Divided back, unused postcard. Publisher:  Dawkes & Partridge, 29 High Street, Wells. Number 25.

Price:  $2.00

A Dawkes & Partridge postcard with the description:

“Swans Ringing The Bell. The picturesque Moat which surrounds Bishop’s Palace, at Wells, is noted for its beautiful Swans. A unique and interesting habit of these Swans is to ring, when hungry, for food; a bell being placed beneath the window from which the food is thrown. The Swans were first taught to ring the bell by Miss Eden, daughter of Lord Auekland, Bishop of Bath & Wells, A. D. 1854 – 69.”

The swan tradition has continued till the present day, though a recent article from the BBC dated October 24, 2018 reported that the resident swan and her brood has re-located.

Source:  “Bell-ringing swan Wynn leaves The Bishop’s Palace.” https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-somerset-45967935 (accessed November 11, 2018).