Dawlish in Devon, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

The Origin of the Black Swans

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 6, 2025

1. The Origin of the Black Swans Marker

Inscription. Although previously open to some speculation the first recorded evidence that has been found now traces the first pair of black swans on the Brook to being donated by a Mr W.French of 22 Barton Crescent back in the October of 1907 as the local newspapers of the time reported:

"The Chairman announced that Mr W.French had made a gift to the town of a pair of Australian black swans and a pair of Upland geese. He moved a vote of thanks to Mr French for his kindness- carried unanimously." - The Dawlish Gazette

Below is a photo of the very first pair of black swans and was taken in early 1908 by the prolific Chapman and son photographers of Dawlish.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.

Location. 50° 34.83′ N, 3° 28.093′ W. Marker is in Dawlish, England, in Devon. It is on Brunswick Place. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 19 Brunswick Place, Dawlish, England EX7, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South West England.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic

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Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 18 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Landscaping the Lawn (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Heart of Old Dawlish (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Exeter and the Wesleyan Revival (approx. 16.4 kilometers away); St Nicholas Priory (approx. 16.4 kilometers away); Cathedral Yard (approx. 16.4 kilometers away); Catacomb (approx. 16.5 kilometers away); Philip Freeman/Friedman Wartime Firewatcher (approx. 16.7 kilometers away); Alexander Cavalié Mercer (approx. 17.1 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dawlish.

The Black Swans of Dawlish image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 6, 2025

2. The Black Swans of Dawlish

Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 87 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 28, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.