The story
Henley Royal Regatta in Henley-on-Thames
A rowing regatta held each summer on the River Thames at Henley-on-Thames, established in 1839 as a town public attraction that quickly became a serious amateur rowing competition. Royal patronage began in 1851 with Prince Albert, and the event has expanded from a single afternoon to its current five-day, head-to-head knockout format.
Henley Royal Regatta was established following a public meeting held in the town hall of Henley-on-Thames on 26 March 1839, presided over by Captain Gardiner, where local organisers formalised plans for what was originally conceived primarily as a public attraction for the town, complete with a fair and other amusements rather than a purely competitive sporting event.