THE RISE OF MODERN OARSMANSHIP.
[Illustration: HENLEY COURSE (BETWEEN RACES).]
GENERAL.
Written records of rowing performances in the last century are but
scarce. In 1715 Mr. Doggett, comedian, founded a race which has survived
to the present day--to wit, 'Doggett's coat and badge' (of freedom of
the river). 'Watermen' have to serve as 'apprentices' for seven years,
during which time they may not ply for hire on their own account, but
only on behalf of their masters. When they have served their time they
can become 'free' of the river, on payment of certain fees to the
Corporation.
In order to encourage good oarsmanship, prizes which paid the fees for
freedom, and bestowed a 'coat and badge' of merit, have often been given
by patrons of aquatics. Doggett's prize is the oldest of its class, and
of all established races. The contest used to be from London Bridge to
Chelsea against the ebb--a severe test of stamina; and formerly six
only of the many applicants for competition were allowed to row, being
selected by lot. The race is now reformed. It is managed by the
Fishmongers' Company. The course is changed, so far that it is now rowed
on the flood. This makes it fairer; on the ebb, it is hard to pass a
leader who hugs the shore in the slack tide. 'Trial heats' are now
rowed, to weed off competitors till the old standard number of six only
are left in. Authentic records of the race exist since 1791.
Mr. Brickwood, who has taken much pains to look up old accounts, informs
us in his 'Boat Racing' that the Westminster 'water ledger,' dating June
1813, is the earliest authentic record of Thames aquatics of this
century. We venture to give the result of Mr. Brickwood's researches in
his own words:--
This book commences in the year 1813 with a single list of the
six-oared boat 'Fly,' viz., Messrs. H. Parry, E. O. Cleaver, E.
Parry, W. Markham, W. F. de Ros, G. Randolph. The 'Fly'
continued to be the only boat of this school down to 1816
inclusive, in which latter year it 'beat the Temple six-oared
boat (Mr. Church stroke), in a race from Johnson's dock to
Westminster Bridge, by half a boat; the latter men having been
beat before;' to which is added a note that the Temple boat
'requested the K. S. to row this short distance, having been
completely beat by them in a longer row the same evening.' In
1817 there was a six-oar built for Westminster, called the
'Defiance,' and 'sheepskin seats were introduced.' In 1818, the
'Westminster were challenged by the Etonians,' and a six-oared
crew was in course of preparation for the race, but the contest
was prohibited. In 1819 an eight-oar called the 'Victory' was
launched, but the six-oar 'Defiance' appears to have been the
representative crew of the school, for there is a note that in
the spring of 1821 'the boat improved considerably and beat the
"Eagle" in a short pull from Battersea to Putney Bridge.' In
1823 a new six-oared cutter was built, and the name of 'Queen
Bess' given in honour of the illustrious foundress. In 1823 this
boat was started from the Horseferry at half past five in the
morning, and reached Chertsey bridge by three o'clock. On their
way back they dined at Walton, and again reached the Horseferry
by a quarter before nine. The crew of the eight-oar 'Victory' in
the same year 'distinguished themselves in the Temple race and
several others.' A new eight called the 'Challenge' was launched
in 1824, and the record says this boat did beat every boat that
it came alongside of, as also did the 'Victory.' And again in
April 13, 1825, this boat ('Challenge') started from the
Horseferry at four minutes past three in the morning, reached
Sunbury to breakfast at half past seven, and having taken
luncheon at the London Stairs, just above Staines, went through
Windsor bridge by two o'clock in the afternoon. After having
seen Eton, the crew returned to Staines to dinner, and
ultimately arrived at the Horseferry, having performed this
distance in twenty-one hours. The locks detained them full three
hours, and, including all stoppages, they were detained seven
hours. A waterman of the name of Ellis steered the boat in this
excursion, and both steered and conducted himself remarkably
well.
Such are some of the early Westminster School annals, as collated by Mr.
Brickwood. One cannot help feeling that if these long journeys were
samples of the school aquatics, it is not to be wondered that parents
and guardians of old days imbibed prejudices against rowing, and
considered it injurious both to health and to study.
In the following decade there seem to have been plenty of aquatics
current. The 'Bell's Life' files of those days teem with aquatic notes.
One day we read (dated May 26, 1834) a self-exculpatory letter from Dr.
Williamson, head-master of Westminster School, explaining why he did not
approve of his scholars rowing a match against Eton, and complaining of
the 'intemperance and excesses which such matches lead to.'
On July 3, says 'Bell' of July 6 in that year, a match was rowed between
a randan (Campbell, Moulton, and Godfrey) and a four-oar (Harris, Eld,
Butcher, and Dodd, Cole cox.)--from Putney to Westminster. The randan
were favourites, and led; but Moulton fainted, and the four won. The
race was for a purse of 70_l._--50_l._ for winners and 20_l._ for
losers. In the same paper, Williams challenges Campbell to a
match--apparently for the incipient title of Champion of the Thames.
Williams wishes Campbell to stake 40_l._ to 30_l._, because he is six
years the younger. Compare the modesty of these stakes with those for
which modern champion, and some less important matches, are rowed!
[Illustration: METHOD OF STARTING THE COLLEGE EIGHTS PRIOR TO
1825--OXFORD.]
'Lyons House' seems to have been a sort of resort for amateurs. Cole,
who steered the waterman's four (_supra_) _v._ the randan, is described
as the waterman of those rooms.
On July 8, same year, a Mr. Kemp, of the 3rd Dragoon Guards, matches
himself for a large stake to 'row his own boat' from Hampton Court to
Westminster and back in nine hours. Time is favourite, but Mr. Kemp wins
by 27 minutes, having met the tide for several miles of his voyage. Such
are a few samples of the current style of aquatic sports between 1830
and 1840.
The 'Wingfield Sculls' were founded in 1830, given by the donor, whose
name they bear, to be held as a challenge prize by the best sculler of
the day from Westminster to Putney, against all comers, on the '4th of
August for ever'--so a silver plate in the lid of the old box which
holds the silver sculls bears testimony. Since its foundation the prize
has been more than once placed on a different footing. Parliaments of
old champions and competitors for the prize have been summoned, and the
original donor gave assent to the changes of course and _regime_. Lists
of winners and competitors from year to year, with notes as to the
course rowed, will be found in 'Tables' later on. The race has from its
earliest years been described by amateurs as equivalent of 'amateur
championship.' A panoply of silver plates has grown up in and around the
box which holds the trophy, and on these plates is recorded the name of
each winner from year to year. About a quarter of a century ago a
'champion badge' was instituted. It consists of a small edition of the
Diamond Sculls (Henley) challenge prize; as to shape, it is a pair of
silver sculls crossed with an enamel wreath and mounted on a ribbon like
a 'decoration' or 'order.' There is a 'clasp' for the year of winning. A
second win only adds a fresh clasp with date, but no second badge. The
secretary of the 'order' is Mr. E. D. Brickwood, himself winner of the
title in 1861.
UNIVERSITY TRAINING.
Eight-oars had been manned at Eton before they found their way to
Oxford. At Cambridge they appeared still later. At both Universities a
plurality of eight-oars clubs had existed for some seasons before the
first University match--1829.
In 1881, at the time when the 'Jubilee' dinner of University boat-racing
was held, the writer took the opportunity of the presence in London of
the Rev. T. Staniforth, the stroke of the first winning University
eight, to inquire from him his recollections of college boat-racing in
his undergraduate days.
Fortunately for posterity, Mr. Staniforth had kept a diary during his
Oxford career, and it had noted many a fact connected with aquatics. He
kindly undertook to bring to London at his next visit his diaries of
Oxford days. He met the writer, searched his diaries, and out of them
recorded history which was taken down from his lips, and reduced to the
following article, which appeared in 'Land and Water' of December 17,
1881.[4] It is now reproduced verbatim, by leave. The writer regrets to
say that, from various causes, he has been unable to pursue his
researches beyond the dates when Mr. Staniforth's diaries cease to
record Oxford aquatics.
[4] See Appendix.
There must be many an old oarsman still alive who can recall historical
facts between 1830 and 1836, and it is hoped that such memories may be
reduced to writing for the benefit of posterity, and for the honour of
the oarsmen of those years, before _tempus edax rerum_ makes it too
late.
The writer considers that he will do better thus to reproduce verbatim
his own former contribution to 'Land and Water' than to paraphrase it.
The more so because much of the text of it is actually the [hepea
pterhoenta] of the old Oxford stroke, taken down as uttered from his
lips to the writer, and read over again to him for emendation or other
alteration, before the interview in question was concluded. It may be
added that Mr. Staniforth kindly showed to the writer the actual text of
the diaries referred to, from which he refreshed his memory and recorded
the appended history.
As to the intermediate history between 1830 and 1837, in which year the
Brasenose boating record opens (two seasons before an O.U.B.C. was
founded), Christ Church started head in 1837; therefore, apparently,
they finished head in 1836.
[Illustration: OXFORD BOAT IN 1829.]
Mr. Brickwood, in his book on 'Boat Racing,' has collected some history
of these years, but unfortunately he does not record the source, so that
what might be a tree of knowledge for inquirers to pluck more from seems
to be sealed against our curiosity. We have, however, to thank him for
the following information, which we reproduce (page 157 of 'Boat
Racing'):--
1833.--Queen's College is chronicled as head of the river at
Oxford this being the only record between 1825 and 1834. Christ
Church, it is true, was said to have kept that position for many
years, but the precise number is not given. However, there seems
no doubt that Christ Church was head in 1834, 1835, and 1836,
after which the official record commences.
Mr. Brickwood, moreover, seems to have gleaned from some independent
source sundry valuable details of early Oxford races. He tells us that
'the first known races were those of the college eights in 1815, when
Brasenose was the head boat, and their chief and perhaps their only
opponent was Jesus.' He speaks of four-oared races in the next ensuing
years, and of a match between Mr. de Ros' four and a pair manned by a
B.N.C. man and a waterman--won by the pair. Then comes some information
as to the years 1822, 1824, and 1825, which exactly tallies with Mr.
Staniforth's journals, save that Mr. Brickwood ascribes the
discontinuance of the races in 1823 directly to the recorded quarrel
between B.N.C. and Jesus; whereas Mr. Staniforth attributes it to the
untimely death of Musgrave (_supra_).
The first University race took place in 1829, over the course from
Hambledon Lock to Henley. Mr. Staniforth states that till the Oxford
went to practise over the course, no one thought of steering an eight
through the Berks channel, past 'regatta' island. However, the Oxonians
'timed' the two straits, and decided to select the Berks one, if they
got the chance. They took that channel in the race and won easily. A
foul occurred in the first essay at starting, and the boats were
restarted. This pair of pioneer University crews produced men of more
than usual celebrity in after life: two embryo bishops, three deans, one
prebendary, and divers others hereafter
In hamlet and hall
As well known to all
As the vane of the old church spire.
The full list of the crews engaged in this and in all other contests in
which Universities were represented, will be found in 'Tables' towards
the end of this volume. At this time there was no O.U.B.C., nor did such
an organisation exist until 1839, when a 'meeting of strokes' of the
various colleges was convened, and a generally representative club was
founded. At Cambridge a U.B.C. had existed since 1827. In that year the
system of college eights seems to have been instituted, according to the
testimony of Dr. Merivale, still Dean of Ely, and a member of the
C.U.B.C. crew of 1829. Trinity were head of the river on that occasion,
and there seems to have been also a Westminster club, of an independent
nature in Trinity. The records of college racing at Cambridge seem to be
unbroken since their institution; whereas those of Oxford were for many
years unofficial and without central organisation, and consequently
without official record, until 1839. The Brasenose Club record dates
from 1837.
[Illustration: BUMPING RACES (OLD STYLE).]
The next occasion in which a University eight figured was in a match
which somehow seems to have slipped out of public memory, though it
occurred several years later than the first match between the
Universities. The writer was talking to old George West, the well-known
Oxford waterman, in 1882, at the L.R.C. boat-house, while waiting for
the practice of the U.B.C. crews of that year. Casually old George
remarked, 'I steered a University eight once, sir.' The writer looked
incredulous. 'Yes, against Leander--Leander won,' quoth George. The
writer had known West since his school days, and had heard him
recapitulate his aquatic memories times out of mind, but never till
that hour had he heard any allusion to this Leander match. Only the year
before, the 'Jubilee' dinner of old Blues had taken place, and all who
had ever been known to have represented their University in a match or
regatta were asked to join in the celebration. At that date not one of
the executive had any inkling of this match, although one of the Oxford
crew, the present Bishop of Norwich, could certainly have been found at
an hour's notice. Letters from old oarsmen, who had not actually rowed
for the flag (often because there was no match during their career),
used to pour in while the jubilee feast was in preparation, asking for
admittance to it. None of this Oxford crew seem to have put in any
claim. A slight, though an unintentional one, was thus perpetrated upon
all of them, whether alive or dead, by the omission to record them as
old Blues on that occasion. When the writer compiled the history of 'Old
Blues and their Battles,' which Mr. G. T. Treherne incorporated in his
book of 'Record of the University Boat Race,' and which was published
soon after the jubilee, neither of these gentlemen was aware of this
race. No speaker at the banquet seemed to remember or allude to it. Yet,
on referring to old files of 'Bell's Life,' record of this match is to
be found. Since it was recorded in that journal, it seems to have been
unnoticed in any print till now. Better late than never; the performers
in it are now officially brought to light, and their names will be found
in the tables of University oarsmen and their opponents, later on.
This match was for 200_l._ a side. Leander would row on no other terms,
and insisted on having their own waterman to steer them, as they did in
their later matches against Cambridge. This was the only Oxford
University eight ever steered by a professional. Only one of the 1829
crew seems to have remained to do duty in this race. The Pelham referred
to is now Bishop of Norwich. He used, before this, to row in the Christ
Church eight behind Staniforth. The Waterford is the former marquis of
that ilk, who lost his life later on through a fall when hunting. _En
passant_, it may be mentioned that Bishop Selwyn (of C.U.B.C. crew
1829) and Pelham of Oxford 1834, each begat sons who rowed for their
respective Universities: Selwyn, junr. 1864 and 1866; Pelham, junr. 1877
and 1878. The latter oarsman unfortunately lost his life in the Alps
very shortly afterwards. J. R. Selwyn has succeeded his late father as a
colonial bishop. Inasmuch as we here record, for the first time for two
generations, a lost chapter of University Boat Racing, we think it will
be of interest to append the account given, in 'Bell's Life' of that
day, of this forgotten match.
EIGHT-OARED MATCH--LONDON AND THE OXFORD AMATEURS FOR L200.[5]
[5] _Bell's Life_, Sunday, June 26, 1831.
This interesting match was decided on Saturday week at Henley
Reach. The Trinity boat, built by Archer of Lambeth, proved
successful on a former occasion when opposed to the Oxonians,
was, we understand, again selected by them in the first
instance, but they ultimately decided on rowing in a boat built
by Searle, which they considered had been unjustly denounced 'a
rank bad un,' simply on the score of the Cambridge gentlemen and
the Westminster Scholars having lost their matches in her--the
former against Oxford, and the latter against the Etonians.
The gentlemen of Oxford selected a large but peculiarly light
eight belonging to Mr. Davis of Oxford. On Friday the London
gentlemen left town for Henley, and took up their quarters at
the Red Lion. Noulton of Lambeth was selected to steer them.
Although Oxford were favourites on the match being first
concocted, it was with difficulty that a bet could be made on
the Londoners on the last two days, and then only at 6 to 4
against Oxford.
At about 6.30 the contending parties arrived in their cutters
near the lock, to row from thence against the stream to Henley
Bridge, which is reckoned two and a quarter miles.
The names of the respective parties and their stations in the
cutters were as follows:
_London_--Bishop (stroke), Captain Shaw, J. Bayford, Lewis,
Cannon, Weedon, Revell, Hornemann.
_Oxford_--Copplestone (stroke), Lloyd, Barnes, Pelham, Peard,
Marsh, Marquis of Waterford, Carter. The latter was steered, we
believe, by a boy belonging to the lock.
Mr. Hume and Mr. Bayford were appointed umpires on part of the
London gentlemen, and Mr. Lloyd and another gentleman on the
side of Oxford.
The Oxford gentlemen won the toss and took the inside station.
The umpires having a second time asked if all was ready,
receiving an answer in the affirmative, gave the signal. In less
than a dozen seconds the London gentlemen almost astounded their
opponents by going about a boat's length in advance, so rapid
were their strokes when compared with those of Oxford. The
Oxford gentlemen soon recovered. Before half the distance had
been rowed London were two lengths in advance. The Oxonians,
finding they were losing ground, made a desperate effort and
succeeded in coming within a painter's length. On nearing the
goal the exertions of each party were increasing. One London
gentleman (Captain Shaw) seemed so much exhausted, that it was
feared he would not hold out the remaining distance. Noulton,
seeing this and fearing the consequence, observing the Oxford
gentlemen fast approaching them, said that 'if the Londoners did
not give it her it would be all up with them.' They did give it
her, and the consequence was they became victorious by about two
boats' lengths. The distance was rowed in 11-1/4 minutes.
The exertions at the conclusion of the contest became lamentably
apparent. Captain Shaw nearly fainted and had to be carried
ashore; Mr. Bayford was obliged to retire to bed instantly; so
was also one of the Oxford gentlemen. The others were more or
less exhausted.
The London gentlemen rowed to town on Tuesday, and were greeted
on their way with cheering and cannon. On arriving at Searle's a
_feu-de-joie_ was fired.
_Note._--Of the various performers in this Oxford crew, the following
notices of the after career of some may be of interest. Messrs.
Copplestone and Pelham rose to adorn the episcopate. Mr. Peard became
known to fame as 'Garibaldi's Englishman,' and played an important part
in the cause of the liberation of Italy.
There had been a second University match in 1836, this time from
Westminster to Putney (see Tables). No official record exists of this.
It is said that 'light blue' was on this occasion first adopted by
Cambridge. Certainly in 1829 the Cantab crew wore _pink_, while Oxford
sported blue. The late Mr. R. M. Phillips, of Christ's, used to tell the
writer that he it was who fortuitously founded light blue on this
occasion. He was on the raft at Searle's when the Cantab crew were
preparing to start (either for the race or for a day's practice) the
race so far as recollection of Mr. Phillips' narrative serves the
writer. One of the crew said, 'We have no colours.' Mr. Phillips ran off
to buy some ribbon in Stangate. An old Etonian accompanied him, and
suggested 'Eton ribbon for luck.' It was bought, it came in first, and
was adhered to in later years by Cambridge.
[Illustration: A COLLEGE PAIR.]
In 1837 the head college crews of the two Universities rowed a match at
Henley. The Brasenose book says, Christ Church were head, but took off
because their Dean objected to their rowing at Henley; the effect of
their 'taking off' was to leave Queen's College, on whom the
representation of the college crews would devolve, with the titular
headship.
The B.N.C. book says, the Queen's crew went, 'as was usual,' to row the
head boat of Cambridge, and beat them easily. The latter statement is
correct. Mr. Brickwood in his treatise demurs to the accuracy of the
B.N.C. allegation that such matches were 'usual,' and research qualifies
his scepticism. The B.N.C. hon. sec. of that day seems to have been
drawing somewhat upon his imagination. He had probably heard of these
various Leander and other matches at Henley in other years; hence his
inference.
1837.
_Henley. College match._
QUEEN'S. | LADY MARGARET (St. John's).
1. Lee, Stanlake. | 1. Shadwell, Alfred H.
2. Glazbrook, Robert. | 2. Colquhoun, Patrick.
3. Welsh, Jos. | 3. Wood, H. O.
4. Robinson, John. | 4. Antrobus, Edmund.
5. Meyrick, Jos. | 5. Budd, R. H.
6. Todd, Jos. | 6. Fane, W. D.
7. Eversley, John. | 7. Fletcher, Ralph.
Penny, Chas. J. (stroke). | Hurt, Robert (stroke).
Berkeley, Geo. T. (cox.). | Jackson, Curtis (cox.).
The names of the Queen's and St. John's crews are here given, instead of
recording them in the lists of University oars, for this was not
strictly a University race, though in those days it had almost as much
prestige as one.
In 1839 the third University match was rowed, and Henley Regatta was
founded. At the Universities, about this date, various prizes were
established, all of which gave a stimulus to oarsmanship.
Pair-oar races were established at Oxford in 1839. They were rowed with
coxswains until 1847. At Cambridge similar pairs were founded in 1844,
and were rowed from the first without coxswains. The obsolete rudder of
the Oxford pairs is now held by the coxswain of the head eight. The
Colquhoun Sculls had been founded at Cambridge in 1837. 'University
Sculls' were instituted at Oxford in 1841. Four-oar races, each crew to
be from one college, were founded at Oxford in 1840, and at Cambridge in
1849. Thus, by the latter year, each U.B.C. had its set of contests for
all classes of craft--eights, fours, pairs, and sculls. Lists of the
winners of these various honours from year to year will be found
elsewhere in this volume.
[Illustration: TOWING GUARD BOATS UP HENLEY REACH.]
Aquatics may be said to have reached full swing with the completion of
these institutions at the Universities. Matches between the Universities
were propounded annually by one or other club from 1839, but time and
place could not always be agreed upon, nor could 'dons' be always
persuaded to allow men to row in such races. There was many a hitch in
old days, from one cause or another. Since 1850 the U.B.C.'s have
annually met each other in some shape or other at Henley, or in a match;
since, and including, 1856 matches over the Putney course have been
annual. Since 1859 neither University has put on at any regatta.
Various causes tended to stimulate rowing, e.g. regattas and also
professional racing, which is dealt with separately under the head of
'Professionals.' A perusal of the tables of records of Henley and other
regattas will also show how competitions gradually increased in number,
and also in the fields which they produced.
REGATTAS.
The institution of Henley Regatta in 1839 was the outcome of the various
eight-oared matches which have been rowed on that part of the river
during the ten years preceding. The regatta began with one prize only,
the Grand Challenge Cup, a trophy which is unique for classical design,
and which is to this day the 'blue ribbon' for amateur clubs. The
gradual growth of Henley may be traced by perusal of a leading article
contributed by the writer of this chapter to the 'Field,' in the July of
1886, on the eve of the greatest change which the regatta has undergone,
that of alteration of the course. The article is now reproduced,[6]
through the courtesy of the proprietors of that journal.
[6] See Appendix.
The new course, as compared with the old one, will best be understood by
reference to the map of the reach, which appears elsewhere. The change
has had only two trials, those of 1886 and 1887, but it may be said that
so far rowing clubs which frequent Henley are unanimous in approving of
the alteration; and so are all retired oarsmen, whose personal
experience of the regatta was under the old _regime_.
[Illustration: STARTING THE EIGHTS--OLD COURSE, HENLEY.]
The old course was very one-sided. In the middle third of a mile--on a
stormy day--with a stiff wind from W. or S.W., the shelter of the Bucks
bushes--especially before house-boats and steam launches multiplied and
monopolised the frontage of the Bucks and Oxon shores--used to reverse
entirely the advantage otherwise pertaining to the Berks stations. On
such a day the Berks station placed most boats hopelessly out of the
race, unless they could keep within a length of the Bucks boat till the
'point' was reached--in which case the poplar corner made a pretty
counterpoise to the advantage of Bucks shelter, and caused some
interesting finishes. Under the new _regime_ not more than two boats can
row in one heat; and as the course is now staked out, and neither
competitor can hug the bank, the difference between windward and leeward
stations, even when hereafter a gale shall blow, will no longer be so
glaring as of old.
[Illustration: PAIR-OAR.]
The Universities no longer compete at Henley. In these days of keelless
boats more practice is needed, in order to do justice to the craft, than
when heavier and steadier craft were used. It is found to be impossible
to collect all the eight best men of either U.B.C. twice in one year.
Examination and other causes reduce the ranks more or less; and, as the
annual Putney match between the Universities is considered by them to be
of more importance than any other contest, they devote their best
energies to that, and leave minor sections of either U.B.C. to fight
Henley battles. It is found that a good college eight, or a club crew of
which some one college forms a nucleus, can be got together better, in
the limited time available for practice for the regatta, than eight
better men who probably cannot find time to practise all together for
more than a week, and who will further, for the same reason, be short of
condition.
Till 1856, it was the custom for the U.B.C.'s, if they could not agree
as to time and place for a match, to assent to meet each other in the
Grand Challenge; and such meetings ranked practically as University
matches. Records of these _rencontres_ of the U.B.C.'s will be found in
tables at the end of this volume, together with a history of Henley past
and future.
The 'Seven-oar episode' of 1843 was not a University match or meeting.
The O.U.B.C. were entered at Henley; Cambridge were represented by the
'Cambridge Rooms;' but the C.U.B.C. was not officially represented by
that crew. Just before the final heat, the Oxford stroke fainted, and
the Cambridge reasonably objected to the introduction of a substitute.
The Oxonians then decided to row with seven oars. They had a wind abeam,
favouring the side which was manned by only three oars. They eventually
won by a length, or thereabouts.
In 1843 the Thames Regatta was started, and greatly supplemented the
attractions of Henley. The mistake of this regatta was the rule which
made challenge prizes the permanent property of any crew which could win
them thrice in succession. By this means the Gold Cup for eights, the
_piece de resistance_ of the regatta, passed in 1848 to the possession
of the 'Thames' Club. The regatta lingered on one year longer, shorn of
its chief glory, and then died out.
Records of the winners of the chief prizes at it, amateurs as well as
professionals, will be found in 'Tables.'
In 1854 a new Thames regatta, called the 'National,' was founded. It was
supported by the 'Thames Subscription Club,' and died with that club in
1866. In the last year of its existence it introduced amateur prizes as
well as the usual bonuses for professionals. In 1866 a very important
regatta was founded--the Metropolitan. Its founders expected it to
eclipse Henley, by dint of offers of more valuable prizes, but it never
took the fancy of the University element, and for want of the
wider-spread competition which strong entries from the U.B.C.'s would
have produced, it never attained the prestige of Henley. Still the
honours of winning eights, fours, pairs, or sculls at it rank, in
amateur estimation, second only to Henley. Barnes Regatta is of very old
standing. The tideway is always a drawback to scenery, but Barnes always
used to produce good audiences and good competitors. Its chief patrons
were tideway clubs and the Kingston Rowing Club.
[Illustration: GONDOLA.]
Walton-on-Thames flourished in the 'sixties.' It has now died out. It
was as a picnic second only to Henley. The course was rather one-sided,
and hardly long enough to test stamina.
Molesey Regatta, of less than ten years' growth, now holds much the same
station in aquatics that Walton-on-Thames once claimed. It draws its
sinews of war from much the same up-river locality that used to feed
Walton.
Kingston-on-Thames has a longer history than any regatta except Henley.
Its fortunes hang on the Kingston Rowing Club, but it is well patronised
by tideway clubs.
Regattas have for a season or two been known at Staines and Chertsey,
but they depended on some one or two local men of energy, and, when this
support failed, they died out.
Reading has a good reach, and has of late come to the fore with a good
meeting and a handsome challenge cup.
To return to watermen's regattas. The late Mr. J. G. Chambers, and a
strong gathering of amateur allies of his, revived a second series of
Thames regattas in 1868; these meetings were confined to watermen and
other professionals, whose doings are scheduled in 'Tables' hereafter.
How the second series of Thames National regattas followed the fate of
series No. 1, and of the 'Royal Thames Regatta' before that, will be
found in the chapter on professional rowing. The so-called
'International' Regatta lived but two years, and fell through so soon as
its mercenary promoters came to the conclusion that they could not see
their way to harvest filthy lucre out of it.
There used to be a well-attended regatta at Talkintarn, in the Lake
district. It died out from causes similar to those which led to the
collapse of the 'Royal' Thames regattas, i.e. the dedication of its
prizes to those who could win them a certain number of times
consecutively. The Messrs. Brickwood thus became the absolute owners of
the chief prize for pairs, and a Tyne crew became the proprietors of the
four-oar prize.
The Tyne, the Wear, Chester, Bedford, Tewkesbury, Worcester,
Bridgnorth, Bath, and other provincial towns produce regattas, but none
of them succeed in drawing many of the leading Thames clubs, and without
these no regatta ever establishes even second-class prestige.
The rules of Henley Regatta are here appended. They serve to inform
intending competitors of the code under which they will have to enter
and to row, and they may also offer valuable hints to other regatta
executives, present and future.
HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA.
_Established_ 1839.
_President._
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD CAMOYS.
_Stewards._
THE MAYOR OF HENLEY.
The Rt. Hon. the EARL OF | FREDK. FENNER, Esq.
MACCLESFIELD. | H. T. STEWARD, Esq.
W. H. VANDERSTEGEN, Esq. | Colonel BASKERVILLE.
ALEXANDER C. FORBES, Esq. | HUGH MAIR, Esq.
J. F. HODGES, Esq. | Sir F. G. STAPYLTON, Bart.
HENRY KNOX, Esq. | W. H. GRENFELL, Esq., M.P.
J. W. RHODES, Esq. | J. H. D. GOLDIE, Esq.
W. D. MACKENZIE, Esq. | The Rt. Hon. LORD LONDESBOROUGH.
HENRY HODGES, Esq. | T. C. EDWARDES-MOSS, Esq., M.P.
The Rev. E. WARRE, D.D. | J. COOPER, Esq.
F. WILLAN, Esq. | J. PAGE, Esq.
CHARLES STEPHENS, Esq. | A. BRAKSPEAR, Esq.
JOHN NOBLE, Esq. | The Rt. Hon. the EARL OF ANTRIM.
The Rt. Hon. W. H. SMITH, |
M.P. |
A. BRAKSPEAR, _Hon. Treasurer_.
J. F. COOPER, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
CONSTITUTION.
On May 16, 1885, at a meeting of the stewards, the following resolutions
were agreed to:--
1. That the stewards of Henley Regatta shall constitute a council for
the general control of the affairs of the regatta.
2. That the stewards shall elect a president, who shall, if present,
take the chair at the general meetings.
3. That the chairman shall have a casting vote.
4. That not less than _five_ shall form a quorum at the general
meetings.
5. That two ordinary general meetings shall be held in each year, one in
the month of May and another in the month of November.
6. That other general meetings shall be summoned by the secretary, when
ordered by the president, or at the request of any two stewards, in
writing, provided that not less than fourteen days' notice shall be
given of any such meeting.
7. That the stewards shall elect annually, at the meeting in November,
from their own body, a committee of management.
8. That the number of the committee shall not exceed twelve, of whom not
less than _three_ shall form a quorum.
9. That the committee shall elect one of their own body to act as
chairman.
10. That the committee be empowered to manage and exercise control over
all matters connected with the regatta, excepting such as shall involve
the alteration of any of the published rules of the regatta.
11. That the committee shall present a report, together with a statement
of accounts, to the stewards, annually, at the November meeting in each
year.
12. That meetings of the committee shall be summoned by the secretary
when ordered by the chairman, or at the request of any two members of
the committee, in writing, providing that not less than one week's
notice be given of any such meeting.
13. That the committee shall have power to make and publish by-laws
respecting any matter connected with the management of the regatta, not
already determined in the published rules.
14. That no alteration shall be made in any of the foregoing
resolutions, or in any of the published rules of the regatta, except at
a general meeting specially convened for that purpose, of which fourteen
days' notice shall be given, such notice to state the alterations
proposed, and unless the alteration be carried by a majority of
two-thirds at a meeting of not less than nine stewards.
* * * * *
QUALIFICATION RULES.
THE GRAND CHALLENGE CUP,
FOR EIGHT-OARS.
Any crew of amateurs who are members of any University or Public School,
or who are officers of her Majesty's army or navy, or any amateur club
established at least one year previous to the day of entry, shall be
qualified to contend for this prize.
THE STEWARDS' CHALLENGE CUP,
FOR FOUR-OARS.
The same as for the Grand Challenge Cup.
THE LADIES' CHALLENGE PLATE,
FOR EIGHT-OARS.
Any crew of amateurs who are members of any of the boat clubs of
colleges, or non-collegiate boat clubs of the Universities, or boat
clubs of any of the Public Schools, in the United Kingdom only, shall be
qualified to contend for this prize; but no member of any college or
non-collegiate crew shall be allowed to row for it who has exceeded four
years from the date of his first commencing residence at the University;
and each member of a Public School crew shall, at the time of entering,
be _bona fide_ a member '_in statu pupillari_' of such school.
THE VISITORS' CHALLENGE CUP,
FOR FOUR-OARS.
The same as for the Ladies' Challenge Plate.
THE THAMES CHALLENGE CUP,
FOR EIGHT-OARS.
The qualification for this cup shall be the same as for the Grand
Challenge Cup; but no one (coxswains excepted) may enter for this cup
who has ever rowed in a winning crew for the Grand Challenge Cup or
Stewards' Challenge Cup; and no one (substitutes as per Rule 7 excepted)
may enter, and no one shall row, for this cup and for the Grand
Challenge Cup or Stewards' Challenge Cup at the same regatta.
THE WYFOLD CHALLENGE CUP,
FOR FOUR-OARS.
The qualification for this cup shall be the same as for the Stewards'
Challenge Cup; but no one shall enter for this cup who has ever rowed in
a winning crew for the Stewards' Challenge Cup; and no one (substitutes
as per Rule 11 excepted) may enter, and no one shall row, for this cup
and for the Stewards' Challenge Cup at the same regatta.
THE SILVER GOBLETS,
FOR PAIR-OARS.
Open to all amateurs duly entered for the same according to the rules
following.
THE DIAMOND CHALLENGE SCULLS,
FOR SCULLS.
Open to all amateurs duly entered for the same according to the rules
following.
* * * * *
GENERAL RULES.
_Definition._--1. No person shall be considered an amateur
oarsman, sculler, or coxswain--
(_a_) Who has ever taken part in any open competition for a
stake, money, or entrance fee;
(_b_) Who has ever knowingly competed with or against a
professional for any prize;
(_c_) Who has ever taught, pursued, or assisted in the practice
of athletic exercises of any kind for profit;
(_d_) Who has ever been employed in or about boats, or in manual
labour for money or wages;
(_e_) Who is or has been by trade or employment, for wages, a
mechanic, artisan, or labourer, or engaged in any menial duty.
_Eligibility._--2. No one shall be eligible to row or steer for
a club unless he has been a member of that club for at least
two months preceding the regatta, but this rule shall not apply
to colleges, schools, or crews composed of officers of her
Majesty's army or navy.
_Entries._--3. The entry of any amateur club, crew, or sculler,
in the United Kingdom, must be made ten clear days before the
regatta, and the names of the captain or secretary of each club
or crew must accompany the entry. A copy of the list of entries
shall be forwarded by the secretary of the regatta to the
captain or secretary of each club or crew duly entered.
4. The entry of any crew or sculler, out of the United Kingdom,
must be made on or before March 31, and any such entry must be
accompanied by a declaration, made before a notary public, with
regard to the profession of each person so entering, to the
effect that he has never taken part in any open competition for
a stake, money, or entrance fee; has never knowingly competed
with nor against a professional for any prize; has never taught,
pursued, or assisted in the practice of athletic exercises of
any kind for profit; has never been employed in or about boats,
or in manual labour for money or wages; is not, and never has
been, by trade or employment, for wages, a mechanic, artisan, or
labourer, or engaged in any menial duty; and in cases of the
entry of a crew, that each member thereof is a member of a club
duly established at least one year previous to the day of entry;
and such declaration must be certified by the British Consul, or
the Mayor, or the chief authority of the locality.
5. No assumed name shall be given to the secretary, unless
accompanied by the real name of the competitor.
6. No one shall enter twice for the same race.
7. The secretary of the regatta shall not divulge any entry, nor
report the state of the entrance list, until such list be
closed.
8. Entrance money for each boat shall be paid to the secretary
at the time of entering, as follows:--
_L._ _s._ _d._
For the Grand Challenge Cup 6 6 0
" Ladies' Challenge Plate 5 5 0
" Thames Challenge Cup 5 5 0
" Stewards' " " 4 4 0
" Visitors' " " 3 3 0
" Wyfold " " 3 3 0
" Silver Goblets 2 2 0
" Diamond Challenge Sculls 1 1 0
9. The committee shall investigate any questionable entry,
irrespective of protest.
10. The committee shall have power to refuse or return any entry
up to the time of starting, without being bound to assign a
reason.
11. The captain or secretary of each club or crew entered shall,
seven clear days before the regatta, deliver to the secretary of
the regatta a list containing the names of the actual crew
appointed to compete, to which list the names of not more than
four other members for an eight-oar and two for a four-oar may
be added as substitutes.
12. No person may be substituted for another who has already
rowed or steered in a heat.
13. The secretary of the regatta, after receiving the list of
the crews entered, and of the substitutes, shall, if required,
furnish a copy of the same, with the names, real and assumed, to
the captain or secretary of each club or crew entered, and in
the case of pairs or scullers to each competitor entered.
_Objections._--14. Objections to the entry of any club or crew
must be made in writing to the secretary at least four clear
days before the regatta, when the committee shall investigate
the grounds of objection, and decide thereon without delay.
15. Objections to the qualification of a competitor must be made
in writing to the secretary at the earliest moment practicable.
No protest shall be entertained unless lodged before the prizes
are distributed.
_Course._--16. The races shall commence below the Island, and
terminate at the upper end of Phyllis Court. Length of course,
about 1 mile and 550 yards.
17. Boats shall be held to have completed the course when their
bows reach the winning-post.
18. The whole course must be completed by a competitor before he
can be held to have won a trial or final heat.
_Stations._--19. Stations shall be drawn by the committee.
_Row over._--20. In the event of there being but one boat
entered for any prize, or if more than one enter, and all
withdraw but one, the crew of the remaining boat must row over
the course to be entitled to such prize.
_Heats._--21. If there shall be more than two competitors, they
shall row a trial heat or heats; but no more than two boats
shall contend in any heat for any of the prizes above
mentioned.
22. In the event of a dead heat taking place, the same crews
shall contend again, after such interval as the committee may
appoint, or the crew refusing shall be adjudged to have lost the
heat.
_Clothing._--23. Every competitor must wear complete clothing
from the shoulders to the knees--including a sleeved jersey.
_Coxswains._--24. Every eight-oared boat shall carry a coxswain;
such coxswain must be an amateur, and shall not steer for more
than one club for the same prize.
The minimum weight for coxswains shall be 7 stone.
Crews averaging 10-1/2 stone and under 11 stone to carry not
less than 7-1/2 stone.
Crews averaging 11 stone or more, to carry not less than 8
stone.
Deficiencies must be made up by dead weight carried on the
coxswain's thwart.
The dead weight shall be provided by the committee, and shall be
placed in the boat and removed from it by a person appointed for
that purpose.
Each competitor (including the coxswain) in eight- and
four-oared races shall attend to be weighed (in rowing costume)
at the time and place appointed by the committee; and his weight
then registered by the secretary shall be considered his racing
weight during the regatta.
Any member of a crew omitting to register his weight shall be
disqualified.
_Flag._--25. Every boat shall, at starting, carry a flag showing
its colour at the bow. Boats not conforming to this rule are
liable to be disqualified at the discretion of the umpire.
_Umpire._--26. The committee shall appoint one or more umpires
to act under the Laws of Boat-racing.
_Judge._--27. The committee shall appoint one or more judges,
whose decision as to the order in which the boats pass the post
shall be final.
_Prizes._--28. The prizes shall be delivered at the conclusion
of the regatta to their respective winners, who on receipt of a
challenge prize shall subscribe a document of the following
effect:--
'We, A, B, C, D, &c., the captain and crew of the ______________
and members of the ____________________ Club, having been this
day declared to be the winners of the Henley Royal Regatta
____________________ Challenge Cup, and the same having been
delivered to us by E F, G H, I K, &c., Stewards of the Regatta,
do hereby, individually and collectively, engage to return the
same to the Stewards on or before June 1, in accordance with the
conditions of the annexed rules, to which also we have
subscribed our respective names.'
_Committee._--29. All questions of eligibility, qualification,
interpretation of the rules, or other matters not specially
provided for, shall be referred to the committee, whose decision
shall be final.
30. The Laws of Boat-racing to be observed at the regatta are as
follows (_see chapter on this subject_).
A good deal of the history of old regattas at which watermen contended
is necessarily mixed with the history of the rise of professional
racing, and will be found to be dealt with under that heading in another
chapter.
[Illustration: BISHAM COURT.]