Swan Upping

The history of Swan upping - The mute swan appears to have been given Royal status in the 12th century and by 1378 there was a ‘Keeper of the King’s Swan. The first law in 1482/83 ‘The Lawes, Orders and Customs for Swans stated that any swans owned by those who pay less than 5 marks a year Freehold were forefeit to the King. The Dyers and the Vintners Companies are now the only owners of private swans on the Thames. The first documentary reference to the Vintners owning swans comes from 1509, when the Company's “Under-Swanherd“, named James, was paid 4 shillings at the time of the 'great frost' for 'upping the Master's swans', plus a further 4 pence for boat hire at the same time. The Company's right to own swans is generally said to be 'by prescription'. This specific legal expression implies that the right has been exercised for so long that it has never been challenged. In theory, it stretches as far back as 'legal memory' itself, fixed by statute as starting from the accession of Richard I in 1189. So what is Swan Upping? Swan Upping plays an important role in the conservation of the mute swan and involves The Queen’s Swan Warden collecting data, assessing the health of young cygnets and examining them for any injuries. Cygnets are extremely vulnerable at this early stage in their development and Swan Upping affords an opportunity to help both adults and cygnets that might otherwise go untreated. The Royal Swan Uppers, who wear the scarlet uniform of Her Majesty The Queen, travel in traditional rowing skiffs together with Swan Uppers from the Vintners’ and Dyers’ livery companies over 5 days. Swan Upping takes place on the Thames between Sunbury and Abingdon in July. These are the rushes from the day's shoot.