“The Barge Master and Swan Marker” by Vivien Mallock, 2007
Garlick Hill, City of London
London, January 2008
“The unusual bronze statue is just a short distance from the church of St James, Garlickhythe. It was unveiled on 11 July 2007 and made by Vivien Mallock. The statue shows the figure of the Barge Master and Swan Marker, accompanied by a very realistic figure of a swan. In earlier times it was only the Vintners, the Dyers and the Crown who were permitted to own swans on the River Thames. Each year all three organisations still take part in an ancient tradition known as ‘Swan Upping’. The ceremony extends over several days during July each year and is now conducted on the Thames between Sunbury and Abingdon. In the early part of the 20th century swans found on the Thames in London were also marked. The process then started at Victoria Embankment and the Swan Uppers gradually moved upriver.” (Swan Marker and Swans, Know Your London)
1 comment:
Interesting read in the link but I'll have to search for more information. A barge master I can imagine, a swan marker I can't.
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