Press Photo Swan Uping

Swan Uping - Picturesscue Ceremony that has now change for 400 years; The traditional old ceremony of Swang Upping is taking place on the Tames between Putney and Henley. Two thirds of the 600 to 700 swans on the Thames belong to Queen and are unmarked. The others are shared equally between the Dyers and the Vintners Companies, The Companies have an ownership of the swans with the Sovereign for about 300 years the honor being granted by King Edward IV. Both Gacianias have wharfs of their own on the Thames and it may have been a desire for friendship which prompted the King to make the lift to these out of all the many city companies, The Swan masters and their assistant marked the journey up the river in be-flagged akiffa the caramen wearing the traditional striped jersies and capa. Traditional markings still used are a small nick under the right side of the bill for the Dyers birds and two nicks on either side for the Vintners. The boats containing the Swan Uppers in their traditional striped jersies are towed along the river until they reach the baunts of the swans where the caramed take over.

Photo measures 8 x 10.25 inches.

Photo is dated --0000.

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