Marlow - Swan Upping

Marking time for Swans - July 2013
The Queen's Swan Marker in Marlow Lock
HMQE owns all the mute swans on the River. Every year she gets them checked out in procedure known as Swan Upping. A small flotilla makes its way upstream in five days from Sunbury to Abingdon. The Royal Swan Uppers wear red and they are assisted by the Vintners and Dyers Livery companies. They have to row upstream in skiffs but the rowers, happily, are sustained by copious amounts of alcohol - allegedly.

Going up with the Mayor
Swan Uppers head past Bisham Abbey
'All-Up' then Circling for the catch
Heading for the bank
Cygnet ringing and weighing
On your way now
Swan Wake - no worries mute!

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