In 1257, an elephant that once lived in the Tower menagerie passed away and was initially interred near a chapel. The following year, the remains were exhumed and sent to Westminster Abbey, raising questions about the purpose behind this move. The act of transporting an elephant's bones to such a significant site suggests a desire to repurpose them, perhaps for religious or ceremonial use.

The author, Hilary Mantel, speculates humorously about the intentions behind wanting elephant remains at Westminster Abbey. The idea of converting animal bones into relics, akin to those of saints, reflects a historical context where even the remains of a creature were regarded as potentially sacred or valuable. This intriguing notion invites readers to consider the interplay between reverence and the peculiarities of historical practices.