Swans and Flowers

The only swannery in the world, the Abbotsbury Swannery, is located in Dorset, England.  Occupying about 25 acres, it is the nesting sanctuary of about 600 Mute Swans. The swans are free to come and go.

The swannery was established by the Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040s.  The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish banquets.  The monastery was destroyed in 1539 but the swans continued…

The swannery was established by the Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040s.  The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish banquets.  The monastery was destroyed in 1539 but the swans continued to return.  The sanctuary is now under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates, a holder of large properties in the area.

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Visitors can help feed them at noon and 4 pm daily.

Visitors can help feed them at noon and 4 pm daily.

Len must know that I owned an herb store in Scottsdale at one point in my life!  Many of my herbs were used to support good health.

Len must know that I owned an herb store in Scottsdale at one point in my life!  Many of my herbs were used to support good health.

The Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is located right next to the Swannery.

The Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is located right next to the Swannery.

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Thanks Len!!