2-378-616 - Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images

Swan upping on the Thames, 20th century. Swan upping is an annual ceremonial census of mute swans on the River Thames that dates from the 12th century. Traditionally the swans were the property of the monarch, for whom they were a source of food, but a Royal Charter issued in the 15th century entitled the Vintners' and Dyers' Companies of the City of London to a share of the ownership. The swans are rounded up, marked and released every year in the third week of July.