Henley Royal Regatta, 1914
After an archive photo
They are all in white –
shirts, trousers, billowing dresses
of broderie anglaise,
straw hats with paper fruits and flowers.
They seem to float in light,
black and white water shimmer,
willow shadow,
blur of muslin canopy.
They turn to look backwards –
winners’ roar, upward oars,
flutter of flags for
King and Empire.
Then the river does its disappearing trick
past boathouses, trees
a distant spire,
so they shade their eyes to see where it goes –
how they can never imagine
where it goes,
the fields of mud
where it ends.
HENLEY-ON-THAMES
Henley-on-Thames is known globally as the centre of rowing, with its famous annual Henley Royal Regatta. Rowing creates a rare closeness to the river and its wildlife, especially in the unpeopled hours of dawn or dusk.
This 13th century market town is one of the most beautiful towns in England and is surrounded by the woodlands of The Chilterns. Henley on Thames enjoys a wonderful stretch of river with delightful independent shops, brilliant pubs, numerous cafes and great restaurants, while throughout the summer it hosts internationally renowned sporting events and festivals.
Henley Royal Regatta
Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly the best-known regatta in the world. It is a highlight of both the summer sporting calendar and the social season. The Regatta attracts thousands of visitors over a five-day period. Spectators are thrilled by over 300 races of an international standard, over six days, which can include Olympic rowers as well as crews new to the event.
