Blast from the past: Did you know Sidmouth used to have a zoo!

Local history enthusiast Kevin Avery has shared his first weekly 'blast from the past' column.

I start this new venture of Sidmouth history to discuss Knowle Cottage and a zoo that we had in Sidmouth.

In 1821 Thomas Leversidge Fish purchased Knowle Cottage.

Now Mr Fish was a very eccentric individual but once he had made several alterations to his home he opened the grounds and house as a 'show home'.

The house and grounds were open to the public from the 3rd Monday in July (and not before ) and then every Monday until the 2nd Monday in October, for just two hours between 2pm and 4pm.

Mr Fish used to watch the visitors without their knowledge to see them enjoy his house and private zoo.

In a guide written about the house and grounds from 1837 is the following summarised (in relation to the animals): "The grounds of approximately 10 acres have the appearance of a Gentlemans' Park...

"There are some rare foreign animals: kangaroos, buffaloes, alpacas - 3 in number, one bred in the park (ali pacas it states in the book), a gazelle, several varieties of deer, 2 black swans , 2 emus (emew in the book), Botany Bay ostriches, 2 macaws, demoiselle bird, pheasants, parrots, cockatoos, parakeets (paroquettes in the book) and many other foreign and small birds in the aviary and cages."

Another source claimed there were 50 parrots and 6 kangaroos ad well as South American camel (alpaca) and buffalo.

Thomas Leversidge Fish died in 1861 - his house and belongings were bequeathed and sold on including his marvellous collection of animals for the time.

The house went on to become a hotel later in its life and council offices but recently sold for retirement properties and another piece of Sidmouth History lost forever.

Don't forget to keep an eye out for next week's column.

If you have a hobby and fancy writing a regular column with Nub News email [email protected]