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Henry III, ruler of England, received exotic animal gifts from other leaders, including an African elephant, three lions, a camel, and a polar bear. These animals were displayed publicly, but often did not survive due to lack of knowledge of their care. Henry III also built Westminster Abbey.
Henry III received strange gifts from other leaders as ruler of England, most notably an African elephant from Louis IX of France in 1255. The exchange of gifts between world leaders of the time was a common practice and was thought to be a way to impress each other. Henry III received three lions as a gift from Emperor Frederick II in 1235, as well as a camel, and King Haakon of Norway presented Henry III with a polar bear in 1252. These animals were generally held on display for the public to see.
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Henry III was only nine years old when he was officially crowned King of England in 1216; however, he did not reign until 1234.
Animals given as gifts by chiefs did not tend to live long due to lack of knowledge of their care, for example, Henry III’s elephant would die after two years from being given red wine.
During his reign, Henry III was responsible for building Westminster Abbey, the historic church and burial place of many of Britain’s monarchs.
