Hannah Twynnoy

Malmesbury - History

Hannah Twynnoy, a maid working at the White Lion Inn during the early 18^th century, is most famous for her unusual death. When a travelling circus came to visit in the town, it brought with it a tiger, a rare attraction at the time. Hannah reputedly teased the tiger, despite warnings from its keeper, and it eventually broke free from its shackles and killed her.

Her grave can be seen in the Abbey grounds, and has been recently restored so that the famous inscription can be easily read.

Sources:-

http://www.athelstanmuseum.org.uk/people_hannah_twynnoy.html (last accessed 11/07/2011).

Vernon, Charles & Malmesbury Civic Trust., An Historical Guide to Malmesbury (Malmesbury Civic Trust, Chippenham: May, 2005).

Image: http://www.athelstanmuseum.org.uk/people_hannah_twynnoy.html