Charles Hengler

Frederick Charles Hengler (c. 1820 – 28 September 1887) was an English circus proprietor. From 1857 he established permanent circuses in several cities.

Life Background Frederick Charles Hengler was born c. 1820 into a circus family. Hengler's paternal grandfather, Michael Hengler (died 1802), was a rider and performer in Hanover, and moved to England. His grandmother was Sarah Hengler, known professionally as Madame Hengler, a leading fireworks pyrotechnist at Vauxhall and Ranelagh Pleasure Gardens, Astley’s Circus and many high profile outdoor public entertainments. Their son Henry Michael Hengler (1784–1861) was a circus performer who married Jane Pilsworth on 9 January 1808 in Dublin. The couple had eleven children, including Edward Henry, John Milton, and Frederick Charles. Henry was well-known as a tight-rope dancer at Vauxhall Gardens; in 1807 he was at the Olympic Theatre, and afterwards was engaged for several years by Andrew Ducrow. After leaving Ducrow, he joined Price and Powell's circus. Henry taught the circus business to his three sons. The London circus was rebuilt in 1884;

Hengler established a reputation for providing good entertainment. He himself never attempted any character parts, but was a great horse-tamer, and frequently exhibited his trained animals. He died suddenly at his home, Cambridge House, Fitzjohn's Avenue, Hampstead, on 28 September 1887, and was buried at West Hampstead Cemetery. He left a personalty of £60,000.

Family He married in 1846 Mary Ann Frances Sprake. After Hengler's death the circuses were managed by their two younger sons, Frederich Charles and Albert Henry. They installed "sinking rings", which were filled with water for aquatic displays. A daughter, Jenny Louise, obtained a wide reputation as an accomplished equestrian performer.