Researchers have uncovered the earliest UK evidence of a tortoise kept as a family pet. Richard Thomas, an archaeologist at the University of Leicester, discovered a bone belonging to a late-19th-century tortoise at Stafford Castle among the skeletons of cats and dogs. He believes it was kept as a pet by the castle's caretakers. "Although we have archaeological evidence for terrapins and turtles from the 17th century, this is the first we have for land tortoises in Britain," he said.
Register to continue
Why register?
- Registration is free and only takes a moment
- Once registered, you can read 3 articles a month
- Sign up for our newsletter
Subscribe
Or subscribe for unlimited access to:
- Unlimited access to news, views, insights & reviews
- Digital editions
- Digital access to THE’s university and college rankings analysis
Already registered or a current subscriber? Login