The Lost Lockhart

Henry James Lockhart (real name Locker) was an elephant trainer/presenter born to Sam and Hannah Lockhart in 1861 in London. Henry, known mainly as Harry, was the youngest of the Lockhart brothers. His elder brothers, George and Sam worked together as bareback horse riders and tumblers in the circus before a riding accident broke George’s hip and severed the brothers’ working relationship. Sam sought his fortune at the tea plantation in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), but impressed by the locals’ work with elephants decided to embark on a career as an elephant trainer, which brought him back to the world of circus and Music Hall. Having recovered from his injury George followed suite and developed his own elephant act. Both these brothers became very famous in their own time, in Europe, Russia and the USA. A descendent of theirs, James Pinder has argued that jealousy inspired the elder brother, George, to become an elephant trainer and it is implied his desire to match his brother’s celebrity status, which he almost did, drove him to the tragic end that saw him crushed to death by an elephant at Walthamstow goods yard. What is rarely talked about, however, is the life of the last brother who met a tragic and far earlier demise than George.

New Edition of "The Legend of Salt and Sauce"

This post is something of a sequel to one I wrote called "No Absolutes". My first book, "The Legend of Salt and Sauce", has been extensively revised since its first publication. This is very exciting news for me. In the spirit of historical writing the book was never intended to be the final word on Salt and Sauce the elephants, and there incredible lives. It was, after all, only the first time their entire story was put together and first serious attempt was made to separate the fact from the fiction. My intentions have always been to inspire others to do further research, fill in gaps with solid evidence and, above all else, correct my errors. Some historians and writers have done just that and were good enough to send me their findings and annotations. I have gratefully received them and used them to improve my book.

The new version of "The Legend of Salt and Sauce" is now a virtual second edition that should include extensive revisions of the text thanks to Geoff Stevens, extra information from Mark Twitchett and Ned Williams - including a letter from the deathbed of John "Broncho Bill" Swallow's grandson who was able to read the book shortly before he sadly passed away, an index, a completely rewritten appendix on Sam Lockhart - thanks to Robin Stott and additional colour pictures.

Of course, this will mean that the first print run of the book will be more valuable now, so if you haven't purchased a copy now I would advise you do so soon. We have very limited stocks!

Sam Lockhart's Elephant Walk - Video

On 24th May I attended the unveiling of "Elephant Circle" in Leamington Spa and set up a stand to sign the first copies of "The Legend of Salt and Sauce". The event was organized to not only unveiled this newly repaired and re-located sculpture by Nicholas Dimbleby, but also to celebrate Leamington's historical links to elephants. The root of this association starts with Sam Lockhart the circus elephant trainer. Sam features in "The Legend of Salt and Sauce" as he was the brother of fellow elephant trainer George Lockhart who was tragically killed by Sauce in 1904. I also dedicated an appendix in my book to Sam's life. Despite George's elephants having a more celebrated history in the UK, Sam was the more successful of the two brothers, and during the early part of the twentieth century he famously walked his elephants around Leamington Spa. While I attended the unveiling I couldn't resist the opportunity of filming the famous "Elephant Walk", the slipway where Sam walked his elephants down to bathe in the river Leam. Here is the footage we took: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1zKlz4j7sc

The Death of George William Lockhart, Elephant Trainer

One hundred and four years to this very day a terrible accident in the circus world decided three different fates. For one individual it brought an end to an exciting, prosperous and famous life. To another it prompted a new career path that would see him become the "Doyen of Ringmasters", the first circus compare to wear the top hat and "pink" huntsman tails that would be associated with his profession up until the present day. And to two elephants in particular it would mark them in infamy for the remaining five more decades of their lives and make become a part of circus folklore as they passed through the hands of some of the most famous elephant trainers and circus impresarios in history.

On the morning of 24th January 1904 the famous elephant trainer George William Lockhart arrived at Hoe Street Station Walthamstow with his four elephants, "The Cruet", "Salt", "Sauce", "Vinegar" and "Mustard". He had previously been engaged at a venue in Norwich and was now booked at the local "Palace of Varities" for a week. The engagement was not to be. After unloading the elephants the group would stampede down the station goods yard and George William Lockhart, the toast of Victorian Music Hall entertainment and internationally famous elephant trainer, would be dead. The details of his death would be obscured through the constant re-telling of the story and the blame that would be placed on one elephant would often be shifted to another: was it Salt or was it Sauce? A single fact would remain unchanged, George William Lockhart was crushed against some rolling stock when the elephant he was trying to control ran down a narrow channel between stationary vehicles.

George's son, George Claude Lockhart was assisting his father on the day and witnessed the tragedy unfold. Over the next fifty years he would re-tell the story on radio broadcasts, in newspapers and even in his own book "Grey Titan". The information would change, which would add to the folklore that would forever surround the elephants, Salt and Sauce. Meanwhile George Jnr would pursure a career that would see become the world's most famous ringmaster. On the instructions of the great Bertram Mills he presented their famous circus at Olympia wearing a costume that would become the standard uniform of the traditional ringmaster. Lockhart's lengthy career would see him become a celebrity at Belle Vue in Manchester and at Blackpool Tower before his retirement in 1970. He died in 1979.

As for "The Cruet" and the fates of the elephants, Salt and Sauce, their careers too were only just beginning. My book "The Legend of Salt and Sauce" gives the full facts regarding the elephants' career with the Lockharts, including the revelation of who killed George Lockhart, and their long and exciting life afterwards. The book is due out in March. Please check this blog's side bar for ordering information.