This page attempts to explain the significance and meaning behind the Swan With Two Necks Inn Sign. Research is augmented with photographs of pub signs.

Inn Signs

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In the Midlands' region, it would appear that the more common variant of this sign is the Swan With Two Necks rather than nicks. However, in 1810, Sir Joseph Banks, when speaking at a meeting of the Antiquarian Society, claimed that 'nicks' was the origin of the name.

The nicks refer to the scratches made on the beaks of swans to identify ownership. This practice is known as Swan Upping and is a ceremonial occasion on the River Thames where mute swans are rounded up, caught, marked, and then released.

Swan Upping serves an important role in that it acts as a census of the bird population. However, the procedure goes back to the 12th century when swans were considered a luxury food item and served to royalty. As a result, the reigning Monarch had a vested interest in terms of ownership. All unmarked mute swans in open water are traditionally owned by the reigning Monarch.

During the reign of Elizabeth I., and under a Royal Charter, the privilege of swan ownership was granted to both the Vintners' Company and the Dyers' Company, two Livery Companies of the City of London. And so the relationship between the swan and the licensed trade was started. Even today, during Swan Upping, birds caught by the Vintners are marked - though not by two nicks as in the old days, but by ringing both feet. 

Photographed in 1992, this signboard hung outside the Swan With Two Nicks at Worcester. The pub is not next to the River Severn but is only a short distance from the location of a vast number of swans. See also notes for the inn sign of The Swan.
© Copyright. Images supplied by Digital Photographic Images.

Click here for a list of inn signs featured on the website, along with an overview of British pub signs.