Rowing races
The earliest formal rowing race on the Thames was started by Thomas Doggett in 1715. Since then many other rowing races and regattas have taken place on the river.
Following the same idea as Doggett’s race, some of these offered a waterman’s coat with a decorative silver arm badge as the prize. Others had prize cups, medals or skiff backboards specially painted to commemorate the event.
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 Three silver prize arm badges. © NMM | |
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| A skiff backboard won at the Greenwich Regatta of 1852. © NMM | |
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| Skiff backboard, Royal Victoria Albert Docks Regatta, 1886. © NMM | |
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| Prize backboard from skiff Jennie, Greenwich Regatta, 1888. © NMM | |
Generations of racers
Often, watermen passed down their skills from father to son for generations, so that particular families became well known on the Thames for their rowing prowess. Freemen of the Watermen’s Company have gone on to become champion sportsmen, Trade Union leaders, Lord Mayors of London and Members of Parliament.
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| Frederick Dawson, waterman and lighterman (1863-1911). © NMM | |
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| Thames waterman’s gold prize medal. © NMM | |
The Great River Race
The Watermen’s Company still encourages competitive rowing on the Thames. The annual Great River Race, which started in 1987, is open to all crews rowing in small traditional boats of every type.
One of the rules is that at least one passenger must be carried. This is a modern reminder of the waterman’s historic role in London’s river transport.
The race is rowed over a 35-kilometre (22 miles) course from Richmond to Greenwich. Traditional style Thames watermen’s racing cutters always compete in the race, pulled by up to six rowers. These boats can also be adapted as ceremonial barges for river events. Modern replicas of a royal shallop and a waterman’s wherry usually compete in the race as well.
Useful links:
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