The tradition of swans ringing a bell for treats at the Bishop’s Palace began with a bishop’s daughter in the 1850s. The story is related through oral tradition and on the Bishop’s Palace website.
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The bell is not always out. If they left it out all the time, the humans would not get any rest from the insatiable swans. The current mated couple, Grace and Gabriel, have been teaching their cygnets how to ring for treats since their rescue in 2019.
Moira Anderson has been working at the Bishop’s Palace for over 13 years. They call her the “Swan Whisperer.” Her official job title is Administrator and HR Operations Officer. She visits and talks with the swans daily, offering her knowledge by speaking about them to local groups and palace visitors. Moira taught Gabriel to ring the bell in five days. He has now taken over the instructional duties. You can listen to an interview with the Swan Whisperer on “A Bird’s Eye View” podcast.
A Swan Cam allows viewers to watch Grace on her nest. Watch from the laying of the eggs, through the rearing of the baby swans. The Bishop’s Palace also has a YouTube channel, where they post numerous videos of the swans ringing the bell. You can see the cygnets learning in this video.
The Bishop’s Palace, a relic of medieval architecture surrounded by a moat, has held mute swans in residence since the 1850s. In addition to watching the swans, guests may visit 14 acres of majestic gardens, a Bishop’s Chapel, and a ruined Banquet Hall. Events are hosted at the facility year-round.
Learn more about the history of the bell-ringing swans of the Bishop’s Palace on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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