Doggett’s Coat and Badge – 300th Anniversary

This wonderfully ancient tradition – a rowing race; the oldest in the world, has been held every single year since 1715.  It allows up to 6 apprentice watermen to row from London Bridge to Cadogan Pier in Chelsea for the prestigious title of winning the traditional red coat and huge silver badge on the arm.

It’s a joy for me (commissioned by the Fishmongers’ Livery Company) because the Thames is closed for the duration of the race, and I get the chance to zip up and down that stretch of the Thames with very few other boats on the water.

Fishmongers’ Company stages and hosts the event; and they do it in some style – and such a great team of people running it too.  Louis Pettier won it this year – close race too – but he pulled away to win by some margin at the finish.

Then it was back to Fishmongers’ Hall for the spectacular lunch. A very enjoyable job, once again.