Longleat 50th Anniversary

A blast from the past - here at Longleat, we're taking a trip down memory lane to celebrate our safari park's 50th anniversary.

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Longleat

an old newspaper clipping with the words council protest against lord bath's lions

In September 1965, the opening of Longleat Safari Park was not without objections. In September, a Frome planning committee complained about the potential noise of lions roaring, and raised fears about what will happen during thunderstorms or if one of the lions escaped. Later, many would write in support of the project, including a former Ugandan Game warden and the University of South California.

Lord Bath announced his plans to house lions and hippos on his estate on 14th February 1965. He hoped to have 50 lions in a 100 acre enclosure which paying visitors could drive through!

an old letter from the royal district council of warminster and westerry

By December 1964 Lord Bath had already been making enquiries about opening a Safari Park and on the 29th December sent an application to the Warminster and Westbury Rural District Council for planning permission 'for erection of a mesh wire fence to restrict movement of certain animals'.

a piece of paper with the words bring on the lions written in black and white

In November 1964 the 6th Marquess began discussions for the ambitious plan of opening the first Drive Through Safari outside of Africa here at Longleat!