Digbert the Ostrich

Meet Digbert the Ostrich (April 2011)

Digbert the ostrich has arrived in Sherborne, just in time for this year’s ostrich hunting season.

Digbert comes with exceptional credentials. His lineage can be traced back to the most noble of ostrich ancestors and it is said that his sudden appearance in Sherborne is linked to his investigation into a possible family connection with the Digby ostrich, resident in Sherborne for nearly 400 years, and indeed this might explain the first part of his name.

More mysteriously, the latter part of Digbert’s name is said to be tied to one of Sherborne’s royal connections, that of King Ethelbert, King of Wessex from 860AD to 865AD, entombed in Sherborne Abbey. Brother to King Alfred, it is well known that there was a family inclination to burning cakes, a well-known ostrich delicacy at the time.

During his stay in Sherborne, Digbert is being accommodated at the house of local print maker and etcher, Miranda Halsby, who is responsible for his appearance. “I’m hoping he will enjoy his visit and that he might even settle down here if his family connections are verified. I’m sure he’ll be encouraged by the fact that ostriches have been an intrinsic part of Sherborne for hundreds of years.” (April 2011)

Ostrich-hunting season opens in Sherborne

Sherborne has had a close connection with ostriches for nearly 400 years, ever since the Digby family moved into town in 1617 and took up residence at the local castle, previously occupied and remodelled by Sir Walter Raleigh.

Sightings of ostriches soon began to appear, first at the castle and then in the town.

As the family began to enlarge the castle, the impressive bird took up prime position over the entrance. At first, it did not wander far but by the 19^th century it was roosting amongst the roof-tops of the town.

Today, it is not quite known how many ostriches can be seen in the Sherborne area – the main habitat is at Sherborne Castle but it is sometimes seen at Minterne House, from the garden, and who knows how many are in the town itself.

The main sightings take place from the beginning of April to the end of October when the castle is opened for visitors. Everyone is encouraged to hunt for ostrich sightings during this time. The local tourist office would love to know if there are any new discoveries during the season.

The connection between the Digby family and the ostrich was first recorded in 1350 but probably goes back much further than this. It is said that in the Roman wars in northern Africa in 100BC, local warriors rode on ostriches and outflanked the Roman cavalry. Indeed, the Digby ostrich carries a horseshoe in its mouth.

When you visit Sherborne, be on the alert. See how many ostriches you can see. (April 2011)