A rare prize from 1833, won by a Lambeth rower in the historic Doggett’s Coat and Badge race, has been returned to Lambeth Archives.
A rare 192-year-old prize, won by a Lambeth rower in a prestigious Thames race, has made its way back to Lambeth Archives.
In 1833, George Maynard, a Lambeth waterman, claimed victory in the Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager, an annual solo rowing race on the River Thames. His prize, a red woollen coat with intricate silk embroidery and a silver badge featuring the Hanoverian horse, has been returned to its historic home.
Doggett’s Coat and Badge
Founded in 1715 by Irish comedian Thomas Doggett to mark the coronation of King George I, the Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager remains one of the oldest continuously run sporting events in the world.
The 7.44-kilometre race runs upstream from London Bridge to Cadogan Pier in Chelsea, passing under eleven iconic bridges. Organised by the Fishmongers’ Company and the Company of Watermen and Lightermen, the event celebrates the skill and endurance of Thames watermen.
Lambeth’s Champion
George Maynard’s victory in 1833 secured his place in history. Lambeth Archives holds a 19th-century portrait of Maynard proudly wearing his prize. For years, the original coat and badge featured in the painting were displayed at the Museum of London. Now, they are set to return to Lambeth for public viewing.
Founded in 1715 by Irish comedian Thomas Doggett to mark the coronation of King George I, the Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager remains one of the oldest continuously run sporting events in the world.
The archives plan to showcase Maynard’s Doggett’s Coat and Badge later this year, accompanied by talks exploring Lambeth’s rich Thames heritage.
A Word from the Cabinet
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, expressed pride in the return of this historical artefact:
“This is another rare treasure and a part of Lambeth’s history that has come back to Lambeth Archives in its secure new location on Brixton Hill, following last year’s return of three rare 17th-century Shakespeare folios after almost 75 years on loan to the British Library.”
This significant addition to Lambeth Archives offers residents a unique glimpse into the borough’s connection to the River Thames and its enduring cultural legacy.
