Swanning About

As promised, here's some of what you see from those seats under the trees. And a more idiosyncratic London theme you won't find. Because this is a statue of a Bargemaster and Swan Marker of the Vintner's Company, the person responsible for Swan Upping. Which, for people who can't be bothered clicking is the annual census of the swan population (which belong to the Queen) on a stretch of the River Thames. The ceremony of Swan Upping dates from the twelfth century and takes place during the third week of July every year. It has always been the duty of the Sovereign's Swan Marker to count the number of young cygnets each year and ensure that the swan population is maintained.

We're not done with this tiny corner of London yet - still some more secrets.