Apr 23, 2023·edited Apr 23, 2023Liked by weird medieval guys
Having a childhood in Kent I ran into many swans and was also told they were the property of the Crown, a funny myth I never thought to question lol. Although I personally wouldn't avoid a swan because of any law, but because swans often take the law into their own hands
Sure, but their pinion feathers are utterly, absolutely the best for writing! And, no, I’m not crazy enough to pluck them off the bird. Those aren’t anywhere as good as the ones you pick up after the swans have molted.
Yeah, the British have a checkered history with birds.
For some bizarre reason, their first method to temporarily blind a hunting bird was to sew its eyelids shut with silk sutures. This was known as seeling. The hood came a bit later on, and was an invention taken from the Arabs.
My gods, I really hope that fact is a fallacy. Someone PLEASE show me that I'm incorrect!
I'm in the US, so I won't face the wrath of the King for admitting that I once got in a fist fight with a swan while kayaking. I didn't really come out on top.
When I was at university, it seemed to be generally accepted that the only people in the UK who were allowed to eat swans, other than the Royal Family - and, I guess, the two companies which were allowed to own swans - were the fellows of my college (St John's College, Cambridge). Do you know whether there is any truth to that?
Having a childhood in Kent I ran into many swans and was also told they were the property of the Crown, a funny myth I never thought to question lol. Although I personally wouldn't avoid a swan because of any law, but because swans often take the law into their own hands
Absolutely, they're terrifying creatures! I'm not envious of the people who have to pluck them all out of the water once a year....
Sure, but their pinion feathers are utterly, absolutely the best for writing! And, no, I’m not crazy enough to pluck them off the bird. Those aren’t anywhere as good as the ones you pick up after the swans have molted.
Never upset a swan!
> I ran into many swans and was also told they were the property of the Crown, a funny myth I never thought to question lol.
What myth? This article headlines that it's a myth and then spends quite a few words explaining at length that it's completely true.
I know what you mean, Samuel.
"Swan marks" sound super brutal to the swan. Fascinating history.
Yes, birds have nerve endings in their beaks I believe. I'm sure it was not a good experience for them!
Yeah, the British have a checkered history with birds.
For some bizarre reason, their first method to temporarily blind a hunting bird was to sew its eyelids shut with silk sutures. This was known as seeling. The hood came a bit later on, and was an invention taken from the Arabs.
My gods, I really hope that fact is a fallacy. Someone PLEASE show me that I'm incorrect!
I'm in the US, so I won't face the wrath of the King for admitting that I once got in a fist fight with a swan while kayaking. I didn't really come out on top.
Fascinating information and a great read!
When I was at university, it seemed to be generally accepted that the only people in the UK who were allowed to eat swans, other than the Royal Family - and, I guess, the two companies which were allowed to own swans - were the fellows of my college (St John's College, Cambridge). Do you know whether there is any truth to that?
ha awesome!