Windsor Events - Things to see and do

Windsor Events - Swan Upping

Every Summer a ceremony that dates from the twelfth century is undertaken on the River Thames which lasts for a week and covers some 70 Miles.

Swan Upping is the annual census of swans that is carried out that claims the ownership of the seasons cygnets for the Queen and two city companies, the Worshipful Company of Vintners and the Worshipful Company of Dyers. Using six Thames rowing skiffs the Queen's Swan Marker and assistants, the Swan Uppers, move along the river from Sunbury-Upon-Thames to Abingdon undertaking what has become an important conservation activity.

As the boats progress they catch each family of swans and check them for weight, size and health and are marked so that their progress though life can be followed.

The origins of Swan Upping can be found in a period when the Swans were bred for the table at the royal court as Swan was considered to be a delicacy.

Today the Swan Marker and the Swan Uppers still travel in traditional uniforms and fly the pennant of their masters from the stern of their boats. When the boats pass Windsor Castle a formal salute is given to the Queen with oars raised and a shout of "Her Majesty The Queen, Seigneur of the Swans".

At the end of swan upping a the Queen's Swan Marker produces his annual report on the state of the swan population on the River Thames.