Stone circus caves dating from the 19th century have been uncovered on a Kent funfair site.

The Victorian animal cages have been uncovered at the back of Dreamland amusement park in Margate.

They were built by showman and circus owner 'Lord’ George Sanger in the 1880s, when he owned the site as the Hall By The Sea and housed lions, tigers and bears as part of its zoo.

Forming part of the rear boundary wall, backing on to the railway line, the cages were rediscovered when workmen began clearing trees and undergrowth in that area of the amusement park.

It’s thought to be nearly 20 years since the cages were last visible.

They have now been granted a six-month temporary listing while Thanet Council works to get a full preservation order on them.

Thanet Council’s heritage adviser Nick Dermott said: "We believe the cages to be very rare. According to the Bartlett Society, which records the history of zoos in this country, they are the only ones of their kind remaining."

If you think you can help unearth the early history of the old cages, please email the Thanet Extra newsroom at thanetextra@thekmgroup.co.uk or phone 01843 222777.

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