The Elephants Have Escaped – Oh What a Circus!

In 1884, Sanger's Circus was coming to town, setting up in an open space near Parliament Fields. Most of the troupe arrived via road, but some of the larger animals arrived by rail and, during the unloading process, two of the four performing elephants got unusually spooked and broke free of the railway yard. These two large ladies ran through the nearby streets, causing a mayhem and excitement along the way.

Their journey ended in N19 because they had managed to trap themselves in a basement space between two residential houses. Luckily, Ida and Palm were unharmed and, after being rescued, they were walked to the circus ground and the show went on as planned, no doubt better attended than previously expected.

This walking tour follows their rampaging route to see the kind of obstacles these two confused beasts would have experienced along the way.

We'll admire Georgian streets, Victorian terraces, cobbled lanes and narrow little alleys including a row of cottages in Little Green Street which was only recently saved from demolition. Learn about the real "Greatest Showman" who managed one of the biggest and best-loved circus companies in the world at that time. Hear about music, Margate and monkeys. See how the arrival of railways changed the area. It all helps to make a really evocative tour.

As per my other walks, I will be pointing out other things of interest along the way including ghostsigns and film locations.

• The walk lasts approx two hours, starting near Gospel Oak station and ending in North Islington, mid-way between Tufnell Park and Archway tube stations or ashort walk to Upper Holloway station.
• The exact meeting point will be explained after purchase (see the FAQs section below).

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Customer feedback: "The tour was fascinating, and brilliantly researched. It really opened up whole different aspects of Victorian London in a very enjoyable way – the history of circuses, pubs, railway yards, who knew how much they had to do with each other! – and brought a new interest to bits and corners of North London that you could walk past a hundred times without noticing. And a lot of fun too, a great two hours. Thanks Jane!" / "I will be joining more of your tours – your knowledge is amazing and I love your jolly style" / "I loved this so very much. I was sad when it ended because I wanted more" / "A delightful way to spend a couple of hours" / "I have recommended this tour to my friends and I may well join them and do it again ha ha" / More feedback here

Other walks and talks available – please check my listings or see www.janeslondonwalks.com

My guiding style is inclusive, open and friendly. I design and research every tour myself – in fact, the research never ends. The walks and talks I offer are all on subjects that intrigue me and each one highlights a different facet of my personality. I am particularly interested in the architecture of our ever-changing streets and the little details on and above them. For more information, please visit www.janeslondonwalks.com

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Where does this walk start / what if I am running late?

Important – please do not rely on info/maps supplied within QR codes and apps as these often give incorrect information.

• The specific meeting point will be clearly described in words within the Order Confirmation email sent to you immediately after your purchase
• Scroll down to the bottom of that email to the Additional Information section where you will find a description of the meeting point as well as details of how to play catch-up should you be running late on the day.
• As a back-up, the same information will be sent to you within a reminder email 24hrs before the event.

What is the minimum age to attend this event?

• There is no minimum age
• No charge for children aged 5 or younger. Children 6-15yrs = concession rate
• All children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult – one child per paying adult.

Can I just show up and pay on arrival?

• No – this is a ticketed event with a maximum group size – places must be booked in advance.

Do I have to bring a copy of my ticket to the event?

• No – you will simply be asked your name

Can I get a refund / is my ticket transferrable?

• As you can appreciate, refunds and reallocations do not apply to people who simply do not show up on the day!
• You can organise your own refund through Eventbrite's ticketing system up to 48 hours before the walk starts. However, please note that the booking fee (absorbed within the ticket price) is not refundable.
• Alternatively, I can hold your purchase for transfer to another Jane's London Walk within the next three months – please notify me in writing via email/text at least 48 hours before this walk is due to start.

What if it's raining?

• Walking tours will go ahead, rain or shine.
• However, if severely adverse conditions are forecast, or other unforeseen complications cause the event to be cancelled, you will receive notification and a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchairs?

• I would not recommend it unless you have assistance – the walk will be mostly on standard pavements but we will also access narrow alleys and cobbled streets, plus there is a reasonably steep road along the route that is unavoidable (Chetwynd Rd).

How can I contact the organiser?

• Email: [email protected]
• Mobile: +44(0)7941 475003
• Instagram/Facebook: janeslondonwalks

Host or Publisher Jane's London Walks