Swan Upping
Starts: 20 July 2009
Finishes: 24 July 2009
Location
Swan Upping
Contact Name: The Swan Marker's Office
Telephone: 01628 523030
Website: http://www.thamesweb.co.uk/windsor/windsor1999/upping.html
Description
Usually takes place during third week in July commencing at Sunbury and ending in Abingdon.
Combine a stroll along the Thames Path with an annual and unique event that dates from medieval times, when the Crown claimed ownership of all mute swans (an important food source for banquets and feasts).
The Queen only exercises her ownership on certain stretches of the Thames and its tributaries and this is shared with the Vintners' and Dyers' Companies (granted rights of ownership in the fifteenth century). Six traditional Thames rowing skiffs are used in this five day journey; scarlet uniforms are worn by The Queen's Swan Marker and Swan Uppers, and each boat flies their appropriate flags and pennants.
Cost of the event: Free
The observation points and times are as follows (all times given are approximate):
Monday 20th July 2009
Eton Bridge 08.15 - Departure point
Boveney Lock 09.30
Boulters Lock 14.45
Cookham 16.30
Tuesday 21st July 2009
Cookham 15.00 - Departure point
Marlow Lock 17.00
Wednesday 22nd July 2009
Marlow Bridge 09.00 - Departure point
Hurley Lock 10.30
Hambleden Lock 12.00
Henley Town 13.30
Marsh Lock 16.00
Shiplake Lock 17.00
Sonning Bridge 18.00
Thursday 23rd July 2009
Sonning-on-Thames 09.00 - Departure point
Caversham Lock 10.30
Mapledurham Lock 12.30
Goring Lock 17.00
Moulsford 18.00
Friday 24th July 2009
Moulsford 09.00 - Departure point
Benson Lock 10.15
Clifton Hampden Bridge 13.00
Culham Lock 16.15
Abingdon Bridge 17.00