There was great excitement at The Bishop's Palace and Gardens in Wells as this year's cygnets hatched on the nest of the Palace's much-loved swans, Grace and Gabriel. 

The nest, located beside the moat and right outside the offices of The Palace Trust (the charity that manages the site), has been carefully watched over in recent weeks. The moment of hatching was confirmed by Moira Anderson, known locally as the Palace's "Swan Whisperer." 

Swans have graced the Palace moat since the 1850s. A Bishop's daughter is thought to have first trained them to ring a bell at the Gatehouse for food – a charming tradition that continues today. Visitors can still see two swan bells by the Gatehouse windows, with ropes for the swans to tug. 

Grace and Gabriel, both Mute Swans, arrived at the Palace in 2019 thanks to Swan Rescue South Wales. Grace has laid seven eggs this year, all of which have now hatched and are happily exploring the moat.

For those keen to follow the action, the 24-hour Swan Cam offers live footage of the nest, available on the Palace website at bishopspalace.org.uk/highlights/swans. Updates will also be posted on social media and the website as the cygnet count increases.

The Palace and Gardens are open daily and make the perfect spring visit for families, wildlife lovers and heritage fans alike.