For Centuries the Swans Here Have Been Ringing the Bell

Swans in England are seen as a symbol of the royal family and as such all non-marked, mute swans on the Thames River or in open waters belong to the British monarch. In an era when a goose was enough to feed a huge family, one can imagine the appeal of an even bigger bird on the table. But, swans in the UK are not for roasting. The long, graceful necks and creamy white feathers on swans have made them a symbol of elegance. At the historic site of The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells, Somerset, the swans there have followed a tradition that spans centuries and is taught to every new generation of birds.

A pair will mate for life unless one of them dies or the nest fails, as they form strong bonds with a single mate. As you might imagine this makes them a strong family unit with their cygnets, teaching the new offspring the same traditions year after year.

The palace features a mote and the swans naturally love to swim there. But, from an open window they were once fed by ringing a bell with a string attached. Grab the string, ring the bell, get some food. It’s a custom that is thought to date back to the 1850s and since these are mute birds they would not be able to beg for food as other birds might.

The tradition is believed to have been started when the daughter of a bishop taught the swans to ring a bell under the window of the gatehouse. The property is the traditional residence of the bishop of Bath and Wells (Church of England) and has been since the 1200s.

The palace has since then added a second bell across from the original one so that the swans can get even more treats on demand. According to the palace the swans are fed swan food, a product most of us have have probably never come across before! The birds come and go to the site, but each one that has learned the trick can ring the bell for some free food when they return. However, though there is only one mated pair at the palace each year since they are very territorial birds.

The person who feeds the swans holds the title of Swan Whisperer and has has even been followed by swans who’ve grown attached to the “food lady”.

You can see the swans in action in the video below.