the swan pit norwich autumn

navigate by keyword : norfolk norwich united kingdom england riverside complex swan pit water filled enclosure swans fattened eventually killed human consumption great hospital medieval period ponds source income acceptable gifts selected wild cygnets wings clipped bills cut distinctive pattern bearing owner mark found grounds grade listed tidal pool built 18th century fed autumn

The Swan Pit, Norwich in Autumn Royalty Free Stock Photo

A swan pit is a water-filled enclosure where swans were fattened and eventually killed for human consumption. The swan pit at the Great Hospital, Norwich during the medieval period swans were kept in ponds and were a source of income and made acceptable gifts. Selected wild cygnets had their wings clipped and bills cut into a distinctive pattern bearing the owner's mark. An example of a swan pit can be found within the grounds of the Great Hospital, Norwich. The Grade II listed tidal pool was built in the 18th century and is fed with water from the adjacent River Wensum.