A running commentary by John Snagge on the Annual Race for London Watermen
Broadcast from Dolphin Square
Listeners are to hear a commentary on the oldest race in the history of rowing, and the oldest regular sporting event in the world. It was founded by Thomas Doggett , the famous comedian of Drury Lane, in commemoration of the accession of George I. The prize offered was a red coat with a large silver badge on the arm, bearing the White Horse of Hanover, and the race had to be rowed annually on August 1 or thereabouts, between London Bridge and Chelsea, by six young watermen who were not to have exceeded the time of their apprenticeship by twelve months. The contest which was first rowed in 1716 has been held without a break ever since, except during the war years.
The famous Phelps family and the equally famous Barry family have each provided many a winner, and no doubt both families will be represented among past winners, who will assemble in their regalia on a point of advantage above Dolphin Square to watch the finish of the race today. In their eighteenth century dress-red cap and breeches and full-skirted coat, white stockings, and pumps-they will cheer on this year's competitors over the course on which they, in their respective years, have shone.
