Rowing Gallery

Henley Regatta

A stylised illustration of a view at Henley Regatta, started in 1839 by a local solicitor and one of the highlights of the summer social calendar being the most famous rowing event of the year (with the exception of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race). The course of the famous regatta begins 300 yards below Temple Island, and ends at Poplar Point, immediately opposite Phyllis Court (a fashionable riverside club). The course of 1 mile 450 yards was watched with enthusiasm by great crowds which line the river banks and enjoy picnics in fine weather. Date: 1927

© Mary Evans Picture Library

The great international university boat race On the river Th

The great international university boat race On the river Thames (England) from Putney to Mortlake 4 miles 2 furlongs August 27th 1869 : Between the picked crews of the Harvard (American) and Oxford (English) universities. Date c1869

© Mary Evans / Library of Congress

1869, 27th, American, August, Boat, England, English, Furlongs, Great, International, Miles, Mortlake, Oxford, Putney, Race, River, Rowing, Thames, Universities, University

Doggetts Coat and Badge Race, River Thames, London

Watermen on duty at the end of Doggett's Coat and Badge Race on the River Thames. They are wearing the livery of the Fishmongers Company. This is believed to be the oldest rowing race in the world, the competitors being a maximum of six apprentice watermen. It has been held every year since 1715, running between London Bridge and Cadogan Pier, Chelsea, passing under a total of eleven bridges en route. The winner's prize is a traditional waterman's red coat with a silver badge, plus a lapel badge. There are also various money prizes given by the Fishmongers Company. Thomas Doggett was an actor and comedian who relied on watermen for transport -- he instigated the race in 1715, and left instructions in his will for it to continue after his death in 1721

© Mary Evans Picture Library