Mike the Cat, Guardian of the British Museum

Mike the cat guarded the Main Gate at the British Museum from Feb 1909 to Jan 1929. He looks like a tough little customer, doesn't he? When he died his obituary written by Assistant Keeper Hiley of the Department of Printed Books of the Museum, was featured in both the London Evening Standard and Time magazine:

Old Mike, Farewell! We all regret you, Although you would not let us pet you; Of cats, the wisest oldest best cat, This be your motto,—Requiescat!

In 1979, to mark the Golden Jubilee of his death, a pamphlet with illustrations was produced.

Read more about Mike here.