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Bristol Zoo has always played a big role in entertaining the people of Bristol, and around World War One this was no different.

There were restrictions on people travelling around the country – with stories of visitors from Wales being sent back home after arriving on the train. So, Clifton Zoological Gardens, as it was then known, looked like it was set to have a difficult war period.

However, it was used by the Inquiry Bureau to host days for injured solders who would liaise with the Zoo’s committee. The local organisations, such as major employers and the Red Cross, would organise the events.

These events would include sports on the lawn, tea in the marquee and music by the Zoo’s very own band. The Zoo’s main lawn would host the bandstand and entertain the crowds with music such as Down Peacock Alley and Colonel Bogey.

The events played a substantial role in keeping morale high and even spawned relationships – in some cases something stronger and long lasting – so much so that the bureau thought of changing its name to the matrimonial and inquiry bureau.

Free access to the events attracted 32,000 wounded soldiers over the course of the war.

Historian Sarah-Joy Maddeux relives the events and parties, as the soldiers were allowed to escape from the troubles in the trenches.

Location: Bristol Zoo, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA
Image of soldiers visiting the zoo during the war
Photograph courtesy of Bristol Zoo

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