Doggett's Coat and Badge - History

History

Thomas Doggett was an Irish actor and comedian who became joint manager of Drury Lane Theatre. He relied heavily upon the Watermen of the Thames, who were then the equivalent of the modern taxi driver, to convey him between the various plying stairs near his workplaces in the City of London and his residence in Chelsea. There is a legend that in 1715, Doggett was rescued by a Watermen after falling overboard whilst crossing the Thames near Embankment, although this has always been dismissed, along with other myths, by the Fishmongers' Company, the story continues that in gratitude for his rescue, he offered a rowing wager to the fastest of six young Waterman in their first year of freedom, over the course between "The Swan" pub at London Bridge and "The Swan" pub at Chelsea. Rowing wagers were common in those days, but this one was unique: Doggett set the wager to be a traditional red Watermens' coat, but, being a "great Whig in Politics", Doggett arranged the race for 1 August each year, and had the coat furnished with a silver badge "representing Liberty", to commemorate the 1 August 1714 accession of George I of the House of Hanover to the throne. The current badge prominently features both the word "Liberty" and an image of the horse of the House of Hanover.

The race was organised and financed by Doggett each year from 1715 until his death in 1721. In his will, Doggett left specific instructions for the continuation of the race, which is now undertaken by the Fishmongers' Company, a Livery Company of the City of London. However, over the ages, several particulars have changed, for example:

• Originally, the race was run against the tide, but since 1873 it has been run with the incoming tide.
• It was intended to be held each "1st day of August forever", but now occurs on a Friday during July, with the precise date and time depending on the tides.
• The intention was that competitors should race in the boats of their passenger-ferrying trade. At first these boats were four seater passenger wherries (which could take nearly two hours to row the distance), later "old fashion boats", then "best" boats, then clinker gigs, then modified best boats. Since 1769 the Fishmongers' Company has set regulations, including that all vessels must be "common Scullers Boats" and examined by the Company. Currently, contemporary single racing sculls are used, and take about 30 minutes to race the course.
• Lots were originally drawn at Watermen's Hall but are now drawn at Fishmongers' Hall due to unfair practices.
• As the population of Watermen has declined, since 1988 the event has been open to unsuccessful competitors to row again in their second and third years of freedom.

A more complete history is available through the references below.