Amongst the attendees at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953 were ten six foot high heraldic beasts which guarded the entrance to Westminster Abbey. Somewhat neglected at the time they were subsequently commemorated in sculpture, artworks, precious metals, ceramics and even topiary. The origin of the Beasts, their histories and how they were selected for their Royal task will be examined and examples of some of their subsequent afterlives explored including the mystery of the missing Royal Vase en-route to India whose whereabouts have not yet been discovered.
Views: 441 | Enquiries: 0Mike Scott Rumble worked in the public sector for 50 years, both as a Police Officer and in local government. His last post was a Head of the Parks Police Service in Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham. He is currently Chairman of the White Lion Society (Friends of HM College of Arms). He is a Green Flag scheme Judge (Parks & Gardens) and Independent Person on the Standards Committee of a local District Council. He has a passionate interest in Heraldry, Police History, Airships, Uniforms, badges and memorabilia as well as being a competent artist and illustrator. He is able to provide his own projector and equipment for talks and always has an interesting tale to tell !
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