The One-Humped Camel in the United Kingdom: Monuments, Memorials and Municipalities

The one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) has never been numerous in the United Kingdom and in British law is classed as a dangerous wild animal for which a licence is needed by the keeper. It is now illegal to use camels for entertainment, for example in circuses. There have been, nonetheless, both one humped and two humped (Camelus bactrianus) camels in Britain since the early 12^th century, 900 years ago. Camels have seen service in the British military and in transport of trade goods for British trading companies from their areas of origin and have been recognised as making considerable economic contributions to Britain in these roles. In recognition of this there are several monuments and memorials to the animal around the country. Camel is also a word used in British geography for some British towns and villages and as names for geographic features such as rivers and hills. This paper provides a repertoire of such monuments, memorials and place names.