Battersea's Victorian Day event will give visitors to the centre a chance to learn more about its visionary founder Mary Tealby.

Open day to celebrate founder Mary Tealby

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home will be winding back the clock on Saturday, 3 October to give visitors a glimpse of what the iconic South London rescue centre was like in the 1860s.

Battersea's Victorian Day event will give visitors to the centre a chance to learn more about its visionary founder Mary Tealby, as well as what life would have been like for the the animals arriving at the 'Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs', as it was known 155 years ago.

Mary Tealby was a pioneer of animal welfare and rescue when she set up Battersea, but very little is known about her.  She married in 1829 and set up home in Hull. However, everything changed in 1860 when she divorced and moved to London. It was here that she began to take an interest in the capital's much-abused dogs and found her vocation.

Carly Whyborn, Battersea's head of operations, said: “Battersea wouldn’t be here today was it not for Mary Tealby. It’s incredible to think that one lady’s dedication and passion has gone on to create one of the world’s most loved animal charities. Our event will celebrate Mary, and also the birth of our nation’s obsession with our canine companions.”

The event is open to all from 10.30am until 3.00pm. Victorian characters will give a fascinating insight into life for dogs arriving during the era, and the Home's courtyard will be filled with music, Punch and Judy, traditional children's games, hot chestnuts and pie and mash. There will even be a visit from Queen Victoria herself!

For more information about the event visit http://www.battersea.org.uk

Image (C) Battersea Dogs & Cats Home