My wife recently bought me the Norwich Book of Days from the Blickling Hall book shop and here is what it states for November 2nd:
"On this day there was to be seen, at the lower half moon in the city market place, a curious beast taken in the deserts of Arabia, whose name is not found out, and is the admiration of all the quality and gentry that daily resort to see him. A succession of such exhibitions visited the city at this time and in addition to the curious beast there was a most beautiful porcupine, taken in the East-Indies which was said to be curious and surprising in all respects. His head especially the upper lip resembles a hare’s in all parts except his ears which in likeness come somewhat near to swine’s. Such creatures were unknown outside their native habitat and excited much interest, especially when a trumpet was sounded and the porcupine put himself in a posture of defence by turning his tail towards you, he shakes his mane, shivers his quills, points his darts and expands his tail. As if all this was not enough, there was also a tiger from Bengal and other live creatures very curious to behold”.
Keep your eyes peeled the next time you go to Norwich market!!
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