Does the Queen, or the reigning Monarch, own all swans around the UK?

 

There is some historical substance to this often-repeated 'fact' but you have to go back hundreds of years to when the much-loved swan was considered to be a delicacy and served up at banquets and feasts.

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Back in the 12th century, it was the Monarch who granted valuable ownership rights to noblemen - and these swans were appropriately marked to ensure their ownership could not be disputed.

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All unmarked mute swans were considered to be the property of the reigning Monarch.

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Swans are no longer eaten as they are protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

 

But the annual census - known as swan upping - still takes place every July on the River Thames as an important element of wildlife conservation.

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Find out even more about the annual swan upping at www.royalswan.co.uk.

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Every purchase from River Swan of Avon supports regular donations to the RSPB - see the full range of greeting cards and wall art inspired by the magnificent mute swans that grace the rivers and waterways across the UK at my Etsy shop.

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