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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Shropshire => Topic started by: alveleyhistorian on Tuesday 09 December 08 08:35 GMT (UK)

Title: lady of the lions ?? Born Alveley
Post by: alveleyhistorian on Tuesday 09 December 08 08:35 GMT (UK)

Hi there,
This is a bit of a long shot, but any help would be much appreciated
Bertha Richards was born Alveley abt 1904 daughter of Herbert Richards
By the 1930's / 1940's she had changed her name to -
Sonya Allen " Lady of the Lions" at Chipperfields Circus.
She may have been married to someone named Tommy ? and had a daughter named Elizabeth.
Ring any bells with any one ? :) :) :) :)
Any help much appreciated

Title: Re: lady of the lions ?? Born Alveley
Post by: s.g.d. on Tuesday 09 December 08 19:21 GMT (UK)

have you seen this?

http://www.nfa.dept.shef.ac.uk/history/shows/giles.html

pictures 2 and 7 should be of some interest.

s.g.d.

Title: Re: lady of the lions ?? Born Alveley
Post by: JStockley on Wednesday 07 April 21 19:00 BST (UK)

Here is a picture of her standing in front of my Grandfather's show.
He (Richard Chipperfield 1875/1959) is stood behind her

Title: Re: lady of the lions ?? Born Alveley
Post by: JStockley on Wednesday 07 April 21 19:10 BST (UK)

There is a good article here . . . .
https://www.hungerfordvirtualmuseum.co.uk/index.php/14-people/628-lady-of-lions

Title: Re: lady of the lions ?? Born Alveley lived in HUNGERFORD
Post by: alveleyhistorian on Saturday 07 May 22 09:03 BST (UK)

Continuing the story…yes it’s been a while ..
Sonya and Tommy Allen settle in Bath Road, Hungerford ..they never married but had a daughter Betty who also performed in the act.
In the early 1960s Tommy is injured when he falls off a circus truck ??
Tommy died 14 February 1962
Sonya Bertha Allen died in 1986
I have so far been unable to find where they are buried, so if anyone lives in the area or has a database for Hungerford, I would be most grateful.