The story of the present Maidenhead Rowing Club starts in 1876, but the history of competitive rowing in Maidenhead, and even the name 'Maidenhead Rowing Club', goes further back to the first half of the 19th century.
The Origins of Maidenhead Rowing Club
Although the present-day Maidenhead Rowing Club was officially established in 1876, the history of competitive rowing in Maidenhead dates back to the early 19th century. The name 'Maidenhead Rowing Club' can be traced to the first half of the century, with rowing races becoming a local tradition. Early Beginnings The earliest record of Maidenhead rowing dates back to 1822. This shows that a crew composed of men from Maidenhead and Cookham, led by Viscount Newry, rowed from Oxford to London in 18 hours. The First Race (1831) The first recorded race at Maidenhead was held in 1831, when Eton College defeated Westminster School over a 7-mile course from Maidenhead Bridge to Monkey Island and back. Eton won by over half a mile, marking the start of a competitive rowing tradition in the area. Maidenhead Regatta: The Early Days (1839) In 1839, Maidenhead hosted its first Maidenhead Regatta, just three weeks after the inaugural Henley Regatta. Two local crews, the Lady of the Lake Club and the Star Club, competed against the Albion Club of Henley for a silver cup worth 25 guineas, with Albion emerging victorious.
Formation of the First Maidenhead Rowing Club (1857)
A Maidenhead Rowing Club was first formed in 1857 at the Orkney Arms Hotel following a pairs race on the Bray Reach. Although there is no direct link to the present-day club, connections exist. For example, the 1857 club committee included P.D. Grenfell, a cousin of William Henry Grenfell (later Lord Desborough) who, later, had a long association with the current club, and J.H. Clark, who helped secure the land for the new clubhouse in 1876.
The Modern Club Begins (1876)
The current Maidenhead Rowing Club was founded on 8 July 1876 at a meeting held at the Bear Hotel in Maidenhead. Membership fees were set at £5 5s for Vice Presidents and £1 1s for honorary members.
Early Infrastructure and Club Colours
The original clubhouse was located on the south side of Maidenhead Bridge on the Berkshire bank of the river.
Initially, the club's colours were maroon and gold. By 1883, the colours were recorded in Charles Dickens's Dictionary of the Thames as dark blue and primrose. It remains unclear when the current colours of Brunswick green and white were adopted.
Leadership and Growth
The club's first President was the Duke of Westminster (the then owner of Cliveden), who remained until 1894 when he sold Cliveden to Waldorf Astor.
Sir Edward Levy-Lawson (later Lord Burnham) became President in 1894 and held the position until his death in 1916. When the club restarted after the First World War he was replaced by his son, Harry Levy-Lawson (later Viscount Burnham). The Levy-Lawsons owned the Daily Telegraph and, in the summer, lived in Orkney Cottage, which still stands behind a wall alongside the Regatta Lawn.
William Henry Grenfell (later Lord Desborough) had a long and close association with the club, being its Captain from 1879 and then its President from 1934 until his death in 1945. It is likely that he started the club with some of his fellow university rowers. Whilst at Oxford, he rowed in two Boat Races, including the infamous dead heat race of 1877 and again in 1878, when he was OUBC President, this time winning by 10 lengths. He stroked a rowing eight across the English Channel and, with two others, sculled the Oxford to London stretch of the Thames in 22 hours. Whilst an MP he rowed in the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta and later became an HRR Steward. In his early 50s he was appointed President of the organising committee of the successful 1908 Olympics in London. Grenfell was a remarkable man who lived a long and fulfilling life as a sportsman and public servant (click here for more information about William Henry Grenfell).
William Henry Grenfell (later Lord Desborough)
Major Milestones and Successes
Henley Royal Regatta and Early Wins
1878: Maidenhead Rowing Club competed at Henley Royal Regatta for the first time in the Town Challenge Cup for coxed fours.
1924: The club achieved its first major victory, winning the Thames Challenge Cup.
1924 Thames Challenge Cup Winning Crew
Expansion of the Clubhouse (1926)
Following the 1924 Henley victory, the club expanded its premises. A larger boathouse was constructed under the leadership of Jack Arnold, which served the club until it moved to its current premises in 1998.
New Boathouse 1926
Golden Achievements (1930s-1980s)
Henley Wins and International Success
1939: Maidenhead’s coxless four won the Wyfold Challenge Cup at Henley, defeating the Tigre Boat Club from Argentina in the final.
1948: At the London Olympics, Bert Bushnell from Maidenhead won the gold medal in double sculls, as dramatised in the 2012 BBC film Bert and Dickie.
1979: Eric Sims won the Grand Challenge Cup, with what was to become the GB Eight, beating Yale by 21/3 lengths.
In 1977 the club admitted its first women rowing members.
1980s: A Golden Era
The 1980s saw a surge in success:
1981: Eric Sims won the Double Sculls Challenge Cup with Steve Redgrave from Marlow.
1984: The club won the Queen Mother Challenge Cup in a composite crew with Bewdley.
Recent Notable Members
Rob Williams: London 2012 Olympics silver medalist in LM4-.
Jack Beaumont: Nine-time Henley Royal Regatta winner, Rio 2016 Olympic finalist, 2017 World Championships silver medalist, and Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist in M4x.
Introduction of Adaptive Rowing (2018)
The club continues to innovate, with the introduction of adaptive rowing in 2018, expanding its inclusivity and community reach.
The Story Continues
With a rich heritage and countless accomplishments, Maidenhead Rowing Club remains a leader in the rowing community. Our members are passionate about upholding the tradition of excellence whilst nurturing the next generation of rowers.
For more stories, details and personal memories, you can purchase The History of Maidenhead Rowing Club by Paul Lion, which includes fascinating insights into the club's legacy. Contact us at info@maidenheadrc.org.uk for your copy.
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