Bear's Adventures with author Martin Watts

Did you know there really was a bear who lived in the York Museum Gardens. In 1831, she was sent to London – travelling there on top of a stagecoach. It all starts with a letter from London Zoo to the Yorkshire Philosophical Society about the bear, it inspired Martin Watts to write his first series of Books about Bear and her adventures. “That letter from 1831 was the starting point. It is such an extraordinary piece of York history that I couldn’t let go - the idea of a bear travelling to London on top of a stagecoach! From there, the story grew into an adventure about Bear, friendship, kindness and standing up to people who think they can have everything for themselves." Martin Watts Come and listen to the enchanting stories of Bear and her friends.

What to expect:

• When: Wednesday 21 October 2026, 3:30pm to 4:30pm
• Where: Fulford Library, York, YO10 4LX
• Cost: free