Pinchbeck and The Race For Doggett’s Coat and Badge

At Harold Pinchbeck we are proud of our long association with the Race for Doggett’s Coat and Badge, which one of the oldest rowing races in the world.

It takes place annually on the River Thames in London, and has a history dating back to 1715. The race is named after Thomas Doggett, an Irish actor and comedian, who established the event. Doggett was a supporter of watermen and wanted to create a competition to encourage young apprentices in the waterman trade, which involved rowing and ferrying passengers on the Thames.

The race is held annually and is open to young watermen who have recently completed their apprenticeships. The participants row a course that runs from London Bridge to Chelsea Bridge. The winner of the race is awarded the prestigious Doggett's Coat and Badge, which is a red coat with a silver badge, along with the honour and recognition that come with winning this historic competition. They are also presented with a Harold Pinchbeck Lambeth Reach watch, which is specially engraved with their name, as a lasting memento of their victory.

The Doggett's Coat and Badge Race is not only a rowing competition but also a celebration of London's maritime history and tradition. It continues to be an important and cherished event in the city's calendar, preserving the legacy of Thomas Doggett and promoting the skills and camaraderie of Thames watermen, many of whose families have been involved in the race for several generations.