England is host to a number of the summer season's most venerable sporting traditions, from the Henley Royal Regatta, to Wimbledon, to the Royal Ascot. But one tradition has them all beat by at least 600 years: Swan Upping.
This annual census dates from the 12th century, when the crown lay claim to all unmarked swans in open water (a privilege it now shares, by royal charter, with two companies called the Vintners' and Dyers'), as they were considered a noble delicacy at the time.
Her Majesty's web site describes the ceremony thus:
In the Swan Upping ceremony, The Queen's Swan Marker and the Swan Uppers of the Vinters' and Dyers' livery companies use six traditional Thames rowing skiffs in their five-day journey up-river.
The officials wear traditional scarlet uniforms and each boat flies appropriate flags and pennants.
Photo courtesy of nick777's Flickr stream
When a brood of cygnets is sighted, a cry of "All up!" is given to signal that the boats should get into position. On passing Windsor Castle, the rowers stand to attention in their boat with oars raised and salute "Her Majesty The Queen, Seigneur of the Swans".
Photo courtesy of nick777's Flickr stream
The cygnets are weighed and measured to obtain estimates of growth rates and the birds are examined for any sign of injury...
Photo courtesy of nick777's Flickr stream
At the completion of Swan Upping each year, The Queen's Swan Marker produces a report which provides data on the number of swans accounted for, including broods and cygnets...
Apart from Swan Upping, The Queen's Swan Marker has other duties. He advises organisations throughout the country on swan welfare and incidents involving swans such as vandalism.
In short, don't mess with the Queen's birds, or you will have this man to reckon with.
Did you know that there is one exception to the rule that only the Queen is allowed to eat swan? My old college in Cambridge, St Johns , also has the right but no-one else in the UK does!
Posted by: Amelia | July 15, 2007 at 05:27 AM