Schoolgirl’s appeal to honour legendary circus elephant who worked for Sheffield’s steel industry over 100 years ago

An 11-year-old schoolgirl is appealing for help to honour a legendary circus elephant who worked for Sheffield’s steel industry over 100 years ago.
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Lilly Holmes, from Killamarsh, has been researching the life of ‘Lizzie the legend’ as part of a project set by her mum, Zoe, to give her a break from the constant screen time she was having while learning from home.

The youngster was not allowed to use the internet to get her information and instead was tasked with speaking to her family members over the phone as part of efforts to improve her social and communication skills.

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Lilly Holmes from Killamarsh who has been learning about Lizzie the Elephant and wants to start a fundraiser to have a statue for her in the cityLilly Holmes from Killamarsh who has been learning about Lizzie the Elephant and wants to start a fundraiser to have a statue for her in the city
Lilly Holmes from Killamarsh who has been learning about Lizzie the Elephant and wants to start a fundraiser to have a statue for her in the city
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After speaking with relatives, Lilly discovered some interesting facts about Lizzie who came to Sheffield in 1916, at the height of World War One – and now wants to honour the legendary elephant with a statue to commemorate her work in the city.

Zoe Holmes, Lilly’s mum, said: “She’s really enjoyed it and got right into it. At first I was a little bit apprehensive because at the moment everything is on screens and I thought she wouldn’t be happy.

"But, she’s been so excited to ring everyone and find out what they knew. It’s been really good and she’s not stopped talking about it all week.”

When the city’s horses were sent overseas during World War One, Lizzie was acquired from a menagerie based at the Wicker Arches, owned by William Sedgwick.

Lilly Holmes from Killamarsh is appealing for help and advice to honour Sheffield's Lizzie the Elephant with a statue for her in the cityLilly Holmes from Killamarsh is appealing for help and advice to honour Sheffield's Lizzie the Elephant with a statue for her in the city
Lilly Holmes from Killamarsh is appealing for help and advice to honour Sheffield's Lizzie the Elephant with a statue for her in the city
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Leased to scrap metal merchant Thomas Ward, she was put to work carting machinery, scrap metal and munitions around the city.

Lizzie helped supply Sheffield’s foundries and steel makers with the materials they so desperately needed to power the country’s armed forces.

She became a legend and plodded through the city’s streets before resting in her stable at what is now the Hancock & Lant building on Lady’s Bridge.

Her story even inspired the Sheffield Herd art project in aid of The Children’s Hospital Charity in 2016.

Lizzie the elephant, who worked for scrap merchant Thomas Ward during the First World WarLizzie the elephant, who worked for scrap merchant Thomas Ward during the First World War
Lizzie the elephant, who worked for scrap merchant Thomas Ward during the First World War
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Zoe added: “Lilly thought of having a statue put near where Lizzie was stabled and to have it made from scrap metal to make it appropriate for the work she carried out.”

Lilly is now looking for advice on how to get a statue made for Lizzie and hopes to launch a fundraiser to make this a reality.

If you can help email [email protected].

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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