The Lion Queen: The Dangerous World of Big Cat Taming

Nellie Chapman has an extraordinary way of drawing a crowd. Born into the strange and spectacular world of 19th Century travelling menageries, she rises to fame as one of Britain's most celebrated lion tamers. Performing inside the cage with some of the world's most feared predators, Nellie captivates audiences eager for a glimpse of danger.A performance for Queen Victoria offers the chance of a lifetime, but life among the big cats comes with enormous risks. At the height of Nellie's career, a shocking on-stage tragedy sparks public outrage and shines a spotlight on the hidden realities of the menagerie industry.How did Nellie Chapman become Britain's famed Lion Queen? Why were Victorian audiences so enthralled by lion tamers and exotic animals? What dark and dangerous truths lay behind the spectacle? And what can Nellie's story reveal about our complicated relationship with wild animals?Michelle is joined by expert Dr Peta Tait to explore a world of spectacle, danger, and caged beasts, uncovering the remarkable story of Britain's Lion Queen.Discover More:Check out Dr Peta Tait's book, Fighting Naturehttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Fighting-Nature-Travelling-Menageries-Publics/dp/1743324308More Beastly:  Follow Beastly History on Instagram @beastlyhistory  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Nellie Chapman has an extraordinary way of drawing a crowd. Born into the strange and spectacular world of 19th Century travelling menageries, she rises to fame as one of Britain's most celebrated lion tamers. Performing inside the cage with some of the world's most feared predators, Nellie captivates audiences eager for a glimpse of danger.A performance for Queen Victoria offers the chance of a lifetime, but life among the big cats comes with enormous risks. At the height of Nellie's career, a shocking on-stage tragedy sparks public outrage and shines a spotlight on the hidden realities of the menagerie industry.How did Nellie Chapman become Britain's famed Lion Queen? Why were Victorian audiences so enthralled by lion tamers and exotic animals? What dark and dangerous truths lay behind the spectacle? And what can Nellie's story reveal about our complicated relationship with wild animals?Michelle is joined by expert Dr Peta Tait to explore a world of spectacle, danger, and caged beasts, uncovering the remarkable story of Britain's Lion Queen.Discover More:Check out Dr Peta Tait's book, Fighting Naturehttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Fighting-Nature-Travelling-Menageries-Publics/dp/1743324308More Beastly: Follow Beastly History on Instagram @beastlyhistory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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This episode was published on June 15, 2026.

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