From the 6th to the 19th century, quill pens were the main writing tool. The finer ones were swan, while the more standard ones were goose. A typical pen would only last a week, but could be trimmed with a small knife, called a penknife.
Mrs. Trellis was not available for comment.
Extra: This is the cold wet finish photo from our Lands End - John O'Groats ride (Saturday.) It coincided with a local Games event so we had to jostle and queue to get a quick snap. Never have we been so glad to see a 'signpost'. I'm fourth from the right.
Just in front of me is a rider (in hiviz) who said he was aged over 80. He started earlier than most of the riders, and didn't hang around at the stops, so managed to finish each day with a respectable time. Respect

Many thanks to 60Plus for hosting the communication themed MonoMonday.