Event 36

Sophy Roberts – A Training School for Elephants

Whilst on a family holiday in Ireland, travel writer Sophy Roberts stumbled across the long-forgotten story of an 1879 expedition when four Asian elephants were shipped from India to the East African coast and marched inland towards Congo. This ill-conceived idea of King Leopold II of Belgium was a cruel, misguided venture and part of his bid to plunder and exploit Africa’s rich resources. Following in the footsteps of the elephants, and uncovering memories and stories in the margins, she reveals an extraordinary — and enduring — story of colonial greed, ineptitude, hypocrisy and folly.

an illustrated talk

Priority booking – Become a Friend – Contact TIC Bridport to book tickets – 01308 424901