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Advert for London Rhinoceros

10 October 1684

Advert for a Rhinoceros

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    This newspaper cutting, from The London Gazette of 10th October 1684, includes an advertisement for a 'Very strange Beast called a Rhynoceros'. The rhino had been shipped from Golconda in India earlier that year, and was the first of its kind to have been seen in Europe since 1515. It was exhibited in a tavern in Ludgate Hill, London, and visitors were charged one shilling just to look, and two to ride on the creature's back. Sadly, the rhino died just two years later. It was not uncommon for tradesmen travelling from the East Indies to bring home strange and exotic creatures. 17th century documents record the arrival of monkeys, parrots, mynah birds and waterfowl, brought to England to be sold to the royal menagerie at the Tower of London or to collectors of curiosities.

     

    Shelfmark: 10 October 1684, London Gazette, British Library Newspaper Collection.

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    Advert for London Rhinoceros

    Original text:

     

    Advertisements.

    A Guide to the Practical Physician : Shewing, from the most Approved Authors, both Ancient and Modern, the truest and safest way of Curing all Diseases. Lately Published in Latin by Theoph Boner, M.D. Ans now Rendred into English. With an Addition of many considerable Cases, Rules and Means of Cure, that were omitted by the aforesaid Author. To which is added an Appendix concerning the Office of a Physician, by the same Author. Printed for Thomas Flesher at the Angel and Crown in St. Pauls Church-yard.

    A Very Strange Beast called a Rhynoceros, lately brought from the East Indies, being the first that ever was in England, is daily to be seen a the Bell Savage Inn on Ludgate-Hill, from Nine a Clock in the Morning till Eight at Night.

    All Persons born in the Country of Northampton are desired to take Notice, That there will be held a County Feast on the 13th day of November next, at Merchant-Taylors-Hall, for the promoting of Mutual Society and Charity: Tickets for that purpose are to be had at the Places following; Mr. John Cannons at the Queens Head Tavern in Great Queen-street, Mr. Henry Lamb next to the Goad-Tavern in West-Smithfield, Mr. Tho Cannon at the White-Hart Tavern at Pye-Corner end, Mr Benjamin Alsop at the Bible in the Poultry, at Jonathan's Coffee-house in Love-lane in Aldermanbury, Mr Rich. Coale Cheesmonger under

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