Hunt on for Edwardian circus elephant... under Morrisons
IT’S something of an elephant in the room for historians... but locals now reckon they have solved the mystery of a famous circus animal buried in a market town after coming a cropper a century ago.
The massive beast’s remains have lain undetected in Coleshill, Warwickshire, since it choked to death while chomping on a mangelwurzel in 1911.
The poor elephant was being walked by a travelling circus from Shustoke – two-and-a-half miles away – when its trunk plucked the beetroot-like vegetable from fields.
It breathed its last and collapsed outside Coleshill’s Bell Inn. From there records show it was dragged to an area of open space where locals dug a large pit.
But the elephant grave has never been found – until now, say historians.
However, its passing was commemorated in 2018 with the unveiling of a statue outside the town hall.
The artwork depicts the elephant,
in Big Top regalia, balanced on a wagon wheel. Experts say the skeleton is believed to be under a Morrisons supermarket – and the store’s development was even put on hold for three days while a dig took place.
Though no bones were found, Coleshill and District Civic Society are convinced the location is correct.
They have studied an account from eyewitness Frank Childs, whose parents kept the Bell. Written down by wife Peggy before his death 20 years ago, Frank insisted the elephant was dragged to the Sons of Rest bowling green, which was covered by the supermarket some 15 years ago.
And there may be two graves, said Frank. The jumbo’s head was cut off and placed in a separate pit.
“It clearly happened,” said former society chairman John Hoyle.
“We have an eyewitness account. Too many reputable people observed it. There may well have been an investigation when the supermarket was built, but how serious that was, I don’t know. Those involved in the
development may well have been told, ‘if you come across anything odd, ignore it’. They had deadlines to keep.”
The 85-year-old added: “If it does exist – and it does exist – it is under concrete. Digging the elephant up would be such a disturbance for the people involved. Marking the spot with a plaque would be a good idea, but that’s down to the town council.”
Frank Childs’ niece, Hazel Fellows, has his original written account of the death. The 65-year-old hopes the bones can be found without the need to smash tarmac.
Hazel said: “Old maps may pinpoint the location. Uncle Frank always said there was a bump in the bowling green where the elephant was buried. I imagine if they were there, they’ve gone now.”
Former town mayoress Sue Wallace disagrees. She thinks the stricken beast was dragged to gardens only yards from the Bell Inn and buried. The land was later claimed for Coleshill Labour Exchange.