Stephen Mangan plays Governatore the horse
For thousands of years, the fastest way to get around London wasn't car, train or bicycle, but on horseback. Horses have been seen on the city streets for as long as there's been a city here, and some of the most famous of them make a guest appearance in Beasts of London.
Comedian and actor Stephen Mangan voices Governatore, favourite horse of King Henry VIII. Governatore was a gift to the Tudor king from Francesco Gonzaga, Marquis of Mantua, a famous breeder of horses. After seeing Governatore perform, Henry declared that this was “the best horse” and patted the horse's neck, murmuring “So-ho, so-ho, my minion.”
Henry rode Governatore when he was hunting, in processions, and in the splendid and dangerous jousts at tournaments. But not all of London's horses got to live such a glamorous life. Most were hard at work, pulling carriages, transporting coal, or carrying soldiers.