Swans at The Bishop’s Palace — clear, step‑by‑step guide

The Bishop’s Palace in Wells has a charming, long‑running tradition of swans living on the moat. Below is a clear explanation of their history, behaviour and breeding cycle, plus practical guidance for visitors and how to watch the swans responsibly.

1. A short history

The tradition goes back to about the 1850s, when a Bishop’s daughter is believed to have taught the swans to pull a rope to ring a bell at the Gatehouse to ask for food. Today there are two swan bells at the Gatehouse — one left and one right — each with a rope the swans can pull.

Recent residents: Grace and Gabriel (a pair of Mute Swans) arrived in May 2019, brought in with help from Swan Rescue South Wales. The previous long‑standing pair were Bryn (cob, male) and Wynn (pen, female), who left in 2018.

2. Who’s who — names and terms

• Mute Swan — the species at the moat (the common white swan in the UK).
• Cob — a male swan.
• Pen — a female swan.
• Cygnets — young swans (baby swans).

3. Annual breeding cycle (typical timing at the Palace)

1. February–March: nest building begins.
2. Late March: eggs are usually laid.
3. Incubation: around 40 days, mostly by the female (Grace in recent years).
4. Hatching: cygnets tend to hatch around the first week of May.
5. Early life lessons: Gabriel teaches the cygnets to ring the Gatehouse bell for food before they leave the moat in winter/spring to start independent life.

4. Swan Cam and watching live

The Palace runs a Swan Cam focused on the nest so people can watch incubation and hatching. Note: the swan cam is currently offline, and will return in 2026 while the resident swans rebuild their nest and prepare for the next clutch.

Short video of feeding/bell ringing (example): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OV1zo5e0Zjg

5. Behaviour highlights

• Ringing the bell: a learned behaviour — adult swans and cygnets have been taught to pull the rope to ring the Gatehouse bell for food.
• Territory & movement: family groups sometimes move off the moat (for example to the Somerset Levels); individuals may roam and have been seen in local market areas.
• Nesting improvements: the pair tends to improve nest building each year and often produce cygnets annually.

6. How visitors should behave (practical safety & welfare tips)

• Do not feed swans bread or human snacks — bread is unhealthy. Use only approved swan/duck food if the Palace provides or permits it.
• Keep a respectful distance from nests and from adults with cygnets — swans can be protective and aggressive if they feel threatened.
• Keep dogs on a short lead and under control near waterfowl.
• Observe quietly and avoid sudden movements; allow adults and cygnets space to move freely.

7. Conservation and rescue

Grace and Gabriel came via Swan Rescue South Wales — an example of how local rescue organisations help relocate and rehabilitate birds. Supporting responsible local wildlife groups helps ensure swans get veterinary care and safe rehoming when necessary.

8. Quick ID tips for Mute Swans

• Large white waterbird with a long S‑shaped neck.
• Orange bill with a black base (the knob above the bill is larger on males/cobs).
• Often seen swimming gracefully, but can walk on land and will sometimes leave the moat.

9. Where to find more

Official Bishop’s Palace swan highlights: https://bishopspalace.org.uk/highlights/swans/ Swan Cam updates are posted by the Palace (Swan Cam will return in 2026).

Summary

The Bishop’s Palace swans are a long‑loved local feature with a unique bell‑ringing tradition. Grace and Gabriel have been the resident pair since 2019; their yearly rhythm of nest building, egg laying (late March), ~40‑day incubation and cygnet hatching in early May gives visitors a reliable seasonal event to watch — either in person or via the Swan Cam when it is active. Always observe responsibly and follow site guidance to protect these iconic birds.