Marlow Swan Upping 2025: Royal Swan Marker annual tradition

The event was attended by Marlow Mayor, Cllr Muryel Boulay and school children who were invited to The Compleat Angler to learn about the history and purpose of Swan Upping from the Swan Uppers and Royal Swan Marker David Barber.

The Swan Uppers also travelled to Cookham as part of their Thames census and conservation work.

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Cllr Boulay expressed her delight in participating in the event, describing it as “an honour to be involved in such a centuries-old tradition.”

Swan Upping in Marlow (Image: Jon Perry / Marlow Town Council) The Royal Swan Marker and the Swan Uppers travel the River Thames in traditional skiffs, dressed in ceremonial uniforms, carrying out an important role in conserving the mute swan population.

As they identify whether the swans belong to the King, or to the Vintners’ or Dyers’ livery companies, the cygnets (young swans) are carefully counted, weighed, and given health checks.

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The wellbeing of adult swans is also monitored, and valuable data is collected to support ongoing conservation efforts.

Injured birds are identified and treated by members of Swan Support who accompany the Swan Uppers on the river. 

Swan Support is a voluntary organisation based in Bray that cares for swans and reacts to reports of swans in distress.