Henley Royal Regatta main page. This page is the account of the first regatta in 1839.
1839: The Sporting Magazine. The full account of the first regatta -
HENLEY-UPON-THAMES REGATTA.
We are indebted to Bell's Life for the following graphic account of
the first Annual Regatta which took place at Henley-upon-Thames on Friday the 14th of June:
This Aquatic Festival had for some time been looked forward to with an unusual degree of interest,
and had caused considerable excitement in various parts of the country,
especially among the cutter crews at Oxford, Cambridge, and London.
Henley is a delightful town, distant about thirty-five miles west of London,
and twenty-three from Oxford.
It is situated near the base of a cluster of hills,
in one of the most splendid windings of the River Thames,
and is entered from the London road over a handsome bridge,
built, we believe, of Headington stone.
This structure, which is not excelled in simplicity of beauty and design
by any bridge on the Thames, consists of five elliptical arches,
with a handsome balustrade of stone-work.
The key-stone on each face of the centre arch is adorned with a sculptured mask
from the elegant chisel of the Hon. Mrs. Damer.
The one towards the north represents Old Father Thames,
with fishes playing in the wavy honors of his beard,
and bulrushes inserted in the fillet which binds his temples.
The mask on the reverse key-stone exhibits Isis
Her neck in whiteness rival to the snows,
Her dewy tresses floating as she flows.
The views from the bridge on either side are particularly fine,
and the meanders of the Thames abound with picturesque grace.
On the Berkshire side of the river the hills rise boldly to a loftiness of elevation
which Nature and art have united to adorn.
The beautiful domain called Park Place engrosses this portion of the view, and the plantations
on every swell and fall of the scene are disposed in aid of picturesque effect.
On the other margin of the river is the town,
and the splendid Reach below the bridge is terminated by the mansion of Fawley Court
and the Island with its beautiful temple.
With so much to admire, and the superior advantages afforded by the Thames at this part,
it has long been a matter of surprise, and we may say of reproach,
that the inhabitants have not, years since,
rendered the extensive and beautiful Reach of water available for aquatic exhibitions.
We were, therefore, much gratified when we heard that a body of the inhabitants
had determined on rescuing the town from the reproach which had been cast upon it,
and that they had spiritedly and energetically set to work in getting up an Annual Regatta,
which would reflect credit on themselves, and afford the utmost gratification
to those interested in such sports.
The Earl of Macclesfield condescended to become the Patron of it,
and the undermentioned Gentlemen kindly proferred their services as Stewards on the occasion:
viz., Thomas Stonor, W. P. W. Freeman, Edmund Gardiner, Charles Lane, E. F. Maitland,
John Fane, W. F. Maitland, Charles Stonor, and Charles Scott Murray, Esqrs.;
Sir W. R. Clayton, Sir E. G. Clayton East, and Rev. C. E. Keene.
The following Gentlemen composed the Committee:
viz., Messrs. P. and S. B. Cooper, W. H. Brakspeare, E. Young (Bell Street),
Elsee, J. Nash, C. Towsey, J. S. Plumbe, W. Plumbe, Owthwaite, H. N. Byles,
C. Kinch, H. Stubbs, and J. H. Brookes.
Messrs. J. Nash and C. Towsey consented to become the Honorary Stewards,
and the subscriptions flowed in so freely and fast that in a short time about £250 were collected.
The Committee then came to the resolution that a Silver Cup of the value of 100 guineas,
to be called the "Henley Regatta Grand Challenge Cup," be rowed for annually by such amateur crews,
in eight-oared boats, as may be duly entered and qualified,
and be held by the winner on the terms specified in the following Rules, viz.:
That any crew composed of the Members of a College of either Universities of
Oxford, Cambridge, or London, the Schools of Eton and Westminster,
the Officers of the two Brigades of Household Troops,
or of Members of a Club established at least one year previous to the time of entering,
be considered eligible.
That every boat be steered by an Amateur Member of the Club or Clubs contending for the Cup.
That all questions of eligibility, qualification, or construction of the Rules be left to the Stewards,
whose decision shall be final.
That notice be given to the Secretaries of the Regatta of any Club intending to compete for the Cup,
with the names of their Captain and Secretary, on or before the twenty-fifth day of May;
and notice thereof shall also be given by the Secretaries of the Regatta to the holders of the Cup
and to the challengers, of the number and names of the competitors.
That any objections to Clubs entered shall be made in writing to the Secretaries of the Regatta
on or before the 1st day of June;
and the Acting Stewards shall investigate the grounds of objection,
and decide thereon on or before the 8th.
That the sum of five guineas entrance money be demanded from the crew of each boat
contending for the Cup, to be paid on the day of entry.
That the entrance money be applied towards a fund for defraying any expenses incidental to the Regatta
and the purchase of Medals for the crew of the winning boat.
That the distance rowed be about one mile and a half, commencing near the Island,
and terminating at the Bridge.
That in the event of there being more than two challengers, they shall row a trial race or races,
under the arrangement of the Stewards, over the same course,
and the winner or winners of such trial race or races shall contend with the holders of the Cup;
but that no more than three boats be permitted to contend for the Cup in the Grand Race.
That an Umpire be chosen by the Stewards.
That the competitors toss for stations.
That no fouling be permitted.
That if there be four challengers, the names of the boats shall be written on separate pieces of
paper, and thrown into a hat, and the two first drawn therefrom shall contend for the first heat,
followed at such an interval as the Stewards shall direct by the remaining two boats.
The winners of these heats shall, at such an hour as may be convenient, contend for the Prize;
and that the start be directed by the firing of a pistol.
Another Rule was agreed to respecting the holding and returning of the Cup,
which is noticed elsewhere.
It was also resolved that a Cup of the value of 30gs., to be called the "Town Challenge Cup,"
together with Medals for the winning crew, should be rowed by amateurs in four-oared boats.
The utmost desire was manifested by the Oxonians to enter into competition,
as will be seen by the following entries:
ENTRANCES FOR THE GRAND CHALLENGE CUP.
Oxford: Brazenose College, [boat] Child of Hale.
Cambridge: Trinity Boat Club, Black Prince.
Oxford: The Etonian Club, Etona.
Oxford: Exeter College,.
Oxford: University Boat Club,.
Oxford: Wadham College,.
ENTRANCES FOR THE TOWN CHALLENGE CUP.
Henley: The Wave Club, The Wave.
Henley: The Dreadnought Cutter Club, The Dreadnought.
Henley: The Albion Club, The Albion.
For some days previous to the one fixed for the Regatta,
preparations were made for visiting Henley, and numerous boats from various parts
were brought into requisition.
The Members of the London Leander Club proceeded up the River on Thursday in their cutter,
and arrived at Henley early on Friday morning: an eight, manned by Cambridge Gentlemen,
was also taken from Searle's:
and a new and beautifully light four, built by Springett,
containing Mr. Layton and two other Members of the London Scullers' Club,
and Phelps the waterman, went from Putney:
a well-known patron of the sports likewise rowed up in a four,
accompanied by Charles, William, and Henry Campbell;
and many other boats from London, Oxford, and other places, assembled at Henley.
The Stewards and Committee of Management met several times in the early part of the week,
and made numerous excellent arrangements.
Many of the inhabitants also busied themselves in erecting Stands for the visitors,
and up to the day of the Regatta extensive preparations were being made to ensure both accommodation
and comfort, the gentlemen of the Corporation attending to see that
the stands and booths were properly and firmly erected.
The Stewards' Stand was in front of Mr. Cooper's house on the Thames side,
and that Gentleman set apart a room for their exclusive use.
Altogether there were seats for about 10,000 persons,
and the innkeepers looked forward for a rich harvest.
The morning of Friday, unfortunately however, was extremely unpropitious,
the rain descending heavily for many hours.
About eight o'clock the town of Henley was visited by a tremendous storm,
accompanied by loud peals of thunder and extremely vivid flashes of lightning,
and we regret to state that the electric fluid entered Mr. Cooper's house in Bell Street,
when the chimney fell, and a number of the windows were broken.
One of the working men was knocked down, as were two or three other persons in the town,
but happily they sustained no serious injury.
The state of the weather prevented a vast number of persons being present,
and many of the Stands were in consequence but thinly attended.
Still several thousand spectators assembled, and, despite of the rain,
carriages and other vehicles continued to arrive up to the time fixed
for the rowing to commence in which were a vast number of the fair sex.
As the day advanced the weather became finer, and the lovely meadows on the side of the Thames
were thronged with visitors.
The London and Oxford steamer, with her paddles at her stern,
brought a number of both sexes from the classic city,
and barges and other craft well filled with company were moored close in shore
on the Bucks side of the river.
"Guard-boats" were employed by the Committee to keep the course clear for the rowers,
and the order and regularity observed throughout by all parties deserve the greatest praise.
The Committee met at the Town-hall about twelve o'clock, when the Captains of the contending boats
attended to toss for the choice of stations, &c. Mr. Bishop, of the Leander Club,
undertook the office of Umpire, and he was assisted in his arrangements of starting the boats, &c.
by Messrs. Higgins and H. Gibson, Members of the same Club.
In addition to these gentlemen, Messrs. Pollock, Dalgleish, and others came up in the Leander boat.
Previous to the Regatta, and also between the various heats,
a number of gentlemen were invited to partake of excellent cold collations
at the residences of Messrs. Brakspeare, Nash, Hickman, Stubbs, and other gentlemen of the Committee,
all of whom evinced an anxious desire to afford every accommodation and comfort
to their numerous visitors.
The Cups were displayed on the Stewards' Stand, and excited universal admiration.
The grand one, value lOO g[uinea]s., is truly classic,
and the symbolical allusions are in perfect order and keeping with the subject
they are intended to illustrate. From a rich and boldly chased foot springs a stem composed of
water-lilies and bulrushes, on which the Cup is supported.
The form which the manufacturers have given to it is that of the celebrated Warwick Vase.
One side is occupied with a recumbent figure of "Old Father Thames,"
which is beautifully designed and chiselled.
The handles, which also represent aquatic productions elegantly twined together,
spring from heads typifying Thames and Isis;
and the border which surrounds the upper edge of the Cup completes a classic treatment throughout,
by being formed of the flowers and plants which adorn the noble River.
The Town Cup is scarcely inferior to the other in beauty of design.
In this the figure of Thames is represented holding in each hand a garland of aquatic flowers,
which is made to intersect the bulb or lower part of the Cup.
Two swans are appropriately attached to the sides, their necks forming novel
but very ingenious handles.
Both Cups were designed and executed by Makepiece and Co., Silversmiths, Lincoln's Inn,
and do great credit to that firm.
At four o'clock the signal was given for the commencement of the various contests,
which we shall describe in the order in which they were rowed,
first informing our readers, however,
that neither the Exeter nor the University Club boats of Oxford entered into competition.
FIRST HEAT FOR THE GRAND CUP.
The Oxford Etonian Club and the Brasenose College Crew, also of Oxford, contended in this heat.
The names of the Gentlemen composing the crew are as follow:
[I have placed these in conventional order]
Bow 2 3 4 5 6 7 Stroke Cox |
[Oxford] ETONIAN CLUB J Sealy, Merton S H Northcote, Baliol R Elwes, Christ Church W J Garnett, Christ Church W Rogers, Baliol E Boscawen, Christ Church P L Powys, Baliol S E Maberley, Christ Church E Clayton, Christ Church |
Bow 2 3 4 5 6 7 Stroke Cox |
[OXFORD] BRAZENOSE J W Empson R W Lowry G Meynell W E Buckley R G Walls W Lea J C Paxton G Sandback W B Garnett |
The Etonian crew were dressed in white guernseys, with pale blue facings;
rosette, sky blue.
Brazenose had blue striped guernseys, blue cap with gold tassel;
rosette, yellow, purple, and crimson.
The latter crew had the choice of station, and of course took the inside berth.
The start in each heat was from the Island, and the distance rowed was down,
through Henley Bridge, being one mile and about 6OO yards.
On the signal being given they went away in excellent order,
and were oar and oar for half the distance, when the Etonian crew began to show a-head,
and they ultimately won by about six boats' lengths.
SECOND HEAT FOR THE GRAND CUP.
The Wadham College (Oxford) and the Trinity Club (Cambridge) were engaged in this heat.
Bow 2 3 4 5 6 7 Stroke Cox |
CAMBRIDGE [TRINITY CLUB] W R Gough W W Smyth S B T Taylor J G Londale C Penrose W C Strickland W A Cross W Massey H D Barclay |
Bow 2 3 4 5 6 7 Stroke Cox |
OXFORD [WADHAM COLLEGE] Nevinson Zincke Gepp H Fox H Branker Tuffnell Messiter Reeve Hill |
The Oxford Gentlemen were thus attired :White guernsey, with narrow blue stripes,
dark blue cap, with light blue velvet band, and light blue scarf.
The Cambridge wore blue striped guernseys ; rosette, French blue.
The toss for choice of station was won by Oxford.
This contest proved far superior to the first.
Oar and oar was the order of rowing down to Phyllis Court Point,
where Cambridge shewed rather a-head, but were not sufficiently in advance
as to lead their friends to suppose for one moment that the race was safe.
The struggle on both sides was kept up in the most manly and determined manner,
and excited the utmost interest, Cambridge, however, succeeded in reaching the goal first,
the Oxonians being so close upon them at the finish that their boat nearly touched
that of their opponents.
Both crews were apparently much distressed.
OARS MATCH BY THE LONDON WATERMEN.
The Leander Gentlemen, with that liberality which has so frequently distinguished them,
set on foot a subscription for an Oars Match among the London watermen,
and £12 being quickly collected, the following men took their stations at the Bridge,
to row thence up to the Island and back :
1. W. Campbell and Barrow ... Blue.
2. T. Pyner and J. Williams ... Yellow.
3. H. Campbell and J. Phelps Med.
Barrow and his partner took the lead at starting, followed by Williams and Pyner;
but the others soon overhauled them, and at the Point went in advance.
It was a pretty close contest up to the Island,
but in returning Phelps and his coadjutor had it all their own way, and won cleverly,
Williams and Pyner being second, and the others many boats' lengths astern.
Williams stated that he broke his thoul shortly after starting.
CONTEST FOR THE TOWN CHALLENGE CUP.
The Match by the Town crews had long been the subject of much interest and speculation
among the residents at Henley; each had their favorites.
The Albion Club was, we heard, formed expressly for this contest, and,
although they had not had a great deal of practice, many freely backed them.
They came to their stations at the Island as follows, to row to the Bridge :
Bow 2 3 Stroke Cox |
THE ALBION Webb Sandy Cooper Stewart Jones |
Bow 2 3 Stroke Cox |
THE WAVE Mapleton Young Morgan Allnut Cooper |
Bow 2 3 Stroke Cox |
THE DREADNOUGHT Ive Johnson Owthwaite Forest Oxley |
The race was admirably contested, and afforded the utmost gratification to the vast assemblage
of spectators. At starting the Dreadnought went away with the lead,
followed by the Albion; and when about a third of the distance was rowed,
the former gave way to the latter.
At the Point, however, the Wave came out and headed the others, which position she held
the remaining distance.
The contest between the Albion and Dreadnought was so close a one that the Umpire declared it
to be a dead heat between these two boats, which were excellently well up with the winning
cutter at the finish.
FINAL HEAT FOR THE GRAND CUP.
The Etonian Oxford boat and the Trinity of Cambridge, as the winners of the first and second heats
for the 100 guineas Challenge Cup, being entitled to contend in the third or grand heat,
they came to their stations at the Island shortly after seven o'clock.
It would be impossible to describe the interest which this final struggle excited in the minds
of the University Gentlemen, hundreds of whom started over to the meadows in order to follow
the boats throughout their course.
From the fact of the second heat having been rowed in less time than the first,
many of the Oxonians conceived the Etonian crew would come off victorious,
but the general betting was 5 to 4 on Cambridge.
The heat proved one of the best and severest ever witnessed.
Cambridge had the inside station, and, after much caution was displayed on both sides
that neither should have the advantage of the other on starting,
they went away in a most gallant and determined style, the partisans of each
cheering them in almost deafening shouts as they proceeded.
Down to the Point each had alternately the lead, but it was so trifling
that they may be considered as oar and oar.
Shortly afterwards, however, Cambridge evidently had the lead,
but their opponents were so very close to them that many considered
that the Oxonians would eventually prove triumphant.
By great exertion, however, and after a tremendous struggle the Cantabs were declared
the victors by half a boat's length.
This heat was so beautifully contested throughout that the London Gents declared
that they would go fifty miles to witness such another.
The distance was rowed by the winners in eight minutes and about thirty seconds.
Both crews were evidently "baked" at the conclusion.
Brazenose appeared to us to be the heavier crew, but for size and height perhaps the VVadham
had the preference. For strength the Trinity had the lead;
but for uniformity of appearance and equality of seat and stroke we should say the Etonian
carried off the palm; decidedly, however, the Trinity shewed more muscle, more iron, more devil.
Had not the Etonian crew taken so great an affection for the Henley shore,
we think it would have puzzled the Umpire to have named the winner.
At the conclusion of the Regatta the Cambridge Gentlemen attended in the Committee Room,
and received the 100 guineas Cup, they first having signed a document binding themselves
to return the same to the Stewards on the annual entrance day, the 25th of May 1840.
Each of the crew also received a handsome Silver Medal, round which was inscribed
"Grand Challenge Cup Prize Medal," the Cup in bold relief, and admirably executed,
being in the centre.
On the reverse were the words "Henley Regatta, established 1839," and a wreath of aquatic flowers.
The Wave crew also received the Town Cup and Medals, and the winners in both contests
were complimented on their victory.
The Committee expressed themselves deeply indebted to Mr. Bishop and the rest of the
Leander Gentlemen for their exertions throughout the day.
In the evening there was a splendid display of fire-works on the River.
We cannot conclude our account without expressing our admiration at the manner
in which the whole arrangements were carried out by the Committee of Management.
No Regatta, in fact, could have given greater satisfaction;
and, as it may now be considered to be fairly established,
we trust that it will continue to flourish for a long series of years.
(Back to Henley Royal Regatta)
Estuary
PLA
QEII Br
Barrier
Tower Br
Custom Ho
London Br
; Frost Fairs
Cannon St Rb
The Great Stink
Southwark Br
Millenium Br
Blackfriars Rb
Blackfriars Br
Waterloo Br
Charing Cross Rb
Westminster Br
Lambeth Br
Vauxhall Br
Victoria Rb
Chelsea Br
Albert Br
Battersea Br
Battersea Rb
Wandsworth Br
Fulham Rb
Putney Br
Hammersmith Br
Barnes Rb
Chiswick Br
Kew Rb
Kew Br
RICHMOND
Twickenham Br
Richmond Rb
Richmond Br
TEDDINGTON
Kingston Rb
Kingston Br
Ditton Slip
Hampton Br
MOLESEY
SUNBURY
Walton Br
Desborough Cut
SHEPPERTON
Chertsey Br
CHERTSEY
M3 Br
Laleham Slip
PENTON HOOK
Staines Rb
Staines Br
Runnymede Br
BELL WEIR
Magna Carta Is
OLD WINDSOR
Albert Br
Datchet
Victoria Br
Black Potts Rb
ROMNEY
Eton
Windsor Br
Windsor Rb
Windsor Slip
Elizabeth Br
BOVENEY
Dorney Lake
York Cut
Summerleaze Fb
MonkeyIsland
New Thames Br
BRAY
Bray Slip
Maidenhead Rb
Maidenhead Br
Below Boulters
BOULTERS
Cliveden
Hedsor
COOKHAM
Cookham Slip
Cookham Br
BourneEnd RFb
Quarry Woods
A404 Br
MARLOW
Marlow Br
Bisham
TEMPLE
HURLEY
Medmenham
Culham Ct
Aston Slip
HAMBLEDEN
Temple Is
Fawley Ct
Remenham
Regatta
Phyllis Ct
Henley Slip
Leander
Red Lion
Henley Br
Angel on Br
Landing
Hobbs Boatyard
Hobbs Slipway
MARSH
Hennerton
Bolney
Wargrave
Shiplake Rb
R.Loddon
SHIPLAKE
Sonning Br
SONNING
Dreadnought
K&A Canal
CAVERSHAM
Reading Br
Caversham Br
Reading Slip
Purley
MAPLEDURHAM
Hardwick Ho
Whitchurch Br
WHITCHURCH
Hartswood Reach
Gatehampton Rb
Goring Gap
Goring Br
GORING
Swan
CLEEVE
Moulsford
Moulsford Rb
Papist Way Slip
Winterbrook Br
Wallingford Br
BENSON
Shillingford Br
R.Thame
DAYS
Burcot
Clifton Hampden
Clifton Church
Clifton H Br
Barley Mow
Long Wittenham
CLIFTON
Appleford Rb
Sutton Courtenay
Sutton Br
CULHAM
Culham Cut Fb
Abingdon Slip
Abingdon
Abingdon Br
ABINGDON
Nuneham Rb
Nuneham
Nuneham Park
Radley Boats
SANDFORD
Rose Island
Kennington Rb
Isis Br
Iffley Mill
IFFLEY
Oxford Rowing
Isis
Donnington Br
Riverside Slip
Boathouses
Punting
Lower Cherwell
Upper Cherwell
Islip
Head of River
Salters Steamers
Folly Br
Bacons Folly
Oxford Fb
Osney Fb
Weir stream
Osney Rb
Bullstake Stream
Osney Marina
OSNEY
Osney Br
Four Rivers
OLD RIVER
CANAL
Medley Weir Site
Medley Fb
Bossoms
Perch
Trout
GODSTOW
Godstow Nunnery
Godstow Br
Thames Br
KINGS
River Evenlode
EYNSHAM
Swinford Br
Oxford Cruisers
PINKHILL
Farmoor
Stanton Harcourt
Bablock Slip
Arks Weir Site
NORTHMOOR
Harts Fb
//Rose Revived
Newbridge
//Maybush
River Windrush
below Shifford
SHIFFORD
Shifford Fb
Tenfoot Fb
Trout Inn
Tadpole Br
RUSHEY
Old Mans Fb
RADCOT
Radcot Cradle Fb
Swan Inn
Radcot New Br
Radcot Old Br
GRAFTON
Eaton Hastings
Kelmscott
Eaton Fb
BUSCOT
Bloomers Hole Fb
Trout Inn
St Johns Br
ST JOHNS
Halfpenny Br
Marina Slip
LIMIT
Inglesham
Hannington Br
Kempsford
Castle Eaton Br
Marston Meysey
A419 Br
Cricklade
SOURCE?
THAMES HEAD
SEVEN SPRINGS