This morning The Queen’s Swan Marker and  Swan Uppers of the Vintners’ and Dyers’ Livery Companies left Eton Bridge, rowing upstream in traditional Thames rowing skiffs as they conducted the annual swan census.

queens swan marker

 

The tradition of the swan census dating back to the 1200s is these days used to assess the health of swans and young cygnets on the river.

swans morning

swan uppers prepare Swan Uppers at Eton

 

flotilla of boats on the thames

swan uppers preparingSwan Uppers boats on the Thames

 

Swan Upping 2013