The Boat Race 1829

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1st Boat Race
Henley Bridge.JPG
Henley Bridge, the finish of the 1st Boat Race
Date10 June 1829 (1829-06-10)
WinnerOxford
Margin of victory"easily"
Winning time14 minutes 30 seconds
Overall record
(Cambridge–Oxford)		0–1
UmpireCyril Page (Oxford)
John Stuart Roupell (Cambridge)
1836 →

The 1st Boat Race took place at Henley-on-Thames on 10 June 1829. The race came about following a challenge laid down to the University of Oxford by University of Cambridge "to row a match at or near London, each in an eight-oared boat during the ensuing Easter vacation". [1] Oxford wore dark blue jerseys while Cambridge wore "white with pink waistbands". [2] In front of a crowd estimated to be around 20,000, and according to the official record, Oxford won the race "easily" in a time of 14 minutes 30 seconds. The Boat Race became an annual fixture, and as of 2022, has been contested 167 times.

Contents

Background

Eight rowing had been popular at the University of Oxford for a number of years before a club was established at the University of Cambridge around 1827. At a meeting of the Cambridge University Boat Club in February 1829, it was decided to challenge Oxford "to row a match at or near London, each in an eight-oared boat during the ensuing Easter vacation". [1] The race was deferred to the summer, as rowing did not start at Oxford until after Easter, [3] and scheduled for 10 June 1829 for a prize of 500 guineas. [1] [4] During the pre-race betting, Cambridge were the favourites to win the race. [5]

Oxford wore a dark blue check outfit for the race, while Cambridge wore white with pink waistbands. The two boats were said to be "very handsome, and wrought in a superior style of workmanship" by The Morning Post ; Oxford's green boat was built by Stephen Davies and Isaac King of Oxford, and was slightly the shorter, measuring 44 feet (13 m). Cambridge's pink boat was 18 inches (0.46 m) longer, and built by Searle of Westminster. [6] [7] The umpires for the race were Mr Cyril Page (for Oxford) and Mr John Stuart Roupell (for Cambridge). Should the umpires disagree about any aspect of the race, they had recourse to consult the referee, whose name was not recorded. [8] [9]

Crews

The Cambridge crew weighed an average of 11  st 1.75  lb (70.5 kg); as the records for the Oxford crew are incomplete, no average weight can be calculated. [10]

Charles Wordsworth.jpg
Charles Merivale.jpg
Oxford's Charles Wordsworth (left) and Cambridge's Charles Merivale (right) both rowed at number four for their respective university.
SeatCambridge
University of Cambridge coat of arms.svg 		Oxford
Oxford-University-Circlet.svg
NameCollegeWeightNameCollegeWeight
Bow A. B. E. Holdsworth 1st Trinity 10 st 7 lbJ. Carter St John's
2A. F. Bayford Trinity Hall 10 st 8E. J. Arbuthnot Balliol
3C. Warren 2nd Trinity 10 st 10J. E. Bates Christ Church
4 C. Merivale Lady Margaret Boat Club 11 st 0 lb C. Wordsworth Christ Church 11 st 10 lb
5Thos. Entwistle Trinity Hall 11 st 4 lbJ. J. Toogood Balliol 14 st 10 lb
6W. T. Thompson Jesus 11 st 10 lb T. F. Garnier Worcester
7 G. A. Selwyn St John's 11 st 13 lbG. B. Moore Christ Church 12 st 4 lb
Stroke W. Snow (P) Lady Margaret Boat Club 11 st 4 lb T. Staniforth (C) Christ Church 12 st 0 lb
Cox B. R. Heath Trinity 9 st 4.75 lbW. R. Fremantle Christ Church 8 st 2 lb
Source: [2] [11]
(P) – boat club president [12]
(C) – crew captain [13]

Race

The course of the inaugural Boat Race started at Hambleden Lock and ended at Henley Bridge. River Thames Hambleden Lock to Henley EN.svg
The course of the inaugural Boat Race started at Hambleden Lock and ended at Henley Bridge.

The course for the race was a 2.25-mile (3.62 km) stretch of the River Thames between Hambleden Lock and Henley Bridge. [14] Cambridge won the toss and elected to start on the Berkshire side of the river, handing the Buckinghamshire side to Oxford. [15] According to the author William Fisher MacMichael, "it was as fine a day as our climate allows a June day to be." [14] The race had originally been scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. but this was altered to 7:00 p.m. and was further delayed. Upon the start of the race, by which time around 20,000 people were reckoned to be in attendance to watch, the Oxford boat was steered close to the Cambridge boat, forcing it to row close to the shore. This drew complaints from the Cambridge crew, who insisted that the race be restarted. The Oxford crew relented, and the race began for the second time at 7:55 p.m. [16] In the early stages of the race, the two crews were evenly matched, but after they passed an island in the river, Oxford drew ahead. [6]

Once they had passed the island, and were in the main flow of the river, the Oxford crew demonstrated their strength. The Morning Post report of the race records that both crews "put out the strength of their arms in excellent style", and although the Cambridge boat maintained a higher stroke rate, Oxford maintained their lead throughout the rest of the race. [6] Their margin of victory is variously reported as being between two and four lengths (although is recorded officially as "easily"), [17] in a time reported variously between 14 minutes and 14 minutes 30 seconds. [6] [16] [17]

Legacy

The event, subsequently referred to as The Boat Race, or the University Boat Race, was held for a second time seven years later, in 1836 on the River Thames. It was then held intermittently until the 1856 race, after which it became an annual event, interrupted only by the First, and Second World Wars and the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2021, 166 Boat Races have been contested; Cambridge lead overall with 85 victories to Oxford's 80, excluding the one "dead heat" recorded in the 1877 race. [17]

Related Research Articles

The 2nd Boat Race took place on the River Thames on 17 June 1836. It was the first of the University Boat Races to be held in London, on a five-and-three-quarter-mile stretch between Westminster and Putney. For the first time, Cambridge sported light blue livery in the form of a ribbon on their boat while Oxford rowed in dark blue jerseys. In a race umpired by Lord Loftus and Mr Hiceson, Cambridge won the race by 20 lengths to level the overall record at 1–1.

The 3rd Boat Race took place on the River Thames on 3 April 1839. It was the second of the University Boat Races to be held on the River Thames, this time between Westminster and Putney. Cambridge had competed against Leander Club in 1837 and 1838; it had been three years since Oxford and Cambridge raced against one another. Representatives of both universities and an independent referee oversaw the proceedings. Cambridge won the race by 35 lengths, as of 2023 the largest winning margin in the history of the event.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Boat Race 1841</span> Oxford versus Cambridge rowing race

The 5th Boat Race took place on the River Thames on 14 April 1841. It was the fourth of the University Boat Races, a side-by-side rowing competition between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, to be contested in London. The race was held between Westminster Bridge and Putney Bridge and was won by Cambridge, whose crew featured two pairs of brothers rowing, who defeated Oxford by a distance of 22 lengths in a time of 32 minutes and 30 seconds. The victory took the overall record in the event to 4–1 in Cambridge's favour.

The 16th Boat Race took place on 15 April 1859. Held annually, the event is a side-by-side rowing race between crews from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge along the River Thames. The race went ahead following Cambridge's request for a postponement due to extremely rough conditions being rejected. Oxford won the race after Cambridge sank. It was the first time in the history of the event that one of the crews did not finish the race.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Boat Race 1920</span> Oxford versus Cambridge rowing race

The 72nd Boat Race took place on 27 March 1920. Generally held annually, the Boat Race is a side-by-side rowing race between crews from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge along the River Thames. As a result of the First World War, this was the first race for six years: Oxford went into the race as reigning champions, having won the previous race held in 1914. Both universities had participated in various Peace Regattas in 1919. In this year's race, umpired by former rower Frederick I. Pitman, Cambridge won by four lengths in a time of 21 minutes 11 seconds. The victory took the overall record to 39–32 in Oxford's favour.

The 6th Boat Race took place on the River Thames on 11 June 1842. The Boat Race is a side-by-side rowing race between crews from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. In a race substantially interrupted by river traffic, Oxford beat Cambridge by a distance of 4+1⁄2 lengths.

The 7th Boat Race took place on the River Thames on 17 March 1845. The Boat Race is a side-by-side rowing race between crews from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. It was the first time the event was contested along The Championship Course, from Putney to Mortlake. The race was won by Cambridge who beat Oxford by a distance of ten lengths.

The 8th Boat Race between crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge took place on the River Thames on 3 April 1846. Umpired by Charles Jasper Selwyn, Cambridge won in a time of 21 minutes 5 seconds, with a winning margin of three lengths. The race was held on the ebb tide, starting in Mortlake and ending in Putney. For the first time, outriggers were used by both crews.

The 12th Boat Race took place on the River Thames on 8 April 1854. Typically held annually, the event is a side-by-side rowing race between crews from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The race was won by Oxford who triumphed over Cambridge by seven lengths.

The 13th Boat Race took place on the River Thames on 15 March 1856. Typically held annually, the event is a side-by-side rowing race between crews from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The race, the second to be held on the ebb tide, was won by Cambridge who beat Oxford by half a length.

The 15th Boat Race took place on the River Thames on 27 March 1858. Typically held annually, the event is a side-by-side rowing race between crews from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The 1858 race, disrupted by poor rowing and a collision with a barge, was won by Cambridge, who defeated Oxford by 7+1⁄2 lengths in a time of 21 minutes 23 seconds.

The 19th Boat Race between crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge took place on the River Thames on 12 April 1862. Oxford won by 10 lengths in a time of 24 minutes and 34 seconds, taking the overall record to 10–9 in Cambridge's favour.

The 20th Boat Race between crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge took place on the River Thames on 28 March 1863. Oxford won by 15 lengths in a time of 23 minutes 6 seconds. It took the overall record to ten wins each, the first time since the 1836 race that the scores were level. The race was the third to be held on the ebb tide, along the Championship Course in reverse, from Mortlake to Putney. It was the first time since the race was held in the fashion since the 1856 race.

The 22nd Boat Race between crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge took place on the River Thames on 8 April 1865. Oxford won by four lengths in a time of 21 minutes 24 seconds. The race, described as "one of the most sensational races in this history" thus far, was umpired by Joseph William Chitty. It was the first time that a crew had won the Boat Race having been behind at Hammersmith Bridge.

The 24th Boat Race between crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge took place on the River Thames on 13 April 1867. In a race where the lead was exchanged several times, Oxford won by half a length in a time of 22 minutes and 39 seconds. The victory took the overall record to 14–10 in Oxford's favour.

The 25th Boat Race between crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge took place on the River Thames on 4 April 1868. Oxford won by six lengths in a time of 20 minutes and 56 seconds, taking the overall record to 15–10 in their favour. Oxford cox Charles Tottenham became the first person in the history of the event to win five Boat Races, and Cambridge saw their first non-British rower compete.

The 26th Boat Race between crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge took place on the River Thames on 17 March 1869. Oxford won by three lengths in a time of 20 minutes and 4 seconds. It was their ninth consecutive victory and was, at that point, the fastest time ever recorded in the event.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Boat Race 1870</span> Oxford versus Cambridge rowing race

The 27th Boat Race between crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge took place on the River Thames on the 6 April 1870. Cambridge won by 1+1⁄2 lengths in a time of 22 minutes 4 seconds, their first victory since the 1860 race.

The 59th Boat Race took place on 22 March 1902. Held annually, the Boat Race is a side-by-side rowing race between crews from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge along the River Thames. Although Oxford used swivel rowlocks for the first time in the history of the race, Cambridge won by five lengths in a time of 19 minutes 9 seconds. The victory took the overall record to 33–25 in Oxford's favour.

The 64th Boat Race took place on 16 March 1907. Held annually, the Boat Race is a side-by-side rowing race between crews from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge along the River Thames. Cambridge were reigning champions, having won the previous year's race, and more than half their crew had already participated in the event. In a race umpired by Frederick I. Pitman, Cambridge won by 4+1⁄2 lengths in a time of 20 minutes 26 seconds. It was their second consecutive victory and their fifth win in six races, taking the overall record in the event to 34–29 in Oxford's favour.

References

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 "Boat Race – Origins". The Boat Race Company Ltd. Archived from the original on 27 October 2014. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  2. 1 2 MacMichael, p. 37.
  3. ↑ MacMichael, pp. 33–34.
  4. ↑ "Sporting Intelligence" . Leamington Spa Chronicle. 30 May 1829. p. 4. Retrieved 6 April 2015– via British Newspaper Archive.
  5. ↑ "Grand Rowing Match" . Berkshire Chronicle . 13 June 1829. p. 3. Retrieved 6 April 2015– via British Newspaper Archive.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "The Grand Rowing Match at Henley" . The Morning Post . 15 June 1829. p. 3. Retrieved 6 April 2015– via British Newspaper Archive.
  7. ↑ "Oxford 1829 Boat". National Historic Ships. Archived from the original on 13 April 2015. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
  8. ↑ Burnell, p. 49.
  9. ↑ Drinkwater, pp. 11–12.
  10. ↑ Drinkwater, p.13.
  11. ↑ Dodd, p. 286.
  12. ↑ Burnell, p. 51.
  13. ↑ Burnell, p. 50.
  14. 1 2 MacMichael, p. 34.
  15. ↑ MacMichael, p. 36.
  16. 1 2 "Grand Rowing Match between the Oxonians and Cantabs" . The Morning Chronicle . 13 June 1829. p. 4. Retrieved 6 April 2015– via British Newspaper Archive.
  17. 1 2 3 "Boat Race – Results". The Boat Race Company Limited. Archived from the original on 12 July 2016. Retrieved 8 April 2015.

Bibliography

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