The mute swan has been a much prized bird for many years. It appears to have been given Royal status in the 12th century, and thereafter, if a privately owned swan escaped, it became the property of the crown. By 1378 the office of 'Keeper of the King's Swans' was in existence and in a document entitled "The Lawes, Orders and Customs for Swans", dated 1482/3, the first law states that all swans owned by those who pay less than 5 marks a year Freehold were forefeit to the King. To own swans was, therefore, a status symbol and also provided a tasty ceremonial dish until superseded by the turkey early this century. It is recorded that in 1874, Prince Leopold, Queen Victoria's youngest son, sent one to his Oxford tutor, Dr. Ackland, for his family's Christmas dinner.
The swan upping in the days of Elizabeth I had to be completed in one day by the various gamekeepers along the Thames. The right of marking was subject to a fine of one third of one pound (6s. 8d., 33p) paid into the Royal Exchequer. Anyone driving away swans at breeding time, or stealing eggs, was liable to one year's imprisonment plus a fine, at the pleasure of the crown. Any person carrying a swan hook, by which swans might be taken from the river, if not a swan herd nor accompanied by two swan herds was liable to a fine of two thirds of one pound (13s. 4d., 66p).
Lucy, King Richard II was deposed and died in 1400, so it was not him!
Regards.
Neil.
