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Circus Elephant Accident
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Circus Elephant Accident
George Lockhart is crushed by a circus elephant at Walthamstow. The elephant escaped from the train which was transporting him to the next circus destination
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Media ID 4354642
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10112137
Accident Circus Crushed Destination Elephant Elephants Escaped Lockhart Transporting Walthamstow Performing
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This haunting image captures the aftermath of a tragic accident at Walthamstow Circus in 1904, when performer George Lockhart was crushed by an escaped circus elephant. The elephant, named Old Bill, had been transported by rail to the next circus destination when, during a stop at Walthamstow, he broke free from his enclosure. In the chaos that ensued, Old Bill trampled over Lockhart, who was attempting to restrain him. The photograph, taken shortly after the incident, shows the devastating consequences of the encounter. Lockhart's lifeless body lies beneath the massive elephant, surrounded by shocked onlookers and circus personnel. The historical significance of this photograph lies in its depiction of the dangers and risks associated with the early days of circus entertainment. Despite the advances in animal handling and transportation methods, accidents like this were not uncommon. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the human-animal relationship in the circus, and the inherent risks and challenges that came with it." "The circus elephant, Old Bill, had been a popular attraction for audiences across the country. However, on this fateful day, the railway journey proved to be the end of his circus career. The accident caused a public outcry, leading to increased scrutiny and regulations regarding the transportation and handling of animals in circuses. This photograph, taken from the extensive archives of Mary Evans Prints Online, offers a glimpse into the past, providing a poignant and historical record of a bygone era.
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