In the March of 1884, the Sangers’ Circus arrived by train to perform in Gospel Oak. Startled during off-loading, two elephants made a bolt for it. To find out what happened to “Palm” and “Ida” click on the link below. All but forgotten now is the pedestrian passage at 31, Pemberton Terrace where the story reached it’s spectacular climax. The purpose of this eccentric architectural feature, which still exists (though blocked off by iron bars), is now lost in time.

More information: Performing Elephants in a Cellar, 1884