Doggett's Coat and Badge is a rowing race on the River Thames that has been going for almost 300 years. It was organised by Thomas Doggett in 1715.

Doggett was a popular actor of the day and made frequent use of the riverboats that Thames Watermen used to ferry passengers from one point along the banks to another, much as Londoners rely on taxi drivers these days. There is a persistent rumour that Doggett was rescued from drowning by one of these Watermen in 1715, but there is no real evidence to support this. In any event, Thomas Doggett established this race which was to be open to six Watermen each year who have finished their apprenticeship.

The race went from London Bridge (pictured) to The Swan Pub in Chelsea, and the competitors used their regular passenger boats from the beginning.

After Doggett's death in 1721, he left strict provisions in his will about the continuation of the race, but it has changed a bit over the years nonetheless.

The race nowadays is managed by the Fishmongers Company, which is a Livery Company in London.

It was once always held on August 1st, against the tide, but now is run on a Friday in late July, whichever coincides with the highest incoming tide, and the race is run using contemporary racing sculls. This has sped things up considerably, as the race now takes about 30 minutes, but used to take around 2 hours to complete with the older passenger boats.

The winner of the competition is awarded a traditional red Waterman's coat which is adorned with a large silver badge. All of the competitors are also awarded a lapel pin that is a small version of Doggett's Badge. Rather modest monetary awards are also given to the rowing clubs represented by the competitors; £250 to the winner's club, £150 for second, £100 for third and £50 for fourth.

Doggett's Coat and Badge is still quite a prestigious award amongst rowers.

Doggett's Coat and Badge

Watermen's Hall

Company of Watermen and Lightermen

16 St Mary-at-Hill, London, EC3R 8EF

Telephone: 020 7283 2373

Fax: 020 7283 0477

E-mail events@watermenshall.org

Opening Times

The Hall is open from 9.30 to 4.30 Monday to Friday.

Photo courtesy: burge5000

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