A pre-1886 Henley start with three eights

1881: George Leslie in his book " Our River" has a description of the Henley Regatta in his day.  Some people would say little has changed - all the elements of the modern regatta are there - the major changes are:
that the course is now boomed for reasons that were quite apparent in Leslie's day;
the Old Course (1839-1889) ran from the Berkshire side of the top of Temple Island to near Henley Bridge.  Without booms it must have produced drama, not to say chaos, near the finish.
The New Course was used from 1886 onwards (and straightened in 1924).  It was moved downstream with the start on the Buckinghamshire side just below Temple Island (ie the other side of Temple island from the modern start) and the finish not nearly so close to Henley Bridge.  This is fairer to the competitors - 
At the same time the number of competitors in each race was reduced to two;
more entrants to each competition mean that the regatta has expanded from two days to five;
the description of the races, particularly the sculling, makes one realise that the Victorian oarsmen were not quite athletes in the modern sense - more heroic maybe - but less well trained;
 
[ This is where all our modern problems with drawing the line at drugs in sport spring from - The original competition was between gentlemen who had no idea of preparing for the race.
But then a sneaky idea occurred to some - There was a legal way to obtain an advantage over other competitors - you could "train" and get away with it! Initially it was thought to be a little underhand; it was the sort of thing lower class paid boatmen might do - but gentlemen were amateurs and gentlemen would not stoop so low.
But in time the advantage obtained was so overwhelming that it began to spread. Indeed that spread has now almost reached some Oxbridge College boatclubs! [Tongue firmly in cheek!]
In both Oxford and Cambridge the river battle between "the Gentlemen" and the "athletes" has been long drawn out - and the inevitable triumph of the "athletes" is not necessarily all for the best for your average enthusiastic but not particularly high achieving club oarsperson.
But how does this relate to drugs? - well if tactics, even devious tactics such as "training" can be employed - then how is the line to be drawn against other forms of winning stategies? ]
 
there are less spectators on manually propelled boats, but there have been quite enough on mechanically propelled boats to produce river traffic jams at modern regattas. 
Enormous crowds now come by car and train.

TO MOST people of the present day, the name of Henley is familiar, chiefly in connection with the annual Regattas.
 
These boat-races have to my mind one charm which does not appertain to horse racing; it is the feeling of certainty that the contests are genuine, the class to which the competitors belong, gua­ranteeing the entire absence of complicity or underhand knavery. The Henley Regattas more closely resemble than anything else in modern times, the old Olympian and Isthmian games of the classic ages, or the jousts and tournaments of the days of chivalry. The very pick of the best-bred young men in England here manfully compete over a mile and a quarter, for the coveted and honourable prize. The spectators are more select and respectable than those who frequent the turf. At Henley there is no betting ring, no book-makers with their depraved features and yelling noise; ladies and gentlemen are the rule there, and not the exceptions. The young athletes strive before their friends’, relations’, or it may be their sweethearts’ eyes; their college chums or boating friends rush along the bank, and cheer and urge them on. Glory and honour are there the well-merited prizes for pluck and endurance. There is such a genuine ring in the cheers which greet the visitors, that one is not astonished to find that it has reached across the Atlantic, finding in the hearts that dwell in the Far West an echo, which more than once has stirred them up to cross the ocean, to contest the prize with their English cousins. …
 
Much as the railway been abused for spoiling the country, in this case I am sure it has to be thanked for the orderliness and refinement which it brought to the river side, rendering Henley on Regatta day a place of all others at which ladies may safely appear, and adorn the gay scene with their fair faces and pretty toilets.
 
The week before the races begin, Henley seems to wake up from its usual apathy; along the high roads boats on carts are seen continually arriving; various crews take up their quarters about the town, their respective flags hanging out from the upper windows.
 
On the bridge from morn till night a constant string of idlers and rowing men of the Grand Stand are brought out and solemnly fixed in their places. There is nothing very grand about this stand, for it is not unlike a large, broad, “Punch and Judy” box.
 
On the day before the race, the scene becomes still more animated; a line of empty carriages is formed across the bridge on the side overlooking the course; a few gipsies, with Aunt Sallies and knock-em-downs, come wandering up, whilst boats and boatmen from all parts of the river, gradually fill every available landing-place along the quays between the bridge and the railway-station Wherever camping is allowed, small tents are seen, with their picturesque inhabitants busy in cooking, and making themselves at home. Great house-boats and steam launches, one after another, are taking up their positions along the appointed line, which, gay with bunting, already stretches down towards Phillis Court. There are also numbers of small boats and punts with awnings rigged up in them, beneath which parties of two or three make themselves independent of lodgings in the town. The occupants of these boats, and the campers generally, affect picturesque and rather outlandish costumes. Frequently at this time, two or three of them are met with, on foraging expeditions up the town, carrying great stone jugs for beer, or baskets of potatoes and meat.
 
The bathing-place in the morning is crowded, and, indeed, the variety of costumes and characters that throng the tow­path, the bridge, and the streets, are quite peculiar to Henley at Regatta time.
 
Early in the morning of the first day’s racing, the bells of the old church ring out in the most cheering way; boats arrive in numbers from both up and down the river. The very early trains bring down a large mixture of itinerant fruitsellers, African Gentlemen [ not quite what Leslie wrote ], organ-grinders, boatmen, and general riff-raff, along with some of the more eager and interested of the spectators. The later trains are reserved for the elite; at Paddington the crowd on the platform, for these trains, is never a disagreeable or formidable one to mix in; the trains are well-managed, run frequently, and if only the sun shines, all are smiling and happy. From the windows of the train, as it passes over the bridge at Shiplake, you may catch sight of numerous boat-loads, wending their way along down stream, and sometimes of one of those huge barges from Reading, with crowds of people standing on the deck.
 
[ See Marsh Lock for Leslie's account of Marsh Lock on Regatta day ]
 
… the lock below at Hambleden is also very crowded on the mornings of the boat-races, but as it is entered against the stream, getting in and out of it is a far less difficult matter.
 
Not the least of the pleasures of the Regatta day, to a regular frequenter of the river, are the numerous nods and greetings which are received from old river-side friends and acquaintances of every sort. About ten o’clock a large waggon­ette, carrying the Eton boys, passes along, the road in front of my mother’s cottage; they all look very serious, and as old and manly as they possibly can. Racing ships and outriggers are now being lifted about carefully down by the boat-houses; the various colours of the different rowing-clubs assume large and distinct masses, as the birds of a feather flock together, and form into knots of uniformity.
 
Mr. Lord, on a paddle-wheel steamer belonging to the Thames Conservancy, is now seen busy in putting things to rights; seeing that the various large craft are moored in their proper line, and some­times towing obstructive barges right up through the bridge, far off out of harm’s way; indeed, throughout the day, Mr. Lord has a very hard time of it, and I believe few are aware how much of the comfort and orderliness of the Regattas are due to his skill, energy, and good temper.
 
The umpire’s boat is seen getting up steam — a long, rakish-looking craft, with no cabins or railings about it; a boat of reputed fabulous speed, since celebrated in connection with the sad disaster at Shepperton.

Henley Royal Regatta in the 1880s
with the Umpire's Steam Launch Eupatira, built by De Vignes.

[ The successor to the Eupatira was the Consuta, built in 1898, which has now been thoroughly restored to its original condition by the Consuta Trust.  It carried the Umpire for two races at the Regatta in 2002 and is to be seen in use about the river.  Its top speed is said to be 26mph.  It appeared to me to make no more wash (and possibly less)  than the current launches.

Consuta, Henley Royal Regatta, 2006

There is a photograph of the Consuta in the 1900s, being used as the coaching boat for the Leander Club at Henley: ]

Outside the Leander Club on Tuesday week, when the river was rapidly subsiding to its usual level - The Consuta's steam is up and the crew just off for the morning's work.

The umpire’s boat is not popular with the floating spectators, partly on account of the rocking about they get from its swell, and partly on account of its taking, throughout the day, various parties of ladies and gentlemen as passengers. To this latter practice I most strongly object. I do not know whether any charge is made for the trip, but even if the passage is free, there is great want of taste about thus crowding a boat which at best, is only tolerated as a necessary evil, and in which none but the umpire and some Press representatives ought to be allowed to accompany the engine-driver and steerer.

[ I was a passenger in the Umpire’s Launch, following my old college to ignominious defeat at the hands of the Irish, early one Thursday morning in 1988?  You are uniquely placed to see the Umpire’s back and an occasional oar tip.  Vociferous supporting is not encouraged. But I’m glad I did it once. ]

The river gradually gets covered with boats in every direction. Train after train arrives, and happy crowds come streaming along in front of River Terrace down to the boats, or off in search of the friends they expect to meet. Fortunate are those who find their boats or friends safely at the appointed place, and many are the anxious people seen searching in vain, surrounded and harassed by the speculative boatmen who have brought up for the occasion every sort of thing with oars that will float, which are to be hired for fabulous sums.

Henley Regatta, 1912, Postcard

The crowd about the “Lion” and on the bridge now gets very dense. Boats on the water are scattered about in apparently hopeless confusion, and presently the crew of an eight is seen to embark for the first heat of the Grand Challenge. They are slowly turned above the bridge, and paddling down through the arches they pass on, picking their way along the course, with frequent stops, to the starting point. They are very quickly followed by their antagonists, and the umpire’s boat with warning whistle steams slowly down to the island; but still the crowd of floating spectators seems in hopeless confusion. The Conservancy men, with red flags in their boats, go to work in earnest, whilst gradually the floating masses sort themselves together, and to range alongside of the moored house-boats and launches.

Towing Guard Boats up Henley Reach

Still, as each train arrives, or as a fresh batch of boats escapes through Marsh Lock, more and more happy boatfuls come straggling down on to the course, when bang goes the gun for the start, and with redoubled energy the Conservancy men row up the stream, clearing the water as they go, and gradually driving, like sheep dogs, the straying herds of boats towards the Oxford shore.
 
Nothing much is seen of the two eights at first; the umpire’s steamer and the thick bunch of runners along the tow-path alone indicate their whereabouts. But in the meantime all sorts of opinions are freely given as to the probable results of the race; how it is a certainty for one on account of the station, or else that the shelter of the willows which favours the Bucks side, will more than compensate for the advantages of the other shore, and in consequence we shall see a “rattling good race.”
 
Those of the spectators who have field-glasses begin very soon to declare which boat is leading, but much reliance can seldom be placed on these remarks, as it is impossible with three-quarters of a mile of foreshortening perspective, to judge correctly of a few yards’ lead. It is not long, however, before the shouts from the runners on the banks grow more and more audible, and are taken up by the spectators in the boats on the other side; in a few seconds more two long lines of straining bodies dart past, the boats themselves seeming to lift and bound at each stroke in regular cadence.
 
The race is generally pretty well decided as Phillis Court is passed, as anything like a lead here is seldom again lost. Amidst the roar of cheers and the swell from the umpire’s boat the sound of the band is heard playing the well-known air, and the first heat is lost and won.
 
Directly the racing boats have passed, the course is rapidly covered again by boats of every description: there are gigs, skiffs, wherries, stout oak sailing-boats, canoes and punts; there are boats manned or “girled” by fancy crews, sometimes con­sisting of four pretty little girls in blue sailor dresses, or a set of boys, double-banked, in man-of-war costume. Fashion in the matter of hats alters every year; at the last Regatta Basque bonnets of every colour were much in vogue. There was also a sort of gondola, with a real Italian in sailor costume, who managed his oar beautifully, and kept the boat going gracefully amongst the crowd.

1890:  Gondola at Henley Regatta, Henry Taunt -

Gondola at Henley Regatta, Henry Taunt, 1890
© Oxfordshire County Council Photographic Archive; HT12945

[ There has always been at least one gondola spectating at recent regattas. ]

Gondola by Phyllis Court at Henley Royal Regatta, 2003]

City Barge, Oxford specialise in Venetian Rowing.
 
George Leslie continues -

A large family boat, with Paterfamilias and hampers in the stern, and young Hopeful in the bows with a hitcher, generally forms the centre of one of the tangled floating clusters which are perpetually seen throughout the day. On every side the cry is “Look ahead, sir.” Speed of any sort is quite impossible, and the perpetual shipping and unshipping of oars must be very irksome and aggravating.
 
Here my dear old punt comes out finely; she can be gently poled along either backwards or forwards, standing at the head or stern, Oxford fashion
[ i.e.  not "Run" as was Leslie's normal style, but "pricked" from a stationary position ]
and thus steered with the minutest accuracy: if you wish to pass quickly up or down the course it is best to slip between the line of moored launches, as behind them the water is comparatively clear from obstructives.
 
People in rowing boats, as a rule, are rather inclined to take affront at being passed by a punt, whilst they themselves are drifting helplessly with unshipped oars; but if you are careful not to bump them, they can do little but scowl at you as you pass. Some allowance, too, must be made for their feelings, as the perpetual fouling they encounter, cannot fail to affect the tempers of even the most amiable. Later on in the day, when they have become more accustomed to the process, and have had their luncheons, they get more disposed to take the little annoyances with good nature.
 
Many floating parties take up permanent stations alongside a friendly house-boat or launch, and great numbers find their way down to the willow-fringed meadows of Fawley, where, if the day is fine, at two o’clock may be seen one long string of confluent picnics, a little harassed by the haymakers, photo­graphers, gipsies, &c., but otherwise as happy and lively as possible. Hospitality is so great on these days, that with me the only difficulty is to avoid the certain after-headache which results from partaking too  frequently or too freely of the cups and drinks of all sorts which are offered you by everyone. House-boats are particularly convenient at the Regatta; they accommodate a large party, and afford a sense of security from the rain, which on one of the days is a well-known proverbial certainty. No place can be better than the roof of a house-boat for seeing the racing from, and with a good lunch below, a pleasant party, and a boat or two in which to move about occasionally, in my opinion the houseboat affords quite the best means of enjoying the day to perfection. A steam-launch is not quite as convenient, but of course it has the advantage of being able to move off and return home quickly in the evening. I do not object to plenty of these launches at the Regatta, as they are not then either smoking or raising swell. Their size and variety in the long line of moored craft form, too, a very important feature in the composition of the whole scene from an artistic point of view.
 
… Lunch being over, people resume their programmes, and the races are again regarded with interest—the heats for the diamond sculls, in which there is generally rather more personal interest felt attracting great attention. The speed in these contests seems of course comparatively slow after the eights and fours, the competitors usually straggling up one after another in rather erratic courses, the men by the time the dreaded poplar corner is reached often appearing much exhausted. The whole way along they are shouted at, and cheered on, in a much more personal fashion than in the other races; each is addressed by name, and every variety of advice and encouragement is bestowed on them by their respective friends and admirers. By 3 o’clock in the afternoon the crowd on the water is at its extreme height; …
 
If tired of stopping in one place, it is amusing at times to punt up to the bridge to see the crowds, to hear the band play, and view the Grand Stand with its patient occupants seated in demure rows. At one corner of the Stand, on a red cloth, are displayed the large silver goblets and cups which are distributed to the victors at the close of the second day.

Henley Regatta, Walter Field

It is next to impossible to distinguish a friend on the shore when you yourself are afloat, and I am constantly being told after the Regatta that I was seen and hailed by friends on the bank of whose presence I was utterly unaware; it is, therefore, as well now and then to land and go a little around among the carriages on the bridge, by the Stand, or down the tow-path. This latter place is never pleasant to me on account of the smell of the turf, especially if it has rained at all;  grass under a crowd on a hot damp day gives out an odour which mixes very unpleasantly with the various smells of the crowd itself, and which seems to haunt your nose for a day or two after.…
 
In consequence of the great number of trial heats, the racing on the first day is seldom over till late in the evening; some time however before the last one or two heats, people from town begin to leave the river, and there is a pretty steady stream to the railway going on all the time, from five till eight or nine o’clock. The town on the evening of the first day is quiet enough, at least as far as the rowing men are concerned, as they are mostly in strict training, and have to keep quiet for the second and final struggles. The course looks very pretty in the summer twilight; the glimmering lights along the line of moored launches, and boat sleeping parties, together with the broken line of the houses of the old town, the church tower, the bridge, and the trees at Phillis Court, giving the river a wonderfully romantic and beautiful appearance.  The town soon quiets down for the night’s rest, and stirs itself betimes in the morning for the final races. The crews go off along the tow-path in batches for their morning’s swim, and with towels in their hands, are seen returning ready for their breakfasts. As the programme for the second day has much fewer events on it to be decided, the races do not generally commence till one o’clock.

[ Why didn't Jerome use this material in Three Men in a Boat?
He had clearly (from other evidence) read George Leslie's book. In his "Three Men in a Boat" He had set up for it.  Downstream he says it is nearing Henley week - and then suddenly from Hambleden there is no mention of Henley and we find ourselves at Hennerton Backwater.
Maybe time ran out - or maybe he was a little disconcerted by the humour in Leslie's description - who knows?  The comedian needs the straight man to feed him without the least hint of humour - and Leslie has that hint -

"On the bridge from morn till night a constant string of idlers and rowing men of the Grand Stand are brought out and solemnly fixed in their places. There is nothing very grand about this stand, for it is not unlike a large, broad, “Punch and Judy” box." 

What Jerome could have done with that!
Or - maybe he saw there was a whole book here - but then did not get round to writing it? ]
 
1884: The self electing Stewards became the organising body for Henley Royal Regatta
 
1885: Dickens's Dictionary of the Thames showed the old course starting above Temple Island and finishing only a yard or two short of Henley Bridge -

Henley Royal Regatta Course in 1885

This, the most important gathering of amateur oarsmen in England, takes place usually about the beginning of July, and almost ranks with Ascot among the favourite fashionable meetings of the season. A grand stand is provided, but the accommodation for visitors is not of the best.
One of the favourite points of view is the "Red Lion" lawn, where, at the conclusion of the regatta on the second day, the prizes are distributed, but by far the most popular resort is the river itself. Indeed, of late years, this has become so much the case, and the river is so inconveniently crowded with steam launches, house boats, skiffs, gigs, punts, dingeys(sic), canoes, and every other conceivable and inconceivable variety of craft, that the racing boats have sometimes the greatest difficulty in threading a way through the crowd.
In this connection some astonishment may be expressed at the supineness of the executive, in regard to the important matter of regulating this annually increasing picnic traffic. As it was years ago, so it seems to be now. The racing boats are always hampered to a more or less inconvenient degree - sometimes even to the point of disaster. No doubt it is extremely difficult to keep the course clear, but certainly much more might be done than at present.
As in the case with all boat races, only a very small part of the struggle can properly be seen, except by the fortunate few in the umpire's boat, or by the enthusiastic friends of the competitors who run up the tow path with the boats.

[ Both at Oxford Bumps and Henley Regatta spectators used to run with the boats - boat speeds have increased now to the point at which it would take an Olympic standard runner to stay with the fastest races. The Grand Challenge Cup record time implies an average over the ground speed of about 13.2 miles per hour. (1 mile 550 yards in 5 minutes 58 seconds) There is always some current to add to this, though of course there could have been a following wind. ]

The course is a little over a mile and a quarter in length, and the races are rowed from [above] Regatta Island [ Temple Island ], just below Remenham, against the stream, to a point opposite the "Red Lion", and just below the bridge.
For the first mile the course is very fair, but the river taking a somewhat sharp turn at what is called Poplar Point [the modern finish], gives a great advantage to the boat with the inside or Berks station. The only chance of equalising the stations is when a very high wind blows from the other bank. Under these circumstances men on the Bucks station have the advantage of being sheltered by the bushes, while their opponents out in the open are struggling with the full force of wind and wave. The lead the Bucks boat is thus enabled to obtain, not infrequently neutralises the effect of the dreaded corner.
Many attempts have been made to improve matters by buoying and by staking out the river with the object of keeping the Berks boat well out in the stream, but hitherto these ingenious arrangements have met with but a very moderate means of success.
It has even been suggested that the race should be started below the island, and that the finish should be at Poplar Point. But as this would disestablish the bridge and the lawn, its adoption is, to say the least of it, doubtful.

[ The new fangled Stewards however, took their courage in both hands and indeed disestablished the bridge and the lawn. Without a fair course the modern regatta could not continue to have the success that it does. But to see what they were tackling see the verse below about the view from the bridge (written as it happens in the very year in which it all changed) ]
 
1886: Henley In July, Joseph Ashby-Sterry -

O, COME down to Henley, for London is horrid;
There’s no peace or quiet to sunset from dawn.
The Row is a bore, and the Park is too torrid,
So come down and lounge on the “Red Lion” Lawn !
Then, come down to Henley, no time like the present,
The sunshine is bright, the barometer’s high –
O, come down at once, for Regatta-time’s pleasant,
Thrice pleasant is Henley in laughing July !
 
Now, gay are the gardens of Fawley and Phyllis,
The Bolney backwaters are shaded from heat;
The rustle of poplars on Remenham Hill is,
Mid breezes æstival, enchantingly sweet !
When hay-scented meadows with oarsmen are crowded –
Whose bright tinted blazers gay toilettes outvie –
When sunshine is hot and the sky is unclouded,
O, Henley is splendid in lovely July !
 
Ah me ! what a revel of exquisite colours,
What costumes in pink and in white and in blue,
By smart canoistes and pretty girl-scullers,
Are sported in randan, in skiff, and canoe !
What sun-shaded lasses we see out a-punting,
What fair gondolieres perchance we espy.
And house-boats and launches all blossom and bunting –
O, Henley’s a picture in merry July !
 
If it rains, as it may, in this climate capricious,
And Beauty is shod in the gruesome galosh;
While each dainty head-dress and toilette delicious
Is shrouded from view in the grim mackintosh !
We’ll flee to the cheery “Athena” for shelter –
The pâté is perfect, the Giesler is dry –
And think while we gaze, undismayed at the “pelter”,
That Henley is joyous in dripping July !
 
The ancient grey bridge is delightful to moon on,
For ne’er such a spot for the mooner was made;
He’ll spend, to advantage, a whole afternoon on
Its footway, and loll on its quaint balustrade !
For this of all others, the best is of places
To watch the brown rowers pull pantingly by,
To witness the splendour, the shouting, the races,
At Henley Regatta in charming July !
 
When athletes are weary and hushed is the riot,
When launches have vanished and house-boats are gone,
When Henley once more is delightfully quiet –
‘Tis soothing to muse on the “Red Lion” Lawn !
When the swans hold their own and the sedges scarce shiver –
As sweet summer breezes most tunefully sigh –
Let us laze at the ruddy-faced Inn by the River,
For Henley is restful in dreamy July !

1886: The course was changed to finish at Poplar Point (the modern finish) with a staggered start below Temple Island.
The Regatta was extended to three days.
The number competing in each race was reduced from three to two. 
 
1890: Punch -

Yesterday being the opening day of the Regatta, was observed as a holiday by the natives of Henley. The ancient ceremonial of "Prices up and money down," was, as usual, observed with proper solemnity by all the burgesses of the little Oxfordshire town. There was some boat-racing during the day; but it is beginning to be felt that a stop should be put to this barbarous survival of the dark ages.

HENLEY REGATTA.
(BY MR. PUNCH'S OWN ROWING MAN.)
Henley, Monday.

I have arrived, and Henley once more is Henley. Even the weather has recognised me, and good old Plu himself came out to shake me by the hand and talk of old times. The course is of the usual length, but a slight alteration has been made in the breadth. Many house-boats are moored along the Oxfordshire bank. The bridge has not changed its position since I saw it last. The courteous Secretary of the Regatta assured me, that my complaint with reference to the impediment which this structure offers to rowing-boats had been laid before the Stewards. No action, however, is to be taken this year.

This being the day before the Regatta, very heavy work was done by all the crews engaged in the race for the GRAND CHALLENGE CUP. They all have a good chance, and, personally, I should not feel the least surprise if I saw at least two eights rowing in the final heat on Thursday. Thames, London, Brasenose, Kingston, New College, and Trinity Hall all possess some "sterling oarsmen," and carry "banners" of different colours. I may remark, in passing, that no crew is allowed to row with more than eight oars.

The race for the STEWARDS will be exciting. All these officials are in hard training, but the Mayor of Henley is favourite at short odds.*

* Note by the Editor. - Are you sure this is right?
Reply. Right? Of course it is. I'm here, and I ought to know.

I notice that the LADIES have a race all to themselves. Doubtless this is due to Miss Fawcett's pernicious example, but the innovation is not to be commended.

The entries for the VISITORS are of average quality. Three visitors only are to compete over a course of picnic luncheons and strawberries and cream.

I have only room left to remark that the weather has been changeable, and that all the above tips are to be thoroughly relied upon.

1890: London of Today - a handbook for the season -

HENLEY REGATTA.

Since the old pageants of Venice, nothing has been produced to excel the beauty of the scene at Henley during the regatta. It is far and away the prettiest festival of the kind London, or indeed England, has to offer. Formal aquatic processions on the Thames has dwindled to the "Fourth of June" celebration at Eton, for the Lord Mayor's pageant no longer returns by water to the City from Westminster.

Athleticism has taken the place of antique ceremonial; and we have now at Henley, apart from the cause of the gathering, such an assemblage of parti-coloured boats, awnings, flowers, and flags, not to mention pleasant company, as could hardly be matched anywhere.

Fine summer weather is indispensable to the full enjoyment of the regatta, for then the charming upper reaches of the Thames are seen at their best.

The visitor who can command the hospitalities of a "house-boat" is to be congratulated. At the annual season of festivity, all the hostelries and available ancillary lodgings of the little town are occupied. The only method left of enjoying the scene in reasonable comfort is that of having a home on the waters, a floating house of one's own (or a share of one with a friend), "a fluviatile analogue", as has been said, of the four-inhand at Ascot, and the family landau at "Lord's" during the Universities' or the Public Schools' cricket matches.

Excitement in the sport going forward is agreeably tempered by strawberries and cream, and "cups" and dainty drinks mingled and iced too wisely and too well.

From a little country jollification, Henley Regatta has, like Ascot Races, been growing to the proportions of a national holiday, though, luckily, the distance from London and the absence of a betting-ring, keeps the rougher people away.

The competition of rival clubs and crews at Henley is fiercer than of yore. The absence of the representative University crews, which formerly met there, has been amply compensated by the presence of the numerous boatingclubs which have grown into existence since the Oxford and Cambridge crews rowed their first race over the Henley course.

As watermen's regattas and rowing matches fell into discredit on the Lower Thames, clubs of amateurs increased and multiplied. Selected crews of the best of these clubs, from the Oxford and Cambridge Colleges and the Public Schools, and occasionally from America and France, combine to give a zest to the Henley Regatta, by exhibiting their "best form" in the several competitions.

1891: The Start - a staggered start from below Temple Island on the Bucks side, the starting boats being punts, moored to ryepecks (poles) -

The Start at Henley, left bank (Bucks) side of Temple Island
Final of the Stewards' Challenge Cup 1891, Thames Rowing Club v Trinity Hall Cambridge.
Painting owned by Thames Rowing Club

1891: James Kenneth Stephen (1859-1892): Steam-Launches On the Thames -
Henley, June 7, 1891

Shall we, to whom the stream by right belongs,
Who travel silent, save, perchance, for songs;
Whose track's a ripple, - leaves the Thames a lake,
Nor frights the swan - scarce makes the rushes shake;
 
Who harmonize, exemplify, complete
And vivify a scene already sweet:
Who travel careless on, from lock to lock,
Oblivious that the world contains a clock,
 
With pace commensurate to our desires,
Propelled by other force than Stygian fire's;
Shall we be driven hence to leave a place
For these, who bring upon our stream disgrace:
 
The rush, the roar, the stench, the smoke, the steam,
The nightmare striking through our heavenly dream;
The scream as shrill and hateful to the ear
As when a peacock vents his rage and fear;
 
Which churn to fury all a glassy reach,
And heave rude breakers on a pebbly beach:
Which half o'erwhelm with waves our frailer craft,
While graceless shop-boys chuckle fore and aft:
 
Foul water-toadstools, noisome filth-stained shapes,
Fit only to be manned by dogs and apes:
Blots upon nature: scars that mar her smile:
Obscene, obtrusive, execrable, vile?

[ See Monkey Island for shocking revelations! ]
 
A REGATTA RHYME, from Punch, anon, [ but made to sound like Ashby-Sterry! ]
On board the “Athena”, Henley-on-Thames. Henley Regatta -

I like, it is true, in a basswood canoe
To lounge, with a weed incandescent;
To paddle about, there is not a doubt
I find it uncommonly pleasant!
I love the fresh air, the lunch here and there,
To see pretty toilettes and faces;
But one thing I hate – allow me to state –
The fuss they make over the Races!
I DON’T CARE A RAP FOR THE RACES!-
MID ALL THE REGATTA EMBRACES –
I’M THAT SORT OF CHAP, I DON’T CARE A RAP,
A RAP OR A SNAP FOR THE RACES!
 
I don’t care you know, a bit how they row,
Nor mind about smartness of feather;
If steering is bad, I’m not at all sad,
Nor care if they swing altogether!
Oh why do they shout and make such a rout,
When one boat another one chases?
‘Tis really too hot to bawl, is it not?
Or bore oneself over the races!
I DON’T CARE A RAP FOR THE RACES!-
MID ALL THE REGATTA EMBRACES –
I’M THAT SORT OF CHAP, I DON’T CARE A RAP,
A RAP OR A SNAP FOR THE RACES!
 
Then the umpire’s boat a nuisance we vote,
It interrupts calm contemplation;
Its discordant tone, and horrid steam moan,
Is death to serene meditation!
The roar of the crowd should not be allowed;
The gun with its fierce fulmination,
Abolish it, pray – ‘tis fatal, they say,
To pleasant and quiet flirtation.
I DON’T CARE A RAP FOR THE RACES!-
MID ALL THE REGATTA EMBRACES –
I’M THAT SORT OF CHAP, I DON’T CARE A RAP,
A RAP OR A SNAP FOR THE RACES!
 
If athletes must pant – I don’t say they shan’t –
But give them some decent employment;
And let it be clear, they don’t interfere
With other folks quiet enjoyment!
When luncheon your o’er, ‘tis really a bore –
And I think it a very hard case is –
To have to look up, from Pâté or cup,
And gaze on those tiresome Races!
I DON’T CARE A RAP FOR THE RACES!-
MID ALL THE REGATTA EMBRACES –
I’M THAT SORT OF CHAP, I DON’T CARE A RAP,
A RAP OR A SNAP FOR THE RACES!

1892: J.J.K. OOMS, an amateur sculler from Amsterdam, won the "Diamond Sculls" easily, beatng V. NICKALS amongst others.
Punch's comment was this poem -

THAT DUTCHMAN OOMS.

Oh, OOMS was a champion brave and bold,
The Dutchman's pride was he;
And he cried, "I can row on the Thames, I know,
As well as the Zuyder Zee,
As well as the Zuyder Zee!"
And as his boat he set afloat,
And looked o'er the Henley tide,
He saw all England taking note,
And he trimmed his sculls and cried:-
"I'll win those 'Sculls!'" said he,
"The 'Diamond Sculls' for me!
That the world may know, wherever I go
Thames yields to the Zuyder Zee!"

Cried JOHN BULL, "Here! You Dutchman queer.
To-day you must row with me;
For while I ride Thames' silver tide,
I'll be second to none," said he;
"I'll be second to none," said he.
So they blazed away at that Dutchman gay,
Stout NICKALS, brave BOYD, and all -
But the Dutchman's ship our best did whip,
And BULL cried to his merry men all,
"We're whipped, boys, for once," said he,
"It's a whip that's a licker to me."
Right well OOMS pulls, and the 'Diamond Sculls'
Are gone to the Zuyder Zee!
VAN TROMP with his broom made free,
But this OOMS has "swept" Henley.
Here's his health! But oh! those Sculls, you know,
Must come back from the Zuyder Zee."

DEAR MR. PUNCH,
... I yearned for the silvery smoothness of Father Thames, so started for Henley ... but, oh! my goodness! - talk about billows - the Channel passage is a fool to what we found at Henley! Waves mountain high! - (This of course is an exaggeration, but I've read it so often in sea-novels, that I've almost come to believe it possible ...)

I had to sit all day on the roof of the [boat] with a lifebelt or something round my waist! - and having made me acquaintance of a sweet youth who could swim, I implored him not to leave me! - and he didn't - the whole day long. Ah! he was very nice!

I need not tell you I didn't notice the racing much, but I did take an interest in two of the contests; viz. - (I don't know what "viz." means - but I do know I am using it correctly) - The Diamond Sculls, and The Ladies' Challenge.

The Diamonds were walked off, or rowed off to Holland - (great place, I'm told, for diamonds) - by Mr. K. OOMS (who evidently "kooms" of an athletic stock), amid the generous cheers of our defeated Englishmen!

The other - and naturally, from its title, the most important event - was competed for by two boat-loads from Cambridge University - Crews, I believe, they call them, but I always thought it was a sign of contempt to allude to any party of people as "a crew." However that may be, I was informed that "First Trinity had carried off the Ladies!" (just as if they were a pack of Sabine women), and I suppose it was true; though, in counting up the Ladies in sight, I only missed one - and she, I found, had fallen into the river, and been gallantly rescued by a spectator, who, I presume, was determined to have his share, in spite of the First Trinity Men!
...
Yours devotedly, LADY GAY.

1893: The Oval Boating Costume -

The Oval Boating Costume 1893

1893: The new course from the 1893 programme -

Henley Regatta New Course 1893

Note that the new course was not the course we now know. The start was on the Bucks side of Temple Island, and the course is shown as marked with flags.

1895: College Barge Luncheon Party -

1896 & 7: Balliol College, Oxford Rowing Archives include several Henley Regatta photos.

1897: Course straightened.
 
1898: Skiff Jam at Henley Regatta, Henry Taunt -

Skiff Jam at Henley Regatta, Henry Taunt, 1898
© Oxfordshire County Council Photographic Archive; HT13151

1899:  Henley Regatta, Francis Frith -

1899: Henley Regatta, Francis Frith

1906: the Regatta was extended to four days.

1906: Mary Howarth writing in Vanity Fair -

TOILETTES FOR HENLEY WEEK
Toilettes for Henley Week: Fashions the River Gods Approve

The liquid tones of the river gods beguile us to Henley this week, where there are fascinations, material as well as aquatic, though I write a little too soon to be able to state whether the elements will be favourable to so sylvan a fête as the Regatta. I only know that there have been some very pretty and dainty dresses and also some charming specimens of millinery prepared for the event.
Specially have I approved the white handkerchief lawn gowns, with their wealth of plumetis embroidery, and the blanche linen skirts, quaintly made en corselet, with short pleated jackets to match, worn with a pair of blue or mahogany brown suède gloves to match, and white hat with soft blue or brown ribbon on it to match.
...
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ZEPHYR COSTUMES.

Last week’s heavy downpour has freshened the country most delightfully. How green is the wheat now, already heavy in the ear, and how scarlet are the poppies; how the wild roses gem the verdant hedgerow. Everything is essentially juvenile, and so must the Henley toilette be (I refer to its newness or freshness), or perish the hope of its success.
It would be ungrateful to the dressmakers to forget to mention the practical little toilettes they are presenting in checked zephyr; simplest and least pretentious of fabrics, but most effective for a river fête. The chance of introducing a touch of daring colour is possible when a black and white zephyr is chosen that permits a little cherry coloured silk to figure as an outline to the soft white mousseline vest, and about the high collar of the same fabric.
That most useful adjunct, the sunshade, may be requisitioned to intensify the brightness of the cherry shade, and thus to throw up the cool black and white check of the gown.
The simpler the muslin frock the better for Henley week. White haircord and coloured dimities may prove the most successful of frocks. Then for older wearers it would be foolish to forget the very soft glossy foulards that are so useful, and Tokio silk that makes so graceful a dress for a club lawn.

Henley Regatta, Mortimer Menpes, 1906

1908: Olympic Rowing at Henley (next page on this site)

1912: King George V and Queen Mary visited the Henley Royal Regatta.

King George V and his wife Queen Mary were rowed to the Royal stand
by eight watermen in Queen Mary’s shallop,
which was built in 1689 by order of King William III for his wife, Queen Mary.
(From the Thomas E Weil Collection of the National Rowing Foundation)

Henley Royal Regatta, in 1900s?

[ The date is just a guess. Notice that the leading eight is having to turn markedly to avoid hitting spectators after the finish line.
And what happened next? I imagine the competitors had to do an emergency stop as they finished. And then as soon as the race passed, every small boat rushed onto the course! ]

Henley Royal Regatta, in 1900s?

1914: This may throw some light on the venerable tradition of badges giving access to enclosures -

HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA
The Committee wish to thank the Visitors to the Regatta last year for the support they gave to the funds by purchasing flags and badges. The numbers sold proved that this opportunity of contributing towards the expenses was appreciated.
Similar Flags and Badges bearing the words "Henley 1914" will be on sale by the authorised agents of the Committee in boats and on the banks.
Each flag will be rolled and sealed, each badge will be in a sealed envelope. Purchasers are particularly requested to assist the Committee to PREVENT FRAUD by refusing to accept either Flag or Badge with a broken seal.
The price of the Flags is 2s. 6d. each, and Badges 1s. each.
Visitors are invited to purchase these Flags and Badges and so support the Regatta.
There will be different coloured Flag and Badge for each day.
The colour of the Flags and Badges for to-day is YELLOW

1914: Henley Course between races -

Henley Royal Regatta in 1914
It was never again to look like this ...

1914: Harvard raced Leander in the Final of the Grand Challenge Cup – Harvard won – but within five years most of the Leander crew were dead, in that most bloody stupid European war, which, trivial amongst its other effects,  brought to an end so much river tradition. [ See 1964 ]
 
1915-18: No regatta during first World War.
 
1919: “Peace Regatta” with special trophies.
 
1921: Punch -

Henley Regatta 1921

1924: A shortened straight course.
 
1925: A full length straight course.
 
1920s: Punts along the boom -

Henley Regatta, 1920s

1928: Qualifying races held in the week before the Regatta to reduce the number of entries to the permitted maximum.
 
1940-44: No regatta during Second World War.
 
1945: One day “Peace Regatta” over shortened course.
 
1948: Olympic Rowing at Henley (next page on this site)

1964:  Fifty years after 1914, every member of the 1914 Grand winners, Harvard, came back to Henley and rowed the course and presented a new cup in memory of the “Gallant Fellows” they had rowed against. The reserve in 1914 was also reserve in 1964 - and still didn't get a row.
 
1975: Women coxswains first permitted
 
1986: April, the new Regatta Headquarters on the right bank immediately above Henley Bridge were opened by the Queen.
 
1986: Henley Royal Regatta  was extended to five days.
 
1987: the Regatta Stewards bought Temple Island, the famous landmark at the start of the Regatta Course. Extensive renovation of The Temple, built by James Wyatt in 1771, has been completed and the important wall paintings in the main room have regained their original appearance.
 
1988: The Stewards Charitable Trust, to encourage and support young people (still receiving education or undergoing training) to row or scull was established. By 2005 it had done so to the extent of £1.2 million.
 
1992: the Stewards acquired the small island, on the Buckinghamshire bank, upon which the boathouse of Fawley Court once stood.  There is no mooring or even stopping during regattas along this section because of the narrow width of the navigation channel between the booms and the left bank.
 
1993: the first year women competed over the Course in a full Regatta event when a new event for women single scullers was inaugurated.
 
2000: an open event for Women’s Eights was introduced
 
2001: there were new events for Women’s and Men’s Quadruple Sculls.
 
2003: Presentation of the new Princess Grace Challenge Cup for Women’s Quadruple Sculls.
 
2005: Henley Regatta, personal photos by John Eade and Doug Myers
 
2007: 4 - 8 July
Strong stream conditions added considerably to the 'length' of the course. It was being said that the flow was approximately ten times summer levels. (But note this does not imply ten times the speed of the current - presumably the weirs were managed to reduce the current as far as possible for the regatta.)
There was some question as to whether the stream at the finish favoured Berks. Certainly sitting in a punt on the boom at the finish the punt was actually making a slight wake and it appeared that the current might be slightly less on the Berks side. I can't imagine it making more than a few feet difference - but then the closest result was only one foot! It was noticeable throughout the regatta that the competitors on the Bucks side moved towards Berks whenever they could.
Between Hambleden and Marsh Locks it appeared to me that Henley Bridge is the most difficult point in high current situations.
 
2008: 2 - 6 July
I got soaked four days out of five - and I was sunburnt - and I had to punt in a higher wind than I ever remember before. An unusual announcement was final races delayed because of weather. [ There was almost a cloudburst. ]
I wonder if this is global warming - or has Henley weather always been like that? On the Sunday there was almost no crowd at Remenham (which was very crowded the day before.)
Highlights of the week include Eton rating 22 leading Bedford Modern rating 34 by three lengths.

The Stewards’ Charitable Trust was formally established by the governing body of the Regatta in June 1988. The principal objective of the Trust was to provide funds to encourage and support young people (still receiving education or undergoing training) to row or scull. In May 2003 (fifteen years after its inception) the Trust had given away over £1,000,000 in the pursuit of these aims. By the end of 2008 this figure had risen dramatically to £1,880,000.

2009: 1 - 5 July - the 160th Regatta

A new format for Finals' Day:
9.30 a.m. Regatta Church Service
11.00 a.m. Enclosure and Bars open
11.30 a.m. First Race
1.00 p.m. Luncheon Interval
2.30 p.m. Racing resumes
4.00 p.m. Last Race
4.30 p.m. Prizegiving Ceremony
7.15 p.m. Enclosure and Bars close

THE FLOATING GRANDSTAND
Members will have noticed a difference at the Finish Line this year. The old Floating Grandstand - the 'Floater' - was constructed in 1952 and served us well for nearly sixty years. Sadly an inspection by Marine Engineers has condemned the sub-structure and it will be consigned to the scrapyard in the Autumn.

As a temporary measure for this year's Regatta there is a double-decker tent unit mounted on a platform of interlocking pontoons. This offers slightly less room for Members but should only be with us for one year.

The Stewards are working with a firm of sports architects to design a suitable replacement for this iconic feature of the Royal Regatta.

1952 - 2008: The Old Floater -

The old Floater in use in 2005

The old Floater moored at Temple Island meadows ready for scrapping in 2009

The temporary replacement used in 2009

The Regatta prize giving is usually inaudible to the faithful followers on the river - so it was good this year that following the non performance of the microphones - after an embarassing silence, a loudhailer was obtained and those on the river actually heard possibly more than they usually do. In reviewing the arrangements could some thought be given to that?

The Henley Royal Regatta Public Address System (Secondary System, 2009)
One hopes Lord Coe was taking notes for 2012

2010: 30 June - 4 July
2011: 29 June - 3 July
2012: 27 June - 1 July ALWAYS CHECK DATES Do not rely on unoffical sites - even this one!

Regatta, Ashley Bryant
You can see the tension in the shoulders - and the wash at the top of the picture confirms it -
they are being beaten!

Map: Swiss Farm International Camping

400 yards from river, left bank, 01491 573419 
180 pitches, 1st March to 31st October, WC, showers, laundry, wash basins, swimming pool, fishing lake, club house, play area, games room.

Fireworks 1837 - 2008

On the Saturday evening, around 10pm, an unofficial part of the regatta is the fireworks let off on the left bank behind Fawley Meadow. Anywhere on the second half of the course is a good place to see them from. The river gets very crowded with boats mooring several deep along the booms and banks. The crowd get quite carried away ... (And some of them have to be ...) I think some people must come for this alone and see nothing of the rest of the regatta. It used to look like this -

Henley Royal Regatta Illuminations

Fireworks 2005

And the difference? In Victorian days it was people who illuminated themselves and showed off their beautiful clothes with coloured lanterns - and now its all flash and bang in the darkness - and the people are just passive spectators.

2009: The Regatta Stewards have decided not to allow the usual fireworks - following difficulties last year.

However [it was then said] the traditional fireworks would go ahead from a different site (Sham Hill, Remenham).

However the following press release was issued only two days before the day concerned:

Council reverse decision to allow Regatta Fireworks
With less than 48 hours to go until the much talked about Regatta Fireworks, Wokingham Borough Council have gone back on their decision to allow a crucial temporary footpath suspension. Wokingham Council had agreed to suspend a very small stretch of footpath for a short time either side of the display, crucial for health and safety. Everything was set to go ahead with organisers promising the best display yet only to be dashed late on Thursday by the Council’s unexplained change of heart.

Organisers stressed that thousands of people would be let down by this decision and they would be unable to notify the many people who had made plans in time – this proved to be of no interest to them.
“This decision is a blow to both the town and us as organisers” said James Brennan of Hofmanns in Henley, “To keep the minority happy to the detriment of the majority shows that our old friend, Common Sense, seems to have again been beaten.”

A Henley Standard survey showed that people in favour of the fireworks outnumber those against nearly 10 fold.
“It makes a mockery of so called democracy when one or two people can exploit loopholes in local government polices for their own purpose” said Dave Coles of A40 Fireworks.

“This is my first time as part of the Regatta Fireworks team and whilst out speaking to many local people I have learnt that the vast majority of businesses and residents support the event whole heartedly” said Angie Major of Blueberry Business. Mrs Major also highlighted lost revenue opportunities for businesses who will have specifically sold tickets for firework related events. “Banning the Fireworks diverts from the real underlying issue of licensing and yobbish behaviour which has nothing to do with the Fireworks. It is utterly disappointing“.

I am aware that the Stewards may have a lion by the tail. The commercial aspects of the regatta (over which they have little control) are powerful and intrusive. The night clubs and other attractions in the evenings are particularly of concern. The fireworks caused a massive increase in river traffic which in the evening was never particularly safe and it was becoming increasingly difficult to ensure public safety on the river. The association of the regatta with alcohol is more amongst its wide non rowing supporters than in fact a feature of rowing. Athletes in training do not consume much alcohol. Of course that might lead to difficulties when training ends and victory or defeat lead to celebrations or 'drowning ones sorrows'.

It is a good thing that there is no test or age requirement or alcohol level mandatory on those in charge of a boat and long may that continue. However its continuation relies on the good sense of all concerned - and a persistent minority seem to lack that good sense. I witnessed speeds in excess of 20mph and heavy wash breaking on the unprotected Fawley Court banks on the Saturday night in 2009.

The following morning there were launches moored (and in one case double parked) actually on the course as the early morning boats were practising. The thought of an international sculler, finalist in the Diamonds, crashing in to such a boat on the course on Sunday morning does not bear thinking about. [And it was only narrowly avoided in 2009] If we no longer have the fireworks could the "manual boats only" rule for the course and Remenham be maintained over the whole of Saturday evening and Sunday morning? This would also prevent sports boats taking passengers to the night clubs on Saturday evening which seemed to be the biggest culprits in speeding and creating wash.

Regatta Service

Henley Royal Regatta is the one great British sporting event which includes a Christian service on Sunday, (the finals day).
  At 9.30am [always used to be 10am] in Henley Parish Church there occurs what I can only describe as “Rowing Matins”.  With a full church the service starts with the National Anthem;  Anglican Chant is sung as lustily as it was fifty years previously in the chapels of the public schools by many of these very same people;  the chairman of the Stewards reads a lesson; the local choir sings beautifully; they dig out some rowing cleric to preach a sermon.  I am becoming a connoisseur of these sermons over the years.  They come in two flavours.  There is the rowing sermon and the “you are men of influence” sermon.  The rowing sermon largely centres around “we all swing together” or words to that effect.  We are reminded of the eight in the bible (St Paul talks of “the ark, wherein eight souls in all were saved” – and every rower knows coxes are damned – in the present if not in eternity).  Then there is the observation that the church is at the finish of the Henley Course.  The cox cannot see where he is going for all these hairy oars persons flailing about – but look above them and there is the church in the distance – aim for the church and you can’t go wrong.  One daring preacher used the parable of the Unrighteous Steward – but it was alright, it worked, they made him a Regatta Steward anyway. 
In 2005 we had - how to make progress seated facing backwards.  (This was, to my mind, a metaphor too far.  Christians ought to be radicals or they are nothing!)
Clearly somebody agreed because the reading on which the Bishop of Ely preached in 2006 had "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the finishing line to win the prize ..."
In 2007 Professor Gomes of Harvard preached a delightful and encouraging sermon on "Be not afraid" - the words of Christ to the oarsman on the lake in the storm when he walked on the water.
"Be not afraid" of losing or winning. "Be not afraid" in this world of fear.
In 2008 the Rector of Henley preached on that same text with a slightly different twist. His sermon was full of humour starting with the words of the Regatta Chairman (or was it God - hard to tell the difference in regatta week) - speaking of the poor painting of the regatta headquarters "Repaint, repaint and thin no more!". He ended with a splendid misquotation of the Psalm - "They that go down to the sea in boats - have gone to far and missed the start and will be disqualified by the stewards!"
Finally in the service a visiting crew (Harvard University in 2007, Stellenbosch University in 2008) takes the collection, and though we would like to sing the National Anthem again, we can’t, because we have already sung it once, and so the service ends.  There is just time to get suitably refreshed for the first race at 11.30am [used to be 12 noon].