Charles R Harding
Encyclopedia
Charles R. Harding was an English professional single sculler who became the Champion of England and was a contender for the World Sculling Championship. He was born in London circa 1866 and his occupation was that of a waterman. Like many of the professional English scullers, he had won the Doggett's Coat and Badge
(in 1888), but at and he was not regarded as one of the heavy men. He made a name for himself in 1883, when he, at 16 years old, won the Chelsea Coat and Badge, and a year later, the Putney Coat and Badge. He was reported in the mid-1890s that “he pulls a beautiful even stroke, gets well over his sculls, while his leg-work is greatly admired.”
Harding trained the New Zealander Tom Sullivan (rower)
when Sullivan had challenged George Bubear for the English Sculling Championship
, which Sullivan won in September 1893. Thereafter, Harding himself challenged Sullivan for the English championship title. They sculled for the title on the Tyne River in February 1895, and Sullivan lost to his trainer.
In September 1895 they had a re-match on the Championship Course on the Thames and again Harding won. His time was 22 minutes 59 seconds.
In July 1896, Harding challenged the Australian Jim Stanbury for the World Sculling Championship Title. The race again took place on the Thames but Stanbury defended his title and won the wager of £500 pounds a side. At stake was the English Title as well.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
Doggett's Coat and Badge is the prize and name for the oldest rowing race in the world. Up to six apprentice Watermen of the River Thames in England compete for this prestigious honour, which has been held every year since 1715. The 4 miles 5 furlongs race is held on the Thames between London...
(in 1888), but at and he was not regarded as one of the heavy men. He made a name for himself in 1883, when he, at 16 years old, won the Chelsea Coat and Badge, and a year later, the Putney Coat and Badge. He was reported in the mid-1890s that “he pulls a beautiful even stroke, gets well over his sculls, while his leg-work is greatly admired.”
Harding trained the New Zealander Tom Sullivan (rower)
Tom Sullivan (rower)
Thomas "Tom" Sullivan was a New Zealand amateur rowing and sculling champion who later turned professional and challenged for the World Championship title. He later became a rowing coach.-Rowing:...
when Sullivan had challenged George Bubear for the English Sculling Championship
English Sculling Championship
The English Sculling Championship developed out of informal competitions between working watermen on rivers such as the Thames and the Tyne. Various matches were made on a casual basis but in time these were more formalised. The first recognised Champion was Charles Campbell who beat John Williams...
, which Sullivan won in September 1893. Thereafter, Harding himself challenged Sullivan for the English championship title. They sculled for the title on the Tyne River in February 1895, and Sullivan lost to his trainer.
In September 1895 they had a re-match on the Championship Course on the Thames and again Harding won. His time was 22 minutes 59 seconds.
In July 1896, Harding challenged the Australian Jim Stanbury for the World Sculling Championship Title. The race again took place on the Thames but Stanbury defended his title and won the wager of £500 pounds a side. At stake was the English Title as well.