The Elephant Wash

Samuel Lockhart, born in 1850, was a member of a renowned circus family. His work as England’s first elephant trainer began when he imported three elephants from Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka). Lockhart’s circus, showcasing his elephants’ remarkable skills, was set against the backdrop of the town’s River Leam. 

In their leisure time, the elephants would amble through the streets of Leamington Spa, making their way to the refreshing waters of the river for their daily baths. This ritual initially caused a stir among the worshipers at the nearby church, who were interrupted by the sounds of the elephants playfully splashing and trumpeting. To avoid such disruptions, the elephants’ bathing spot was relocated further downstream.

The legacy of Lockhart and his elephants lives on in Leamington Spa, where there is an elephant mural, a seat depicting Lockhart’s initial three elephants, as well as the ramp that the elephants used to access the river. Located near the Mill Road footbridge, this Elephant Wash ramp is affixed with a plaque, detailing its purpose and history.