In the autumn of 1830, following a pleasurable visit from King William IV and Queen Adelaide, the company adopted the name "Royal Circus" and retained this name for the remainder of their existence.

This extended trip included prolonged programmes in New York, Boston and Walnut Street Philadelphia.

It is unclear how long this American tour was intended to last, but it met an abrupt end during their stay in Baltimore on 3 February 1838, when the Front Street Theater burnt down (note- there is some confusion as two "Front Street Theaters" burnt down within 5 weeks of each other: Baltimore on 5 Jan 1838, Buffalo on 3 February 1838).

Either during the American tour or following the fire disaster, Taplin Cooke, had a very large circular tent constructed.

After a few more months in Philadelphia, he returned to Britain in the summer of 1838 with this large tent, which freed up the possible locations for the circus.

He was a versatile acrobat and performer before setting up on his own (hiring Astley's Amphitheatre in London) for eleven years as a circus venue.

His daughter Alice Maud Mary Ann Cooke married the London-based actor George Benjamin Belmore.

However, they were forced to vacate this site around 1882 in order for John B. Howard and Frederick W. P. Wyndham to construct a new building (now the Royal Lyceum Theatre).

[12] Its opening night was on 8 November 1886[4] and he was compered by Harry Dale, a well-known Victorian entertainer and a clown in Cooke's circus.

The non-equestrian acts included "La Belle Sylvia West", dainty vocalist and dancer, "Horton and Onda" Chinese comedians, Lily and Elsie Judge and their performing cockatoos.

[15] The distinctive grave carries a bronze bust and lies in a northern section of the original cemetery.