Steam Launch Streatley taking spectators out on the River Thames to watch the annual ceremony of Swan Upping.

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Steam Launch Streatley taking passengers out on the River Thames for the annual ceremony of Swan Upping. Streatley, built in 1905, is one of two steam vessels operated by the Thames Steam Packet Boat Company, the other being Nuneham, built in 1898. Swan Upping is carried out in the third week of July each year. It dates back to the fifteenth century when the City Livery Companies of Dyers and Vintners were each granted an equal share of wild swans on the Thames along with the reigning monarch. Before this, from the twelfth century the monarch had claim to all swans, which were eaten at Royal banquets.

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Size: 3888px × 2414px
Location: Windsor
Photo credit: © Cameron Bleach / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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