In 2026, Maidenhead Rowing Club celebrates an extraordinary milestone: 150 years on the River Thames. From humble beginnings in 1876 to Olympic podiums and international success, our club has been shaped by generations of commitment, ambition, and community spirit.
This anniversary is not just a moment to look back — it is a chance to secure Maidenhead’s future.
As part of our 150th celebrations, we are launching a year-long programme of fundraising and events, including a commemorative row past at Henley Royal Regatta and a “proper” birthday party, 1876 style. Our goal is ambitious but essential: to raise £80,000 to replace our ageing pontoons.
These pontoons are the gateway to our sport. Every junior learning to row, every adaptive athlete taking to the water, every recreational and competitive crew begins their journey there. Replacing them will benefit every member of the club, now and for decades to come.
A Proud Heritage on the Thames
Founded in 1876 by the remarkable Lord Desborough, Maidenhead Rowing Club has occupied a site by Maidenhead Bridge ever since. Lord Desborough was no ordinary founder: an Oxford University Boat Race rower, a long-distance sculler from Oxford to Westminster, and a pioneer whose exploits included crossing the Channel in an eight. His legacy lives on through historic oars and portraits still displayed at the club today.
Our early facilities were modest — a tin-roofed boathouse and basic amenities — but ambition was never lacking. In 1924, Maidenhead claimed its first Henley Royal Regatta victory, winning the Thames Cup, prompting the construction of a new clubhouse two years later.
That spirit of progress continued through the decades and reached a turning point in 1998, when the club moved to its current home on the former Springfield’s Boatyard. Opened by Sir Steve Redgrave, the new clubhouse transformed Maidenhead’s capacity and reach. Membership rapidly grew from around 80 to more than 300, creating the thriving, inclusive club we know today.
Opening Doors and Changing the Game
Maidenhead’s story is also one of breaking barriers. In 1977, the club welcomed its first female member, Laura Lion (née Jenkinson), whose determination led to a change in the club constitution and the birth of women’s rowing at Maidenhead.
What followed was remarkable. Maidenhead women went on to achieve national and international success, representing Great Britain and setting new standards for excellence. That legacy continues today, reflected in one of the most successful junior girls’ programmes in the country.
By the mid-2000s, Maidenhead juniors were regularly outperforming far larger rowing schools at national events. Highlights include:
• Winning the Schools’ Head in 2007 — the first club ever to do so
• Multiple England selections in 2008
• Representation for Great Britain at European level
The junior boys followed with their own resurgence, producing World Junior Championship medallists and continuing the club’s tradition of high-performance development.
From Henley to the Olympics
Henley Royal Regatta has always been at the heart of Maidenhead’s competitive ambitions. From early cup wins to golden eras in the late 20th century, Maidenhead crews have repeatedly made their mark.
Our roll call of Olympians reflects this excellence:
• Bert Bushnell — Olympic gold, London 1948
• Rob Williams — Olympic silver, London 2012
• Jack Beaumont — nine-time Henley winner and Olympic silver medallist, Tokyo 2020
These achievements are a source of immense pride — and inspiration for the next generation stepping onto our pontoons today.
A Club for the Whole Community
Maidenhead Rowing Club is no longer defined solely by competition. The introduction of recreational rowing in 2002 has created vibrant daytime and weekend squads that combine fitness, friendship, and travel.
In 2018, the club took another significant step forward with the launch of adaptive rowing, led by Inclusive Coach of the Year Nick Steel. The programme actively supports adaptive and Invictus athletes, demonstrating rowing’s powerful benefits for physical health, mental wellbeing, and confidence.
This is what Maidenhead stands for today: excellence, inclusivity, and opportunity.
Why We Need Your Support
After 150 years of service, our pontoons now need replacing. This project is vital to:
• Keep all members safe
• Support junior development
• Enable the growth of our Senior Racing Squads
• Expand adaptive and recreational rowing
• Protect the long-term future of the club
Our £80,000 fundraising target will ensure that Maidenhead Rowing Club can continue to welcome new generations onto the water — just as it has since 1876.
By supporting our 150th Anniversary Fund, you are not just preserving infrastructure. You are investing in people, opportunity, and legacy.
Be Part of Our Next Chapter
From tin-roofed beginnings to Olympic success, Maidenhead Rowing Club has always moved forward — together.
As we celebrate 150 years, we invite you to help shape the next chapter of our story.
Row with us. Celebrate with us. Build the future with us.
Click here to donate today and be part of our anniversary journey.
Our commemorative clothing line can be found online here.
Maidenhead Rowing Clubs 150th Anniversary Events
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