Swan Upping

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This photograph of 1900 shows the annual swan-upping ceremony that takes place in July.  This involves marking the ownership of the cygnets born in May. Since medieval times swans have been regarded as the property of the Monarch, though by the 15th century the Dyers' and Vintners' companies shared the privilege.  

The Turk family of Kingston has traditionally been associated with this ceremony.  They have been boat-builders in Kingston since the 18th century.  They made over 30 boats for Queen Victoria to use on lakes at Windsor, Claremont (in Esher, Surrey) and Buckingham Palace.  Members of the family have traditionally acted as King's or Queen's watermen.  There is a display of half scale model boats made by Turks, in the Museum.

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