Swan Upping on the Thames

Coachmakers, family and friends enjoyed a wonderful July day, messing about on the river perfectly organised by Liveryman Simon Gurney.

The event was the annual Swan Upping ceremony dating back to the time of Henry VIII, in which the annual census is taken of the swans and cygnets on the River Thames between London and Oxford.

A flotilla of small rowing boats crewed by expert oarsman wearing ceremonial, colourful dress proceeds up the Thames placing rings on the new cygnets which are owned by the King, the Vintners and Drapers Livery Companies. The reason is not quite known, but it is reputed to involve money and possibly wives? The ceremony takes place over several days, alternating between the Vintners and Dyers. This day was a Dyers’ day where they have the “upping” rights.

Our party of 41 souls, including the Master, Senior Warden, IPM and 13 other Coachmakers and guests, boarded the good ship Hibernia on a wonderful sunny day from Hobbs Boatyard and proceeded down the river to meet the Swan Uppers at Hambledon lock.

Fortified with ample coffee and other plentiful beverages, we watched this wonderful sight. We were very fortunate to have on board John Dwan, not only a King’s Waterman, but a Thames’ tug captain and one of the select watermen who accompanied King Charles III to his coronation.

John explained the history and the process of ringing the cygnets. Nearing the spot where the ‘catch’ was to take place, the wonderful paddle steamer of the Dyers came past to watch the ceremony together with our boat.

After observing a ‘catch’ on the bank at Leander in which the male and female swans and cygnets were corralled so they could be marked, we enjoyed an excellent two-course lunch and more beverages. Travelling upriver to Wargrave, we passed through Marsh lock and then turned around to return to Henley.

It was an excellent day, appreciated by all, where we felt like we had taken part in an historic event.