We all know about the Oxford/Cambridge boat race, but it certainly isn’t the first such race on the Thames. We also have the “Doggett’s Coat and Badge”, which still boasts an unbroken record since 1715. It takes place on 31 July every year.
I confess I had never heard of this race, but if you go to this article you can find out about it and read some interesting facts about the Thames boatmen and Old London Bridge, starting in the early 16th century.
I wonder how the boatmen of the medieval period would have fared in such a race? It would be interesting to find out, but alas, that can never be.
murreyandblue 