Career
As a young lady, 'Vicky' had established a good reputation within the circus industry before the outbreak of the First World War. As a bareback rider, she worked with a large group of elephants, comprising several magnificent pachyderms: Annie, Betty, Jinny and Tiny. Having gained such an enviable reputation, Sanger Freeman used her gifts and talents in other big tops. For the first two or three years of the Bertram Mills Circus at Olympia, London, which started in 1920, the Sanger family provided the hub of the performances held there. Later, Sanger Freeman became the last surviving member of the Mills troupe. She also provided the backbone of the annual Christmas Circus at the Crystal Palace in South London.
In 1917 she married James Freeman, a trapeze artiste, highwire walker and clown, among other roles. He was considered to be the most versatile of all British circus performers in his heyday and as a clown under the name of 'Pimpo' was one of the country's most popular jesters. Plans of their marriage did not meet family approval and the two had to meet in secret. The wedding, which was carried out at Burstow Church, was also carried out unknown to her family.
The circus show finally ended in 1962, ending a family tradition which had spanned 117 years.
Read more about this topic: Victoria Sanger Freeman
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