Racing on the River Thames at Reading

The town of Reading can boast two regattas that began in the Victorian era and run to this day. Reading Amateur Regatta began as ‘Reading Regatta’ in 1842 and Reading Town Regatta began as Reading Working Men’s Regatta in 1877. In fact, Reading now has three different regattas, with the addition of the Thames Valley Park Regatta in 1990.

Reading Amateur Regatta

Early years

Reading Regatta began just three years after the first Henley Regatta. It has used the same course, on the reach above Caversham Lock, throughout its history.

In its early years the regatta had mixed fortunes, often due to financial difficulties. In 1844 it became the smaller Caversham Regatta, but was revived in 1870 by Reading Rowing Club (formed just three years earlier) as the Reading and Caversham Regatta. Then, within five years the regatta had petered out again. However, it was not long until the regatta was revived once more, in 1877. A meeting was held at the Upper Ship Hotel to discuss the question of holding the regatta again at Caversham:

20^th century

From 1894 the regatta was held on the August Bank holiday and the early part of the 20^th century saw the event well established on this holiday weekend for some years. More events were included to add to the atmosphere, including concerts and Morris dancers, and the enclosure was illuminated with fairy lights and Chinese lanterns.

In the inter-war years, the regatta grew and benefitted from the help of the new Reading University College Boat Club.

“It may be confidently stated that Reading amateur Regatta is, in rowing circles, considered one of the important meetings on the Thames, and those who come to visit it may be certain that they will see rowing of a high standard and very keen racing”. 

-D/EX1192/5 - Report of Committee at the Reading Regatta AGM, 1935.

In 1954 the Clinker Boat Regatta, a subsidiary event, was launched to provide racing on the Whitsun Bank Holiday:

Highlights in 1957 and 1960 were ‘live’ broadcasts by the BBC, revealed in the annual reports held here at the RBA (D/EX1192/13).

Modern day 

In 1992 the Regatta celebrated its ‘Sesquicentenary’ - its 150th anniversary. A reception was held at Reading Rowing Club and there was a special celebration event at that year’s regatta specially sanctioned by the Amateur Rowing Association.

Whilst Reading Regatta originally aimed to provide a day's amusement for the people of the town, now it provides a valuable service for British rowing. Now ‘Reading Amateur Regatta,’ it has gone from strength to strength, attracting top crews from the UK.

Reading Working Men’s Regatta

Early years

1877 saw the start of the alternative Reading Working Men's Regatta. This was located on a lower reach of the Thames.

Although at this time rowing was split along class lines, it was not exclusively an upper and middle class sport and the working men's regatta reflected this. The Palmer family, of Huntley and Palmers biscuit fame, were benefactors of the event for many years.

On 24th July 1880, the Reading Mercury reported: ‘the attendance of the public was very large, between 3000 and 4000 persons being present, including many gentlemen of influence’.

Life-saving

At the Working Men’s Regatta in July 1886, a man named William Chaplin, whilst standing up in a boat during the distribution of prizes, overbalanced himself and fell into the river. He was saved by one of the young men, William Knight, who had just won a prize:

Knight was later awarded with a bronze medal and certificate by the Royal Humane Society in recognition of his bravery.

Turn of the century

By 1899, the Berkshire Chronicle was reporting on the success of the Reading Tradesmen’s Rowing Club and the Huntley & Palmers biscuit factory employees at the event:

Modern Day

Alan Palmer, the last member of the Palmer family to be Chairman of Huntley & Palmers, was President of the Regatta until 1973.

The Working Men’s Regatta had changed its name in 1966 to Reading Town Regatta to reflect the fact that the distinction between clerical and manual workers and professionals was no longer relevant. It now took place in July to attract schools. In the 1970s the regatta switched to late June. The Thames Valley Park Regatta began in 1990 to absorb the growing number of events, allowing more junior and school races to be showcased.

It continues to this day on the same stretch of the river.