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All Up!
The rowing skiff, crewed by men in red uniforms glides serenely along the Thames. Someone spots a fluffy brown cygnet. The cry is heard "All Up!" and the oars go up out of the water.
The boatmen then go about their ancient task of catching, and counting, the swans.
This annual task has been carried out since the twelfth century - when swans were a delicacy at the royal dinner table.
Back then, all unmarked swans were the property of the Crown - and a few wealthy people were entitled to mark their own swans, for future consumption.
Now just two of the London livery companies- the Vintners and the Dyers have the right to mark swans on the Thames. Nowadays the census is not about menus, but about conservation and education. The Swan Markers weigh and measure each cygnet, and check for good health [those showing signs of illness are taken away to receive treatmet and returned to the river later]
Those belonging to the Livery Companies are ringed, the Queen's swans remain unmarked. Traditionally at least one member of the royal family attends the counting- this year Princess Anne [the Queen herself attended until about ten years ago]
Today is the final day of this year's Upping. You can find out more on the Royal Family Website [click here]
Schools send groups of children to observe, and members of the public are allowed to watch too.
The rowing skiff, crewed by men in red uniforms glides serenely along the Thames. Someone spots a fluffy brown cygnet. The cry is heard "All Up!" and the oars go up out of the water. 
The boatmen then go about their ancient task of catching, and counting, the swans. 
Back then, all unmarked swans were the property of the Crown - and a few wealthy people were entitled to mark their own swans, for future consumption.
Now just two of the London livery companies- the Vintners and the Dyers have the right to mark swans on the Thames. Nowadays the census is not about menus, but about conservation and education. The Swan Markers weigh and measure each cygnet, and check for good health [those showing signs of illness are taken away to receive treatmet and returned to the river later] 
Those belonging to the Livery Companies are ringed, the Queen's swans remain unmarked. Traditionally at least one member of the royal family attends the counting- this year Princess Anne [the Queen herself attended until about ten years ago] 
Today is the final day of this year's Upping. You can find out more on the Royal Family Website [click here] 
Schools send groups of children to observe, and members of the public are allowed to watch too.
How interesting! I am always learning something new from your posts.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know this about Swans!
ReplyDelete