16 July 2023
By Tim Koch
A press release from the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames states:
Few annual individual sporting contests in the world can match the continuous history of the Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager, which was founded in 1715 by Thomas Doggett in honour of the accession of King George I. For more than 300 years, this race has run through the centre of London, from London Bridge to Cadogan Pier in Chelsea.
The Doggett’s Wager is one of the UK’s most unique events, with winners being presented with the historic Coat and Badge, from which the event gets its name.
This year, to mark the coronation of King Charles III, the Wager will be preceded by a pageant, including previous Doggett’s winners accompanied by boats from nine of London’s Livery Companies. Each boat will fly the cypher of a monarch from King George I to King Charles III.
The pageant will start at Waterloo Bridge at approximately 11:15am on 19th July 2023, and row the second half of the Wager course, saluting the competing scullers as they near the finish at Cadogan Pier. The scullers will start the race at London bridge, covering the full 7,300m course starting at 11:30am.
To find out more about the pageant, the race, those that take part, and to find photos and footage, visit our Facebook page. To read Tim Koch’s 2022 race report, visit heartheboatsing.com.
The Wager is run by The Fishmongers’ Company, and the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames.
The draw for stations for Doggett’s took place at Fishmongers’ Hall on 13 July. Three young people just out of their apprenticeship have entered including, for the third time only, a woman, Emily Hickman. She will be joined by Matt Brookes and Reese Ballard.
Of the previous two female competitors, Claire Burran raced in 1992 and came third out of five (including the man who capsized and failed to finish). Kate Saunders raced in 1998 (fifth out of six), 1999 (fifth out of five), and 2000 (third out of four).