The History of Henley Royal Regatta

Remenham Farm has a long association with rowing - one of the earliest photos we have shows tents opposite Temple Island in 1893 and the farm buildings have been used as The Barn Bar during Henley Royal Regatta since the 1930's (although quite often the cattle were still in the beer garden too!).

Henley Royal Regatta attendance dropped in 1970s, but has since increased, and as with many events, attendance at HRR now far less elitist. We have moved with the times and now offer facilities at the Regatta for all tastes and budgets - from riverside picnics to corporate hospitality.

Facts about the Regatta

• It was originally intended as a public attraction with a fair and other amusements but soon changed to become primarily a rowing event.
• The regatta was initially held over one afternoon but by 1906 had been expanded to cover four days. Its continuing popularity meant that by 1986 the event lasted a full five days.
• In 1851 HRH Prince Albert became the regatta’s first Royal Patron.
• Since his death the reigning monarch has always consented to become patron meaning it can use the title Henley Royal Regatta.
• The first overseas entrant came in 1870 when a team from Trinity College Dublin competed.
• There have been four racecourses at Henley, the current one being finalised in 1924.
• Part of the bank was cut away to create a straight course.
• In 1975 the first female coxswains were permitted to take part.
• As the regatta predates all international rowing federations it has its own unique rules.
• Unlike most regattas, Henley operates a knock out draw system with only two boats competing in each race.
• Races start every five minutes but as they last around seven minutes there are often two races taking place on the course at the same time.
• Sixteen separate trophies are awarded, the most prestigious being the Grand Challenge Cup.
• Teams compete from all over the world. The highest number of entrants came in 1998 with 552 teams.

To find out more about the history of Remenham Farm and Temple Island Meadows click here.

 

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