𝐀 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐲'𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐳𝐨𝐨

Marshall and Sons Zoo Gardens, (also known as Ripley Zoo) was founded by local entrepreneur and businessman John Marshall, and opened in 1908. 

 

Closing in 1915, Marshall's Zoo is an important part of own towns history - and Ripley Town Council have been honoured to fund a commemorate plaque which now sits proudly on the site of the original entrance to the zoo on Oxford Street. 

On Saturday 4th July 2026, at 2:00pm, the Mayor of Ripley, Councillor Nigel Weaving was joined by members of John Marshall's family as the plaque was unveiled. 

 

Paying tribute to John Marshall, Councillor Weaving said, "Thank you all for coming and honouring the history of this building. John Marshall was a notable local businessman in Ripley who built workers accommodation, the Hippodrome, had several local businesses and of course built the zoo here. It's fantastic to see many generations of his family here today to honour him". 

After his speech, the great-great grandson of John Marshall, Rob Lane, officially revealed the plaque to the large crowd that had gathered on Oxford Street to a round of thunderous applause. 

 

Mike Frost, from the Ripley & District Heritage Trust (RDHT) then gave a short speech about John Marshall's work and promoted a short film produced by the RDHT. 'John Marshall of Ripley - The Story of a Victorian Entrepreneur' which can be found on YouTube. 

 

Ripley Town Council are thankful to members of the RDHT for their endless research into the history of our town and in particular, contributing to the wording of the plaque unveiled on Saturday. 

 

Little Roosevelt which opened in 2024 has made its home within the grounds of the former zoo and is named after a bear, "Little Teddy Roosevelt" which once called Marshall's Zoo home. We'd like to thank them for keeping our towns history alive and for hosting the official ceremony. 

Valerie Marshall, Granddaughter of John Marshall, who was present at the ceremony said, "I’m thrilled that my grandfather, who brought so much to Ripley, is being acknowledged with this Blue Plaque on the site of Ripley Zoo. He was an incredibly generous man whose unique vision always seemed to have other’s enjoyment in mind. The younger members of the family are also delighted. We all have a great admiration of him." 

 

Ripley Town Council would like to thank everyone involved in this project of in commemorating a significant part of our town’s history, particularly the Marshall family. 

 

Pictured: Mayor of Ripley, Councillor Nigel Weaving making a speech. 

 

Members of the Marshall Family: David Lane. Valerie Marshall, Tim Lane, Margaret Fallows, Rob Lane. 

 

A photograph of the entrance to the famous Marshall's Zoo on Oxford Street, Ripley.