Wild 1937
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this intriguing photograph from the 1930s, we see Harold Davidson, a former rector of Stiffkey in Norfolk, England, engaging in an unexpected and daring pastime: lion taming at Skegness in July 1937. The image captures Davidson, dressed in a suit and holding a long whip, standing confidently before a cage containing a powerful lion. The lion, with its mane fully erect and eyes fixed intently on the man before it, appears poised and ready. Despite his clerical background, Davidson's life took an unexpected turn as he became an entertainer, traveling the country to perform his daring act with wild animals. This photograph, taken just months before his death, offers a glimpse into the thrilling and dangerous world of big cat taming in the 1930s. However, this image also carries a tragic undertone. Sadly, Davidson's foray into the world of animal entertainment proved to be fatal. In the same year this photograph was taken, he was attacked and killed by a lion during a performance. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and dangers inherent in such a pursuit, even for a man with a seemingly unlikely background as a former rector. Harold Davidson's story is a fascinating one, highlighting the complexities and unpredictability of life. This photograph offers a glimpse into a bygone era, where men like Davidson sought thrills and excitement beyond the confines of their traditional roles, often at great personal risk.
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