Remarkable photos capturing life in a 19th century touring circus which twice performed for the Queen have come to light.
The collection of over 150 images tells the story of the circus of the great showman, ‘Lord’ George Sanger who performed for Queen Victoria at Sandringham in 1885 and Balmoral in 1898.
One fascinating photo shows the whole troupe of 30 performers in front of the circus ring with the acrobats forming a three-people-high human pyramid in the background.
Another depicts a man stood on another man’s shoulders who himself is straddling two horses.
There are several images of a menagerie of exotic animals including caged lions and elephants used as part of the act that would surely horrify the RSPCA today.
Remarkable: This photo shows all 30 performers in the troupe – including men, women and children – in front of the circus ring with the acrobats forming a three-people-high human pyramid in the background
There are various other images of acrobatic demonstrations and one of the troupe travelling between sites.
A scantily clad woman strikes a seductive pose in one photo, while a man in drag and a woman lark about in another.
There are several photos of smartly dressed women on horseback and one of three workers stood on a carriage which was ‘patronised by the Queen and the Royal Family’ in light of the circus’ Royal performances.
The album is believed to have once belonged to somebody connected with the circus but has most recently been in the hands of a private collector from Surrey.
Daring: This photo shows Harry and George Austin, whose horse-riding routines earned them the titles of the ‘Greatest Equestrians in the World’
Pictured left: A clown in the troupe known as ‘The Inimitable Albert’ and, right, a scantily clad acrobat strikes a seductive pose
Performance ready: A photo shows members of the troupe, including three female acrobats pose with a horse. The album is believed to have once belonged to somebody connected with the circus
Royal approval: ‘Lord’ George Sanger’s circus posing for a group photograph. The troupe was loved by Queen Victoria who attended performances at Sandringham in 1885 and Balmoral in 1898
Three circus performers pose for a photograph in front of a plush cart. The incredible collection was most recently been in the hands of a private collector from Surrey
The man who started it all: Ring master ‘Lord’ George Sanger poses in a top hat and tails. Tragically, he was later murdered with a hatchet at his home at Park Farm, Finchley, by employee Herbert Charles Cooper, who later committed suicide
It has emerged for auction at Dominic Winter Auctions of Cirencester, Glos, for £1,000.
Sanger was an English showman and circus proprietor who the enterprise with his brother John.
The first show was in February 1854 at the King’s Lynn Charter Fair in Norfolk and tickets were 1p.
His circus visited over 200 towns in a nine month season, giving two shows a day, every day except Sunday.
He retired in 1905, selling off his zoo and circus effects which were auctioned by circus auctioneer Tom Norman.
Tragically, in 1911 he was murdered with a hatchet at his home at Park Farm in Finchley, north London, by employee Herbert Charles Cooper, who then committed suicide.
Spellbinding: Glamorous ‘mid-air performer’ Mademoiselle Yetta poses with a parasol in one of the collection’s incredible photographs
Fascinating: A programme for ‘Lord’ George Sanger’s ‘Great Military Spectacle’ even included scenes from the Indian Mutiney and finished with the Boer War
On the move: An amazing photograph shows the circus travelling to their next location. The troupe’s first show was in February 1854 at the King’s Lynn Charter Fair in Norfolk and tickets were 1p
Chris Albury, of Dominic Winter Auctions, said: ‘The circus always has an intrigue and it is one of those things that draws people in.
‘Most people would have gone to a circus at some point in their lives and have memories of it.
‘It is quite unusual to see so many photos of one particular troupe and we believe this album must have belonged to someone connected to Sanger’s circus at one time.
‘You can see them travelling from site to site with an amazing amount of equipment and with the clowns and acrobatics there are similarities to the circus of today.
‘Unfortunately, Sanger met a gruesome and unexplained end when he was murdered by an employee who then killed himself.’
The auction takes place on October 4.
Witty: ‘Lord’ George Sanger even appeared in Victorian cartoon in which he tells General Booth: ‘You’d better let me manage your next procession, general. As you are a brother-showman, I’ll make the terms easy’
Two slapstick performers – including a man in drag costume – pose for a photograph. It is just one of the photos set to go up for auction on October 4
Wild side: Lions and Elephants were also part of the vast travelling show. The circus visited over 200 towns in a nine month season, giving two shows a day, every day except Sunday
Pictured: An example of some of the spectacular acrobatics in the show. The troupe consisted of a total of 30 performers
Fierce: A brave lion tamer poses in a cage with his wild cats. The animals performed in acts which would surely horrify the RSPCA today
Elegant: The collection features several photos of smartly dressed women on horseback including Mademoiselle Ida Stoodley (pictured), who was described as a ‘graceful and highly accomplished equestrienne’
All together: George Sanger’s circus company poses in front of the circus ring. Chris Albury, of Dominic Winter Auctions, said: ‘The circus always has an intrigue and it is one of those things that draws people in’
Sanger’s circus was pulled by horses, who then went on to act in the show. Carts bear the words: ‘Three times patronized by the Queen and 27 crowned heads’