Swan Upping (3rd Week in July) - Information, Events, Annual Events

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Swan Upping (3rd Week in July)

Swan Upping is the annual census of the swan population on certain stretches of the River Thames. It is organised by The Queen's Swan Marker who has the responsibility of looking after The Queen's swans all year round. The Crown has the right to ownership of all unmarked mute swans in open water, but The Queen exercises her ownership only on certain stretches of the River Thames and its surrounding tributaries.

This ownership is shared with the Vintners' and Dyers' Livery Companies, which were both granted rights of ownership by the Crown in the fifteenth century. The Queen's Swan Marker and Swan Uppers, accompanied by the Swan Uppers of the Vintners' and Dyers' Livery Companies use six traditional Thames rowing skiffs in their five-day journey upstream.

Each boat flies the appropriate flags and pennants: The Queen's boats have a white flag depicting the royal crown and the royal cypher. The first person to see a swan brood shouts 'all up' - the traditional call warning all the boats to get into position to catch the swans - hence the name Swan Upping.

The Queen's Swan Marker produces a report at the completion of Swan Upping each year, which provides data on the number of swans accounted for.

The Thames from Blackfriars to Abingdon.
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