The Swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040's. The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish banquets. St Peter's monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution. Some of the ruins are still visible around St Nicholas' Church in the village. Since that time the Swannery has been under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates.
"Swan feathers played an incalculable role in England's cultural development. It was from them hardened in hot sand, that quill pens were cut.
"Swan feathers played an incalculable role in England's cultural development. It was from them hardened in hot sand, that quill pens were cut.
The swannery is a great place to visit and although it rained on and off while we were there, we still enjoyed it. Here are a couple of my photos, there are more in my new album - Visit to Lulworth.
Looking out across the Fleet.
Me, looking a bit like a fat gnome! Notice how cold and wet is was.
True beauty.
The swans are really beautiful. The best time to visit is in the spring when they are caring for their babies. The babies we saw are all more or less full grown but still have their grey feathers. Abbotsbury is the largest swannery in the world.
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