Somersham.info

It seems that the lucky swan has been a protected bird in England from time immemorial as this example from the end of the 13th century shows. Although the River Rowey (where the swans in this report were to be found) no longer exists, there are clues in maps produced as recently as the 19th century, as to where it used to run. It sprang from the side of the East face of the hillside at Warboys, ran across Pidley Fen and joined the old course of the Great Ouse somewhere near to Chatteris Ferry.

Mandate to the Dean of St Ives.

We learn that William the rector of Thrapston is complaining of the iniquity of several "sons" whose person and name it is said, are not known, who not content with their own property, their eyes wickedly covet another's, stealing swans from the River Rowey in the Parish of Somersham in the custody of Alan de Grindale.

In this way as it is said, they manage to get hold of the the birds from the same river which they have secretly stolen, then crept away, carrying them off and eating them.

At the petition of he who has suffered this loss, we entrust to you and firmly charge you and others stubbornly and solemnly with our full and complicit authority, to warn on three successive Sundays or feast days in the churches of Somersham and Warboys and such others nearby as shall seem expedient, that if it has been neglected to give satisfaction to the said William for his loss at the end of fifteen days; you and others shall fine, imprison or excommunicate those who refuse to be freed from their error.