Nostalgia by Michael Eagleton

Swan Upping, originally called Swan Hopping, was initiated in the 12th century when the mute swans on the Thames were given royal status.

The charm and eccentricity of this annual custom on the Thames attracts tourists from all over the world, as well as locals.

It is enacted over five days in the third week of July.

The flotilla usually consists of six ornately decorated skiffs, each flying a standard – two for the Queen, two for the Dyers and two for the Vintners. The Keeper of the King’s or Queen’s Swans was a late medieval-founded office in the Royal Household of the Sovereign of England, later Great Britain. He was earlier called the King’s/Queen’s Swan Master.

The river procession marks and health-checks cygnets from Sunbury-on-Thames up river passing Windsor, through Marlow and on past Henley. The boatmen wear traditional scarlet uniforms and, as they pass Windsor Castle, their loyal toast echoes across the river – “Her Majesty, the Queen, Seigneur of the Swans”.

Here are a few pictorial memories of a former “Keeper of the Queen’s Swans” - a well known and well liked character - Captain John Turk. He held the post from 1963 to 1993 having succeeded his father Frederick Turk who had previously served for 40 years.

The family business was Turk’s Boatyard alongside Cookham Bridge, founded in 1911, and it featured in several paintings by the village’s legendary artist Stanley Spencer.

One is shown on the left above, with kind permission of the Spencer Gallery at Cookham. Other pictures show John and his Swan Uppers passing through Marlow with a nice view of Meakes Boathouses, now replaced by Rivermead Court, and another with the then Mayor of Marlow, Maurice Oram.

In more recent years, with the official title amended to “Marker of the Queen’s Swans”, this prestigious position is now held by David Barber, and when coming through Marlow his crews have often visited the Two Brewers in St. Peter Street for refreshments.

They were joined by the Princess Royal on a recent trip.

Contact Michael on michael@jazzfans.co or 01628 486571