He was a tabloid sensation in the 1930s well before he died from bites to his head. Who was this British cleric and why was he of interest to the media?

bloomsby

The Rev. Harold Davidson, Rector of Stiffkey (pronounced locally 'Stookey'), Norfolk, devoted much of his ministry (if that's the right word in this case) to 'rescuing' prostitutes, but was caught with his trousers down. Amid much tabloid sensationalism, he was unfrocked and then earned a living as a seaside entertainer, but was badly mauled and bitten by a lion at Skegness in 1938 and died a few days later. See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A192746 and also: http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/stiffkey/stiffkey.htm "Oh, the sheer, shocking shame of it all!" May 07 05, 10:22 PM

gmackematix

Yay, Bloomsby! The vicar has had a short film made of his life by Ken Russell, a piece for french horn and prepared tape by Susie Self named after him and he appears on the pub sign of the Red Lion in Stiffkey. The current incumbent to his position (not all his positions of course) thinks we should be ready to forgive him. http://www.guardian.co.uk/religion/Story/0,2763,605275,00.html May 08 05, 6:24 AM