Did Anyone Own the TARDIS Before the Doctor?

The TARDIS, or Time and Relative Dimension in Space, is a central element in the Doctor Who universe. However, the question of who owned the TARDIS before the Doctor has puzzled fans for years. This article delves into the history of the TARDIS, exploring its origins and the individuals who may have owned it before the Doctor's tenure.

The Time Lords and the TARDIS

Within the Doctor Who lore, the Time Lords play a crucial role in the ownership and operation of the TARDIS. The show often portrays the Doctor and the Time Lords as having a complex relationship, with the Doctor frequently running afoul of his former allies. One of the most notable instances in this regard is the Doctor's theft of a TARDIS from a repair shop.

In an episode that explains the broken camouflage circuit, the series sheds light on the Doctor's actions. According to the show, the Doctor and his first companion, Susan, stole a TARDIS without permission. While this might seem morally questionable, it's important to note that the Doctor was mentally eroded and had his memory erased by the Time Lords, making his actions somewhat understandable within the context of the story.

Previous Owners and the TARDIS's History

The Time Lords themselves have also owned TARDISes in the past. In the Gallifrey Chronicles, the audio drama B.F. Collision Course, there is a reference to a Time Lord named Marnal, who is one of the several previous owners of the Doctor's TARDIS. This suggests a long and complex history of TARDIS possession by various Time Lords.

The Doctor's Claim to the TARDIS

The Doctor often declares ownership of the TARDIS, but the details of their claim are often vague. In the episode Name of the Doctor, it is shown that the TARDIS was in a repair yard, indicating that it was a construction or repair project. This implies that the TARDIS was built in a way that allowed it to end up "broken," making it ideal for the Doctor's needs.

Another interesting theory suggests that the Doctor stole the TARDIS from a museum after the museum's doors were unlocked by a bored Time Lord who allowed the Doctor to take the TARDIS. This scenario highlights the ambiguous ownership rights within the Time Lord hierarchy.

Conclusion

The ownership of the TARDIS is a fascinating aspect of the Doctor Who universe. The Doctor claims to have built or borrowed the TARDIS, and various episodes and audio dramas point to previous owners such as the Time Lord Marnal. The true ownership remains a mystery, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the series.

For fans of Doctor Who, understanding the TARDIS's history is key to appreciating the show's rich narrative and the complexity of the Time Lords' relationship with their most impressive invention.