Royal Beasts

For 600 years, wild and exotic creatures were held captive by kings and queens at the Tower of London.

Discover the fascinating stories of why animals were imprisoned and experience how they would have lived during their time at the Royal Menagerie. Members go free.

Visiting Royal Beasts

Introduction to Royal Beasts

Discover the hundreds of exotic creatures who found a home in this fortress at this interactive exhibition. Open now.

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The Virtual Menagerie

We want YOUR beasts - what weird, wild or wonderful creature will you send to impress the King?

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The Royal Menagerie

The history of the Royal Menagerie

Discover the fascinating history of the Royal Menagerie at the Tower of London with our timeline.

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The beasts within

Discover the variety of animals kept captive, including alligators from the Americas, tigers from Asia and kangaroos from Australia.

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Sights and stories

Tragic and surprising stories

Explore the Royal Menagerie's unique stories from the polar bear who fished in the Thames to the ostrich who ate nails.

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People from the Royal Menagerie

Find out more about the people associated with the Royal Menagerie from monarchs to keepers.

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Fun and games

Create your royal beast

Make your very own unique beast from the many animals who once lived at the Tower of London!

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Meet the Royal Beasts in our game

Life for the animals held captive at the Tower of London was not easy. Have you got what it takes to enter the Royal Menagerie?

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Which animal is your favourite Royal Beast?

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Tree decoration - Royal Beasts Lion

Royal Beasts

Royal Beasts

Visiting Royal Beasts

The Royal Menagerie

Sights and stories

Fun and games

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