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To row or not to row
Rowing and sculling are terms which are often mixed up. Two oars are normally used by someone who sculls, whereas one oar is held with both hands by someone who is rowing.
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A Thames Skiff |
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The Thames Skiff
The elegant Thames Skiff is a design that became very popular in the late 19th, and early 20th centuries. The style has remained almost unchanged since Viking times. The seats are fixed, and each of the crew uses two oars, and so they are powered by sculling. Skiffs are well designed for racing, but still comfortable enough for touring. Jerome K. Jerome's three men in a boat used a camping skiff, which was an adaptation allowing a canopy to be erected at night.
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Eights, fours and pairs
Boats that are designed purely for racing are normally referred to as eights, fours or pairs. They differ from skiffs in two main respects. Each crew member uses only one oar, held with both hands, and sits on a sliding seat. The boats are normally fitted with metal riggers, extending out on both sides, which connect the oars to the boat. The increased leverage of each stroke results in greater speed.
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Spectators 1922 |
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Racing
For centuries, racing has been a popular pursuit for those on the river, and for spectators on the banks, The newspaper article displayed here from 1832 shows a local event in Richmond
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Grand regatta at Richmond |
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Friday was the day appointed for the contest between sixteen watermen for the ninth annual prize wherry... and Richmond never boasted of a more fashionable assemblage. The prize-boat, built by Chillingworth of Vauxhall-bridge was rowed about; and her splendid appearance excited much admiration. The following men were placed from buoys above Richmond-bridge, to row down round a boat moored near Lord Cassillis's mansion, Isleworth, return up the Richmond shore, round a boat moored of the Duke of Buccleugh's, through Richmond-bridge to the stairs at Castle Tavern
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A cat's tale, 1815
As can be seen from the newspaper article below from 1815, our feline friends may also take to the river.
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A fine tortoiseshell cat was on Friday morning seen approaching London Bridge, peaceably sealed in a large bowl dish. As she advanced towards the fall, every one anticipated that she would be overturned and precipitated into the stream. She kept her seat however, with great presence of mind, and amidst loud cheers, shot the centre arch with as much dexterity as the most experienced waterman. A boy hearing her voice shortly after.... rowed towards her and took her into his wherry, when he found around her neck a parchment scroll, stating that she had come from Richmond Bridge...... It turned out that the voyage was undertaken for a wager between two Richmond Gentlemen.
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Extraordinary navigation |
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Introduction
Rowing
