Doggett's Coat and Badge is the prize and name for the oldest continuous rowing race in the world. Up to six apprentice watermen of the River Thames in England compete for this prestigious honour, which has been held every year since 1715. The 4 mile 5 furlongs (7.44 km) race is rowed on the River Thames upstream from London Bridge to Cadogan Pier, Chelsea, passing under a total of eleven bridges. Originally, it was raced every 1 August against the outgoing (falling or ebb) tide, in the boats used by watermen to ferry passengers across the Thames.
First Doggett's Coat and Badge race (Watermen's race) is held on the River Thames (London Bridge to Chelsea)
Doggett's Coat and Badge is the prize and name for the oldest continuous rowing race in the world.
Historical Significance
Doggett's Coat and Badge is the prize and name for the oldest continuous rowing race in the world.
Events Before
Typewriter patented by Englishman Henry Mill (built years later)
Typewriter patented by Englishman Henry Mill (built years later)
Battle of Gangut: Russian Navy wins its first major victory during the Great Northern War against Sweden
In the Great Northern War (1700–1721) a coalition led by Russia successfully contested the supremacy of Sweden in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe.
Treaty of Baden is signed by the Holy Roman Empire and France, ending the War of the Spanish Succession; France retains
Treaty of Baden is signed by the Holy Roman Empire and France, ending the War of the Spanish Succession; France retains Alsace and Landau, and Austria gains the east bank of the Rhine
Nicholas Rowe's play "The Tragedy of Jane Shore" premieres in London
The Tragedy of Jane Shore is a 1714 historical tragedy by the British writer Nicholas Rowe.
Parliament of Paris accepts Pope Clement XI's "Unigenitus" decree
Parliament of Paris accepts Pope Clement XI's "Unigenitus" decree
Events After
Duke Karl Leopold of Mecklenburg-Schwerin signs covenant with Russia & marries Tsar Peter the Great's niece
Duke Karl Leopold of Mecklenburg-Schwerin signs covenant with Russia & marries Tsar Peter the Great's niece
French transport the first African slaves to Louisiana
French transport the first African slaves to Louisiana
Battle of Petrovaradin [Peterwardein]: Habsburgs under Eugene of Savoy defeat the Ottomans in a decisive victory
The Battle of Petrovaradin also known as the Battle of Peterwardein, took place on 5 August 1716 during the Austro-Turkish War when the Ottoman army besieged the Habsburg-controlled fortress of...
Amsterdam gang leader and thief "Sjako" arrested
Amsterdam gang leader and thief "Sjako" arrested
Britain & Netherlands renew alliance
Britain & Netherlands renew alliance
More from the 1710s
Parisian merchant Jean Marius obtains a five-year royal privilege for his invention of a folding umbrella, the first in
Parisian merchant Jean Marius obtains a five-year royal privilege for his invention of a folding umbrella, the first in Europe
Typewriter patented by Englishman Henry Mill (built years later)
Typewriter patented by Englishman Henry Mill (built years later)
Russian Tsar Peter the Great officially marries Polish-Lithuanian pre-marriedeasant Martha Skavronskaya at Saint Isaac's
Russian Tsar Peter the Great officially marries Polish-Lithuanian pre-marriedeasant Martha Skavronskaya at Saint Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg, having earlier married in secret in 1707
In the Battle of Helsingborg, 14,000 Danish invaders under Jørgen Rantzau are decisively defeated by an equally sized Sw
In the Battle of Helsingborg, 14,000 Danish invaders under Jørgen Rantzau are decisively defeated by an equally sized Swedish force under Magnus Stenbock
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on August 1, 1715?
- Doggett's Coat and Badge is the prize and name for the oldest continuous rowing race in the world. Up to six apprentice watermen of the River Thames in England compete for this prestigious honour, which has been held every year since 1715. The 4 mile 5 furlongs (7.44 km) race is rowed on the River Thames upstream from London Bridge to Cadogan Pier, Chelsea, passing under a total of eleven bridges.
- Why is First Doggett's Coat and Badge race (Watermen's race) is held on the River Th... significant?
- Doggett's Coat and Badge is the prize and name for the oldest continuous rowing race in the world.