Gallery
Nostalgia: When animals performed at the Robert Brothers Circus in Ipswich in 1972
Spinning plates at the Robert Brothers Circus Picture: OWEN HINES - Credit: Owen Hines
Long gone are the days when lion tamers would stick their heads into the mouths of big cats and elephants, monkees and bears would perform tricks in the name of entertainment.
Elephants in the big top visit Ipswich in 1972 Picture: OWEN HINES - Credit: Owen Hines
The spectacle of a travelling circus with animals used to be a common entertainment and the excitment of the big top regularly visited Ipswich with the Billy Smart's and Chipperfield's shows among those to use a site off London Road and Ranelagh Road.
A majestic elephant in the Robert Brothers Circus in 1972 Picture: OWEN HINES - Credit: Owen Hines
Our gallery here comes from 1972 when the Robert Brothers Circus visited and captures some of those beautiful animals joining in alongside clowns, acrobats and jugglers spinning plates to entertain enthralled crowds.
A glance back in time, to 1972 when some of these magnificent animals were used in the circus. Picture: OWEN HINES - Credit: Owen Hines
As well as the elephants and horses performing with acrobats, there was a boxing kangaroo contest - the circus perfomer taking on these powerful animals often came off second best.
Four elephants sat next to each other in the circus ring in Ipswich 1972 Picture: OWEN HINES - Credit: Owen Hines
Do you remember going to see a circus in Ipswich in the 1970s? To share your memories, email imagecurators@archant.co.uk
A kangaroo wears some boxing gloves in the big top in 1972 Picture: OWEN HINES - Credit: Owen Hines
A kangaroo wears some boxing gloves in the big top in 1972 Picture: OWEN HINES - Credit: Owen Hines
A pony and a horse gallop around the circus ring Picture: OWEN HINES - Credit: Owen Hines
Youngsters with their parents watch in ore at the circus entertainment Picture: OWEN HINES - Credit: Owen Hines
A pair of young lads get a better glimpse at the action as they peer over the edge of the ring Picture: OWEN HINES - Credit: Owen Hines
