Phoenix and Chimera at Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle, England ~ February 17, 2010

Designs of phoenix and chimera adorn this bold leaded glass window in an upper hallway of Warwick Castle.

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Pit Bears from Old England

Warwick, England ~ February 17, 2010

Warwick Castle

Bears used in the miserable "sport" of bear baiting can be seen in at least two locations at Warwick Castle. This post shows another of the bear depictions at Warwick and describes the bear-related activities at the castle. For more animals at Warwick castle, click on Warwick Castle in the keywords below. Unfortunately, when I ended this blog and then started it again, the Google search failed to pick up on earlier posts, so the keyword link is the best option. In spite of the sport's cruelty, this lovely ornate piece of carving resulted and can be seen in the castle's great hall. The date carved into the back of it is 1515.

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Inlaid Ivory Bird

Warwick, England ~ February 17, 2010

Warwick Castle

This beautiful old table top on the dark side of the library was covered with inlaid ivory plants and birds.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stags by the Moat

Warwick, England ~ February 17, 2010
Warwick Castle Moat

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White Bear at Warwick Castle

Warwick, England ~ February 17, 2010
Warwick Castle

This modern-day placard is part of the interactive display of what life was like in the Middle Ages at Warwick Castle. I don't know the history of this image, but it clearly depicts a bear used for the brutal blood sport of bear-baiting. One of the towers at Warwick Castle is named Bear Tower, and some authorities believe that bears were kept in that tower. Warwick Castle is one of the places in England where bear-baiting continued until a fairly late date. The sport was very popular among all levels of society, including kings and queens, and seems to have created great mirth in the observers. This cruel activity typically pitted bears against dogs, although there are descriptions of bears being allowed to chase other animals and even people. Both bear- and bull-baiting were finally outlawed by the English Parliament in 1835.

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Ravens in Leaded Glass

Warwick, England ~ February 17, 2010
Warwick Castle

The hallway along one side of the castle above the Great Hall had windows of leaded glass. It's surprising how many places you can find animals if you have your radar on.

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Red Head

Warwick, England ~ February 17, 2010

Warwick Castle

A dog's head carved on the arm of a chair in the great hall of Warwick Castle.

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Peacock and White Poinsettia

Warwick, England ~ February 17, 2010
Warwick Castle

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.