‘Lord’ George Sanger

In the mid 19th century there were hundreds of circuses operating in Britain and such was their popularity that many 19th century theatres (including the Theatre Royal, Newcastle) presented circus acts. Indeed, circuses visited Morpeth too, with lots of animals, in late Victorian times and possibly later. One of the most famous circuses to visit the North East was George Sanger’s Family Circus.

‘Lord’ George Sanger was the most successful circus entrepreneur of the 19th century. An eccentric millionaire notorious for being a smart dresser, Sanger was instantly recognizable by his shiny top hat and diamond tie-pin. Born in Newbury, Berkshire, in 1827, 'Lord' was a nickname rather than an official title. By 1898 ‘Lord’ George had presented Royal Command Performances for Queen Victoria, who was a great circus fan and it was rumoured that Queen Victoria had given him a peerage for allowing her to put her head inside one of the performing lion's mouths. In fact, George Sanger had granted himself the title and subsequently started quite a fashion. A rash of 'Sirs', 'Captains', and even a 'King' appeared in the posters and programmes of rival circus companies.

Lord Sanger’s Circus had elephants, and one in particular, Charlie. As a young elephant, Charlie had played with Lord George Sanger’s grandson (also called George). The elephant would wrap his trunk around the child and swing him backwards and forwards. As an adult animal Charlie became the largest elephant ever seen in England and performed with the Circus for many years. As he grew older he became grumpy and dangerous, eventually killing one of the Circus carpenters in a fit of temper and Lord George Sanger had to have him put down.

Taken from V&A website. For further information about Victorian Circuses and Lord George Sanger’s Circus see the V&A site at
www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/v/victorian-circus/